Clary Sage Oil -Benefits Are Priceless

Clary Sage Oil -Benefits Are Priceless

A close relative of the common garden sage, the Clary Sage is a perennial herb that grows from May to September.

When converted into an essential oil, Clary Sage provides outstanding benefits for your eyes, nervous system, digestion and kidneys. Although it doesn’t come cheap, it’s still worth using due to its many positive health effects.

What Is Clary Sage Oil?

Clary Sagel Oil is extracted by steam distillation from the buds and leaves of the Clary Sage plant whose scientific name is Salvia Sclarea. In the past was found in Southern France, Italy and Syria, but today is cultivated worldwide — mostly within European regions, including Central Europe, as well as England, Morocco, Russia and the United States.

Clary sage gets its name from the Latin word “clarus,” which means “clear.” It was referred to as “clear eyes” during the Middle Ages.

Clary sage oil is often used to help improve vision and to address related conditions, such as tired or strained eyes. The Clary Sage seeds are known among Germans as “muscatel sage,” due to their use as a flavor enhancer for muscatel wine.

Uses of Clary Sage Oil

Clary oil essential oil is added to soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes. In fact, it is the main component of Eau de Cologne, a simple perfume that originated in Cologne, Germany.

Apart from potentially treating eye health-related problems, Clary Sage oil is also used to help calm the nervous system, especially during times of stress, depression and insomnia. If you’re new to aromatherapy, I suggest trying out Clary Sage oil to experience its anxiety-fighting effects.

Clary sage oil also can help address menstrual issues (cramps and hot flashes), promote relaxation during childbirth and ease menopause symptoms. Other functions of Clary Sage oil include:

  • Aphrodisiac — While there are no prominent studies confirming it as an aphrodisiac, this is another well-known use of Clary Sage oil.
  • Painkiller — Clary sage essential oil can help relieve headaches, back pain, muscle stiffness and cramps.
  • Antiseptic — Oil of clary sage can be used to potentially cleanse wounds and may help protect the body during surgery and against other infections
  • Blood pressure regulator — It can help reduce blood pressure by relaxing the arteries, and may help decrease your risk of heart problems.
  • Hair treatment — Clary sage is believed to help stimulate hair growth. The essential oil can also help in limiting the sebum produced in scalp and aid in treating dandruff.
  • Skin health promoter — Clary sage oil can help regulate oil production and reduce inflammation that contributes to dermatitis
  • Ingredient in herbal products — It is found in many herbal personal care products like facial cleansers.
  • Ingredient in liqueur and food products — Clary sage oil is added to  muscatel wine and wine essences. It is also used as a natural additive in food products like frozen dairy desserts, baked goods, condiments and non-alcoholic beverages.

Composition of Clary Sage Oil

The chief components of Clary Sage Essential Oil are Sclareol, Alpha Terpineol, Geraniol, Linalyl Acetate, Linalool, Caryophyllene, Neryl Acetate and Germacrene-D. As the name suggests, Clary Sage oil was and still is primarily used as a cleanser for the eyes. It is supposed to brighten eyes, improve vision and protect loss of vision due to premature or normal aging. However, that is not where the health benefits stop; there are many other health benefits that aren’t as well known.

Benefits of Clary Sage Oil

Regular sage oil (Salvia officinalis) and Clary Sage oil possess similar therapeutic properties, but the former is often associated with adverse reactions.

Aroma therapists prefer Clary Sage oil, and consider it safer. Clary sage essential oil can help fight bacteria that may thrive in your digestive system, urinary tract and excretory system.

It exhibits moderate antibacterial activity against various strains of bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Proteus mirabilis species,11 and potent anti fungal activity against strains of Candida, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium species

This essential oil can be particularly helpful for women because of its hormone-like components. In Europe, Clary Sage oil is employed to help ease menopausal discomfort, menstrual pain and regulate menstrual cycles.

Due to its esters, it can help relax muscular spasms and pains that may arise from stress and nervous tension.The oil from the Clary Sage plant may also provide the following benefits to your health:

  • Rubbed on the bottom of the feet for menopause/menstrual cramps **
  • Helps treat symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Assists in regulating blood pressure
  • Helps relax the bronchial tubes of asthma sufferers
  • Helps treat respiratory ailments like colds, bronchitis and sore throat
  • Works to support healthy digestion
  • Helps address acne and oily skin
  • Reduces your risk of inflammation and certain types of dermatitis
  • Improves memory and helps stimulate mental activity

How to Make Clary Sage Oil

In the production of the essential oil, Clary Sage herbs undergo steam distillation, and this process yields a colorless or pale yellowish-green oil, with a sweet, nutty and balsamic aroma. The composition of the oil may differ depending on what species of Salvia is used for the extraction.

How Does Clary Sage Oil Work?

Clary sage oil can be used topically and inhaled. It can also be ingested, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as generally safe for human consumption (GRAS) and approves it as an additive for foods. Below are some specific ways to enjoy Clary Sage oil benefits:

  • To soothe eye problems, soak a clean cloth in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of Clary Sage oil. Afterward, press over both eyes for 10 minutes.
  • Relieve anxiety and emotional tension by inhaling Clary Sage oil. Add a few drops to diffusers and burners.
  • Use the oil as a massage oil and rub on painful areas. This can also be used on women suffering from menstrual pains.
  • Add a few drops to your bath water to address pain and stress.
  • Apply topically as a moisturizer to regulate the production of sebum on your skin.

 Is Clary Sage Oil Safe?

As with other essential oils, Clary Sage oil should be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil and olive oil. Always make sure that you only use therapeutic grade essential oils, and consult a physician or an experienced aromatherapist before using the product internally.

In spite of Clary Sage’s benefits, it should never be used if you’re consuming alcohol or taking any narcotics. People with low blood pressure should also avoid using this herbal oil because of its hypotensive effects.

With its powerful sedative properties,Clary Sage oil can enhance the intoxicating and narcotic effects of alcohol and drugs.

Due to its estrogenic nature, Clary Sage essential oil may have a negative impact on people who need to regulate their estrogen levels. It is important for people with estrogen-induced conditions to avoid using it, and seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

While Clary Sage may have a beneficial effect for childbirth, it should be avoided by women during pregnancy because it stimulates menstrual flow. Infants and young children should also be kept away from essential oils due to their highly sensitive skin.

Clary Sage Oil Side Effects

To test if you have any sensitization to oil of Clary Sage, I suggest applying a drop of it on a small portion of your skin and observe for any adverse reactions for 24 hours. You may also do a skin patch test.

If you’re fit for use, control use of the oil, as large quantities can cause headaches and drowsiness. Some people experience euphoria upon use, which hinder their concentration. In some individuals, the effects of Clary Sage oil are comparable to those of cannabis. According to them, they end up feeling drugged when used in aromatherapy massage.

Never use Clary Sage oil directly on your eyes. Avoid ingesting or applying undiluted oils on your skin without the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist. Apart from consulting a knowledgeable professional, do your research prior to using Clary Sage oil as well as other essential oils.

Other Benefits: Clary Sage essential oil can be used to battle addiction (particularly drugs) and can stimulate a change in mentality towards a positive way of approaching life. Furthermore, it is anti-inflammatory in nature and can treat back aches and joint pain. In terms of skin care, it can help to regulate excess sebum production and prevent acne from forming. It also eases labor and reduces labor pains.

A Few Words of Caution: It can enhance the intoxicating effects of alcohol and other narcotics, since it is a relaxant and a sedative by nature. Heavy dosage can also cause headaches. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using it, since there has not been enough research done on the transference of effects through breast milk to children.

The “Raw” in Honey Makes All The Difference

When we look at the word raw, we probably associate it with the preservation of important vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Just as raw vegetables are preferable because of their nutritional content, the same is true of honey. Raw honey is honey that has not been heated, pasteurized or processed in any way.

The difference between raw and pasteurized honey is substantial. Raw honey is an alkaline-forming food that contains natural vitamins, enzymes, powerful antioxidants and other important natural nutrients. These are the very nutrients that are destroyed during the heating and pasteurization process. In fact, pasteurized honey is equivalent to and just as unhealthy as eating refined sugar.

Raw honey has anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It promotes body and digestive health, is a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, eliminates allergies, and is an excellent remedy for skin wounds and all types of infections.

Raw honey’s benefits don’t stop there. It can also stabilize blood pressure, balance sugar levels, relieve pain, calm nerves, and treat ulcers. Raw honey is also an expectorant and anti-inflammatory, and has been known to effectively treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.

Raw honey purchased from a local source is an excellent way of treating seasonal allergies. Local honey is preferable for treating allergies because the likelihood is great that it will contain small amounts of the specific pollens an individual may be allergic to.

Raw Honey is an effective natural remedy for a variety of conditions

For centuries, honey has been used to treat all sorts of ailments. It can be applied topically to heal wounds and rashes, or it can be taken internally to treat infections and address other health concerns.

Although there are numerous remedies to be had from raw honey, the following are popular remedies for common everyday conditions:

  • For skin burns, rashes, and abrasions, place a honey poultice over the affected area.
  • Treat acne by placing a small amount on blemishes nightly. This will often clear the skin in a short period of time. Washing your face with honey will leave you with sparkling clean soft skin.
  • Raw honey’s antibiotic properties are effective in treating colds and sore throats. It coats the throat and reduces irritation. For blocked sinuses, mix a teaspoon of honey in a pot of hot water, put a towel over your head, and just inhale the steam.
  • To treat allergies, take a teaspoon of raw honey a couple of times a day starting a few months prior to allergy season.

The many varieties of honey

There are many varieties of honey, some of which are used to treat specific health conditions.

  • Manuka honey has strong anti-bacterial properties and is used to treat a variety of conditions which include colds, sore throats, indigestion, stomach ulcers, and acne.
  • Acacia honey cleanses the liver, promotes intestinal health, and reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract.
  • Buckwheat honey is a strong tasting and dark honey, with strong antioxidant properties. Unfortunately Buckwheat honey is very scarce, especially in the United States. An alternative would be Red Gum honey that also has strong antioxidant properties.
  • Eucalyptus honey can be used to prevent colds and headaches.
  • Heather honey has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties. This honey contains a high level of protein.
  • Linden honey is known for its sedative and antiseptic properties. It is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, colds, coughs, and bronchitis.
  • Neem honey is highly esteemed in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. Neem honey is used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, skin conditions, periodontal infections, throat infections and allergies.

NOTE:

Charles Hall aka Crazy Owl

Years ago and in another lifetime,, I met a man called Crazy Owl (Charles Hall) in Atlanta.  He had a large healing practice and taught us to infuse raw honey with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage etc.  The results were amazing!

For more information:

http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/raw-honey.html
http://www.carlislehoney.com/allergies.htm
http://www.drgrotte.com/honey-medicine.shtml