What is clary sage essential oil?
Clary sage oil is yellow in colour and smells herbal and sweet, with a warm nutty undertone. Our clary sage oil is steam distilled from the flowers and leaves of the clary sage plant.
The clary sage plant is a herbaceous perennial in the genus salvia. Clary sage is in the same family as sage, however these are not the same plants. Clary sage essential oil has a much sweeter, floral fragrance compared to sage's spicy herbal aroma.
Origin and History
Clary sage is native to the Mediterranean region where the herb was first used as an eyewash and in cooking. The herb clary sage was documented by both the Ancient Greeks and the Romans as early as 4th century BC.
Clary sage was used throughout the Middle Ages in Europe for its medicinal properties. It was used predominantly for feminine hormonal support like aiding the menstrual cycle and relieving for painful period cramps.
Today clary sage essential oil (steam distilled) is mostly produced in Europe, Morocco and the US. It is popularly used in aromatherapy and for its health benefits in cosmetic products.
Clary sage essential oil blending suggestions
Clary sage essential oil is used as a middle note and has a soft and sweet aroma with a nutty undertone. Our clary sage essential oil blends well with oils like cedarwood, lavender and sweet orange.
Here are a few of our favourite blends with clary sage essential oil:
Spiced woody and herbal blend
3 drops Fir needle oil
3 drops Vetiver oil
3 drops Clary sage oil
3 drops Cedarwood oil
Sweet and floral blend
2 drops Lemongrass oil
5 drops Clary sage oil
6 drops Lavender oil
How to store clary sage essential oil
Clary sage essential oil should be kept in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. This will stop it from degrading overtime and help prolong the quality. Ensure to keep all essential oils out of the reach of children.
Clary sage oil safety
Clary sage oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. If clary sage essential oil is applied directly to the skin it could cause an allergic reaction and irritation.
We recommend doing a patch test with some diluted clary sage essential oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The IFRA document shows no restrictions for clary sage essential oil, however we recommend a maximum dilution of 0.25% for skin contact. This is based on the concentration found by Bouhlal in 1988 to have no adverse skin reactions.
Make sure to keep essential oils out of reach of children. Clary sage essential oil is for external use only and is not food grade and should not be ingested.
Despite the history of the clary sage herb being used as an eye treatment, the essential oil is definitely not safe for use in eyes!
FAQ's
What is clary sage essential oil INCI name?
The INCI name for clary sage essential oil is salvia sclarea oil.
Where does our clary sage essential oil originate from?
Our clary sage essential oil is of mixed EU origin.
What is clary sage essential oil good for?
Clary sage oil is a popular oil in perfumes, cosmetics and aromatherapy. Clary sage essential oil is popular in aromatherapy for its soothing scent, to promote relaxation and relieve stress. This herb is uplifting and restorative when feeling overwhelmed, irritable or suffering from mood swings.