Clary sage (“clear eyes” in Latin) essential oil has historically been popular amongst the ladies. Perhaps that’s because clary sage has remarkable properties for women of all ages – it helps with everything from PMS to symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes. Although there is a precedent for using clary sage oil in the delivery room to deal with labor-related woes, women in earlier stages of pregnancy should avoid contact or exposure to clary sage essential oil without explicit permission from a midwife or OBGYN.
Clary Sage By Any Other Name
Clary sage originated in southern Europe. The essential oil is harvested using a steam distillation process that extracts it from both flowers and leaves. Thanks to the plant’s efficacy and versatility, it is utilized worldwide.
Along the way, it’s picked up quite a few different names, including clary wort, muscatel sage, oculus Christi (the eye of Christ), clear eye, see bright and eye bright – not to be confused with eyebright, another plant entirely.
Obviously, almost universally, clary sage is associated with vision – both of the physical and the spiritual eyes. In the world of the occult, clary sage is affiliated with the Moon and the water element. It was used in love and magick rituals.
Clary Sage Goes Straight to Your Head
There is an entire, rather archaic vocabulary associated with aromatherapy. Some of the properties are common across several types of essential oils. One property that is rare and unique to clary sage is the label of euphoric.
As the name implies, euphorics have intoxicating effects and should be avoided while under the influence of other intoxicants. It has been successfully combined with muscatel wine and even went as far as to replace hops in 16th century England. Because of these euphoric effects, it’s wise to reconsider driving or operating heavy machinery when working with clary sage.
Why Women Love Clary Sage Oil
From puberty to menopause, clary sage has been prize by women across all of the phases of their lives. It can have a dramatic impact on the menstrual cycle and has been recommended for heavy periods, cramping, hot flashes, stress, anxiety, tension and muscle pains. For these same reasons, pregnant women should steer clear.
The scent is floral and a little musky – soft, sweet and herbal, with a tea-like afterthought. It’s great alone, but pairs well with lavender, rose, neroli, jasmine, geranium and just about any citrus oil (but especially bergamot.)
Clary Sage Aromatherapy Options
There are many ways to incorporate clary sage into your daily life. If you have clary sage essential oil, you can add a few drops to your bath. There are aromatherapy pendants and jewelry. Or, you can keep yours handy with mobile and convenient clary sage aromatherapy inhalers. Clary sage oil can be added to lotions, body creams and butters, massage oils or dispersed using your favorite vaporizer or diffuser. Whatever you do, be careful not to overdo it, as headaches can be a possible side effect of those who over-indulge.
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