(Salvia sclarea) May ease mild mood changes, cramping and edema associated with menstrual cycle, support healthy breathing and promote restful sleep.
Research Personalised Treatment Options for Menopausal Women Using Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Aashish Kanitkar et al During menopause, Clary Sage oil can help reduce hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, irritability, as well as headaches and dizziness.
Comparisons for Effectiveness of Aromatherapy and Acupressure Massage on Quality of Life in Career Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Inhaled aromatherapy blend of equal parts Lavender, Marjoram and Clary Sage essential oils significantly increased both the quality of life and sleep quality in working women.
Clary Sage is high in sclareol, which "inhibits the growth of breast and uterine cancer cells in vitro and was slightly more potent than Tamoxifen but was not toxic to normal cells (Sashidhara et all 2007). Summary: Naturally-ocurring sclareol is non-irritant and non-sensitizing. It possesses minimal toxicity and has deomonstrated in vitro antitumoral activity" (Tisserand). Is Clary Sage oil Estrogenic? by Robert Tisserand Sclareol has "an interesting anticancer activity, including in vitro action against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells (Dimas et al 2006). An isomer, 13-epi-sclareol, which is also present in clary sage oil, inhibits the growth of breast and uterine cancers in vitro, and was slightly more potent than Tamoxifen, but was not toxic to normal cells (Sashidhara et al 2007). This suggests the possibility that sclareol might actually inhibit estrogen, and might after all have some capacity to interact with estrogen receptor sites. What we do know is that sclareol will not give you breast cancer."
"It is very likely that Clary Sage exerts a regulating action on the pituitary gland. Clary sage is recommended for managing menopause. Blend it with Geranium oil to use in a bath or foot bath" (Holmes, Clary Sage, The International Journal of Aromatherapy).
Menopausal Women: Inhalation of Clary Sage has Antidepressant-like Effect PubMed PMS Defense: Essential oils of Geranium, Clary Sage and Sweet Orange PMS Defense is applied just prior to the onset of the menstrual cycle (whenever the user normally begins to experience symptoms). The preferred formula is approximately 3 milliliters of each essential oil blended in 120 milliliters of carrier.
Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern, on inner ankles, wrists and lower back or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. Since Clary Sage does not have a limiting dilution parameter, we suggest that adults follow the General Guidelines found on the Dilution Chart, which is: 2-3% for daily application Up to 25% for short-term use
Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler Internal: Clary Sage is suitable for internal use within safe parameters, if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for more information about internal usage.
