What is Clary Sage Essential Oil Good For?

You have probably heard of the herb sage. Clary sage is at least a close cousin to the herb, but its molecular structure is made up of different components. The clary sage plant bears lavender colored, large leaves. These large leaves and the buds are steam distilled to create the essential oil. The plant is a native of the Mediterranean Basin. It’s easy to grow in high-temp climates and if often cultivated and used to flavor tea. Since it has been used for medicinal purposes, it’s often called, “eye bright” or “clear eye.” But the plant can have many other health benefits. So, what is clary sage essential oil good for?

Uses and Benefits of Clary Sage EO

Clary sage essential oil has a number of benefits and can be used in a variety of ways. Some of these benefits are well known, but there are a few that are less popular. Here are a few of the ways you can use this oil.

• Use Clary Sage EO for Skin Care –Clary sage essential oil helps to regulate the production of oils in the skin. This can help balance out both dry and oily skin and leave you looking more radiant and youthful. This oil can help reduce both skin irritations and inflammation, so it is beneficial for treating rashes. Its high content of antioxidants helps fight free radicals and tighten loose skin.
• Stress & Insomnia Relief – Insomnia and stress are partners who war at your health and sanity. Clary sage EO can help alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. It has natural anti-depressant properties. Clary sage EO reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, which induces a sense of pleasure and confidence. After the stress levels are controlled, the sedative properties of the oil kick in and help promote good sleep. This is beneficial for those who experience chronic conditions as it provides a calming effect and helps the body get good sleep.
• Provides Hormonal Support – Menopausal women around the globe often consider this oil to be a great hormone balancer. It is often used to reduce the negative effects of hot flashes. The molecular compounds in clary sage essential oil help regulate estrogen levels naturally without the negative effects of pharmaceutical hormone replacement options. It’s also good for women who are not necessarily menopausal but suffer from the symptoms of PMS.
• Kills Germs – Clary sage EO kills various types of germs. Its bacterial properties help stall the growth of fungal and bacterial infections. It can even kill water and food-borne bacteria and fight staph infections. Clary sage EO is a potent antiseptic that can be used topically to treat wounds to prevent infection of sepsis.

Ways to Use Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary sage EO can be used topically or by inhalation. There are several ways to incorporate this potent EO into your daily life. Here are just a few recipes and suggestions for how to use the oil.

Hydrating Body Oil

Use this body oil after a relaxing bath or hot shower or apply it before bed. Be aware that spearmint can irritate the skin so do a patch test prior to using this blend. Also, don’t use it on any patch of skin that is damaged or overly sensitive. Mix these ingredients in a sealable glass bottle:

• 1 ounce of the carrier oil of your choice
• 5 drops of lavender EO
• 5 Drops of spearmint EO
• 7 Drops of clary sage EO

Clary sage EO makes a great skin moisturizer because of its hydrating effect and strong antiseptic properties. It also will not clog pores. You can add it to just coconut oil for a great natural way to moisturize your skin.

PMS Symptom Reducer

There are a few ways to use this oil to reduce and manage the symptoms of PMS. Here are a few ways to use clary sage essential oil to fight of PMS:

• Diffuse clary sage EO to help manage hormones. It can also be combined with a carrier oil and applied topically.
• To relieve hot flashes associated with PMS or menopause, substitute clary sage EO for lavender EO in any recipe.
• Add three drops of clary sage oil to an ounce of almond oil, or other carrier oil and use for massaging to relieve menstrual cramps.
• In a roller bottle, add 3 drops of clary sage EO, 3 drops of grapefruit EO, and 2 drops of lavender EO to a roller bottle. Massage the oil into the feet and ankles to help relieve bloating and aching during periods.

Facial Toner

You can mix clary sage EO with aloe vera and filtered water to create a toner that wakes up dead skin cells and firms sagging skin. This toner will firm up your skin and give you a more youthful appearance by toning and strengthening the skin naturally. Sometimes, you may notice your skin turning pink after application. This is not a concern as it is only a reaction the plant has to the temperature change. You can also just add a few drops of clary sage oil to your regular facial lotion to help moisturize and clarify your skin.

Dandruff Busting Hair Rinse

Use an emptied shampoo bottle to create a hair rinse that will fight dandruff. Mix these ingredients in the empty shampoo bottle, or another bottle. Apply the mixture to the scalp after shampooing your hair.

• 3 drops of clary sage EO
• 3 drops of eucalyptus EO
• 3 drops of lavender EO
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups of water