CLARY SAGE (SALVIA SCLAREA)

One of my favourite oils because it has such a lovely earthy, nutty, straw type of smell - very comforting in the bath after a horrible day of stress!

The word "clary" comes from the Latin word "sclarea" which originates back to the word "clear", but eventually became known as "clear eye", due to the fact that it was once used as an eye wash.

Another interesting fact about this little plant was that it was sometimes used as a substitute for hops when making beer, which can be a highly intoxicating brew!

A "woman's oil" this one!  Both the menstrual cycle, childbirth and the menopause can all benefit from the use of Clary Sage.  A lovely oil for helping to control the spasms of menstrual cramps and acting both as a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory.  It is also a uterine stimulant during labour, and helps to bring on reluctant periods.  In respect of the menopause, clary sage may act like oestrogen, thereby helping to manage this potentially difficult time of life.

My favourite use for this oil though, is for all things tense, stressed and depressed.  A lovely balancing action - relaxing and yet uplifting at the same time - wonderful for calming the mind.

Generally, clary sage is reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising, but just to be on the safe side, it's best avoided during pregnancy until the onset of labour when, as mentioned above, it may prove useful.

See you next month!

Marie