Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a plant with a long history of medicinal and aromatic use.
Historical Significance
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Ancient Use: Clary sage has been used for centuries for its medicinal and aromatic properties. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and was used by various ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans.
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Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, clary sage was a popular herb in Europe. It was used for a wide range of ailments, including digestive issues, eye problems, and women's health concerns.
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Aromatic and Perfumery Use: Clary sage was also used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent in the production of certain beverages.
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Traditional Medicine: Traditional herbal medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, have used clary sage for its potential health benefits.
Botanical Description
Clary sage is a herbaceous plant known for its attractive and aromatic leaves and flowers. Here are some key characteristics of the plant:
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Scientific Name: Salvia sclarea
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Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
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Size: Clary sage typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm).
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Leaves: The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and covered in fine hairs. They are usually green with a wrinkled texture.
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Flowers: Clary sage produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that can range in color from pale blue to violet, pink, or white. The flowers are quite fragrant and attract pollinators like bees.
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Aromatic Properties: The plant's leaves and flowers contain essential oil glands that produce a fragrant, essential oil with a sweet, herbal scent.
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Habitat: Clary sage is often found growing in sunny, well-drained areas, such as fields and meadows. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is also cultivated in other parts of the world.
Essential Oil: The essential oil extracted from clary sage is highly valued for its various therapeutic properties. It is used in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing effects and is believed to have benefits for emotional well-being, such as reducing stress and anxious feelings. Additionally, clary sage essential oil has been used to address women's health issues, including menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms.
Take a Closer Look
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Woody, Herbal, Coniferous
BOTANICAL FAMILY
Labiatae (mint)
PLANT PART
Flower
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
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Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
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Topical Use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
RECOMMENDED USES
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For menstrual discomfort, rub three to five drops on the abdomen.
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Combine with Roman Chamomile and add to bath water for a stress-relieving bath.
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Apply to feet or pulse points to help balance hormones.
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Diffuse or apply to pillow at night for a restful sleep.
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Add to shampoo or hair conditioner to promote healthy hair and scalp.
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Combine with Fractionated Coconut Oil to massage, soothe, and rejuvenate the skin.
BENEFITS
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Hormone Harmony: Clary sage oil may help regulate hormones, making it useful for managing conditions like menstrual irregularities and PMS.
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Menstrual Relief: It can provide relief from menstrual cramps and discomfort when used topically or in aromatherapy.
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Heart Health: Clary sage oil may help support already healthy blood pressure levels.
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Skin Health: Clary sage oil can be applied topically to improve the appearance of the skin, reduce pimples, and address skin irritations as well as help support nail health.
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Digestive Aid: It may help alleviate digestive discomfort, such as bloating and indigestion, when diluted and applied to the abdominal area.
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Discomfort: Clary sage oil may provide relief from mild head tension and muscle tension when used in massage or applied topically.
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Hair Care: It can be added to hair products or diluted with a carrier oil to promote healthy hair and scalp, potentially reducing dandruff and improving hair texture.
CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
10 ways to use clary sage oil
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Aromatherapy Diffusion: Add a few drops of clary sage oil to an essential oil diffuser to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere in your home or workspace.
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Massage Oil: Dilute clary sage oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil) and use it for a soothing and aromatic massage. This can help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation.
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Bath Soak: Add a few drops of clary sage oil to your bathwater for a relaxing and aromatic bath experience. Ensure it's properly diluted with a carrier oil or bath salts to disperse the oil evenly in the water.
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Topical Application: Apply diluted clary sage oil topically to areas of concern, such as the abdomen for menstrual cramp relief or the forehead/temples for stress relief. Always dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
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Hair Care: Add a few drops of clary sage oil to your shampoo or conditioner to promote healthy hair and scalp. It may help reduce dandruff and improve the overall condition of your hair.
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Compress: Create a warm or cold compress by adding a few drops of clary sage oil to warm or cold water, then soaking a cloth in the mixture. Apply the compress to sore muscles or areas of tension for relief.
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Inhalation: Inhale clary sage oil directly from the bottle or by placing a few drops on a tissue to help alleviate feelings of nervousness or stress on the go.
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Steam Inhalation: Add a few drops of clary sage oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for sinus and respiratory relief.
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Aromatherapy Jewelry: Place a drop or two of clary sage oil on a diffuser necklace or bracelet to enjoy the aroma throughout the day.
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Homemade Beauty Products: Incorporate clary sage oil into your homemade skincare products, such as facial serums, creams, or lotions, to promote healthy-looking skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
diy recipes with clary sage oil
Clary Sage and Lavender Relaxing Linen Spray
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Ingredients:
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1/2 cup distilled water
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2 tablespoons witch hazel
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10 drops clary sage essential oil
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10 drops lavender essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
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Shake well before each use.
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Spritz your bed linens, pillows, or curtains to create a calming atmosphere before bedtime.
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Clary Sage and Rosemary Scalp Treatment
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Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons jojoba oil
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5 drops clary sage essential oil
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5 drops rosemary essential oil
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Instructions:
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Combine the oils in a small bowl.
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Massage the mixture into your scalp, focusing on areas of dryness or flakiness.
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Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight, then shampoo and condition as usual.
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Clary Sage and Citrus Deodorant Paste
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Ingredients:
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3 tablespoons coconut oil
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2 tablespoons baking soda
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2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
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10 drops clary sage essential oil
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5 drops citrus (e.g., lemon or orange) essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix the coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder in a small bowl until you have a smooth paste.
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Add the clary sage and citrus essential oils, and stir to combine.
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Transfer the mixture into an empty deodorant container or a small jar.
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Apply a small amount to your underarms daily for a natural and aromatic deodorant.
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Clary Sage and Eucalyptus Shower Melts
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Ingredients:
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1 cup baking soda
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1/3 cup water
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10 drops clary sage essential oil
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5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
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Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix the baking soda and water until you have a thick paste.
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Add the clary sage and eucalyptus essential oils and mix well.
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Spoon the mixture into silicone molds and allow it to dry and harden for about 24 hours.
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Store the shower melts in an airtight container.
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Place one melt on the shower floor during your shower to release the soothing aroma.
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Clary Sage and Chamomile Relaxing Bath Salts
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Ingredients:
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1 cup Epsom salt
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1/2 cup sea salt
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10 drops clary sage essential oil
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5 drops chamomile essential oil
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Instructions:
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Combine the Epsom salt and sea salt in a mixing bowl.
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Add the clary sage and chamomile essential oils and mix thoroughly.
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Store the bath salts in an airtight container.
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Add a generous handful to your bath for a relaxing and aromatic soak.
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essential emotions & spirituality
Clary Sage - The Oil of Clarity & Vision
Emotional Benefits
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Stress Reduction: Clary sage oil is known for its calming properties, which can help reduce stress levels, promoting a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
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Mood Elevation: It may help uplift your mood and provide emotional support during times of sadness or low spirits.
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Emotional Balance: Clary sage oil is believed to help balance emotions and promote a more stable and positive emotional state.
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Confidence Boost: Some individuals use clary sage oil to enhance self-esteem and self-confidence, making it useful before social events or important meetings.
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Easing Nervousness: Clary sage oil can be beneficial for alleviating nervousness or jitters, helping you feel more composed and at ease in stressful situations.
Spiritual Benefits
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Meditation Aid: Many people use clary sage oil during meditation practices to create a peaceful and focused atmosphere, helping to deepen their spiritual connection.
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Enhanced Intuition: Some believe that clary sage oil can stimulate intuition and inner wisdom, making it a valuable tool for those seeking spiritual insights.
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Cleansing and Purification: In spiritual rituals and ceremonies, clary sage oil is used for its purifying properties, helping to clear negative energies and create a sacred space.
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Chakra Balancing: It is associated with the third eye chakra, and its use is thought to help balance and align this energy center, promoting clarity and insight.
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Dream Enhancement: Clary sage oil may be used to enhance dream recall and lucid dreaming, making it a favorite among those interested in dream work and exploration.
Negative Emotions: Confusion, darkness, discouragement, disconnection from spiritual realms, hopeless, blocked creativity
Positive Properties: Clarity, intuitive, open-minded, imaginative, spiritually discerning
essential emotions & spirituality
Affirmations can be a powerful way to enhance your mindset and well-being when combined with aromatherapy using essential oils like clary sage. Here are five affirmations you can use along with clary sage oil to promote positivity and balance:
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"I am calm and centered."
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Apply a drop of diluted clary sage oil to your pulse points or inhale it while repeating this affirmation to help you find inner peace and emotional balance.
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"I trust in the wisdom of my intuition."
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Inhale the aroma of clary sage oil and repeat this affirmation to enhance your intuition and trust your inner guidance.
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"I embrace change with confidence and grace."
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Use clary sage oil in your diffuser or as a personal scent while affirming your openness to change and your ability to adapt positively.
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"I am in harmony with my body and mind."
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Massage diluted clary sage oil into your skin while saying this affirmation to promote a sense of physical and mental well-being.
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"I release stress and welcome relaxation."
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Diffuse clary sage oil in your relaxation space and affirm your intention to let go of stress and invite relaxation into your life.
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Remember to personalize these affirmations to your own needs and desires. Repeating them regularly while using clary sage oil can help reinforce positive beliefs and promote emotional and mental balance.