CLARY SAGE Salvia sclarea
Uses: Clary means "clear" and this oil can be thought of for all types of clearing: clearing negative energy, clearing away brain fog, clearing sinuses, and even facilitating to help“clear” a baby or placenta from the uterus. Clary sage may be used aromatically or topically during labor to support the efficacy of and encourage the regularity and effectiveness of contractions, increase mental clarity, and decrease the normal pain associated with labor once contractions are strong. In postpartum, it may be used topically for afterpains and to encourage the first lactation.
Other indications include: night sweats, hormonal dysregulation, respiratory system troubles, anxious feelings, irritability, troubled sleep, hysterianic behavior, and postpartum blues. |
People often ask how to use clary sage to bring on labor. Although at this time there have not be any statistically significant studies showing clary sage to be beneficial in actually starting labor, there are several studies on its benefits for lessoning labor pain and regulating contractions. It is my understanding that labor will begin only when the mother and infant are ready; in some cases, however, herbs like clary sage may contribute to the body's preparation for labor to enough of an extent that labor begins. Those wishing to try can apply Clary Sage or Clary Calm topically to the lower back and below the belly once their caring midwife of physician has given the okay; dilute to one drop EO per teaspoon of massage oil. Also play tennis. Here is just one case study in which clary sage may have contributed to starting labor:
Jill Ghormley, ND, writes, "I use essential oils a lot in my practice for support for babies and moms. Today I had a pregnant patient come in struggling with getting the birthing process going since tomorrow she will be at 42 weeks! I did visceral manipulation and essential oil support to get the labor moving along. I tried visceral manipulation with lavender and Clary Calm stick and got the baby to drop after 20 minutes. Still progressing but soon-to-be mama is on her way tonight."
Jill Ghormley, ND, writes, "I use essential oils a lot in my practice for support for babies and moms. Today I had a pregnant patient come in struggling with getting the birthing process going since tomorrow she will be at 42 weeks! I did visceral manipulation and essential oil support to get the labor moving along. I tried visceral manipulation with lavender and Clary Calm stick and got the baby to drop after 20 minutes. Still progressing but soon-to-be mama is on her way tonight."
Precautions: Make sure to use Salvia sclera not Salvia officinalis! Avoid until mother is to term and when there is poor positioning of the fetus. Avoid with alcohol and when postpartum (lochia) bleeding is heavy.