Clary

The flowering tops and leaves of the Salvia sciarea yield an essential oil that's made up largely of alcohols and up to 75% linalyl acetate, linlol, pinene, myrcene, and phellandrene. Clary may have muscle relaxant, analgesic, anxiolytic, and some antiestrogenic effects. It's available as an oil and in products such as See Bright and Toute-Bonne.

Benefits And Uses of Clary

Clary is used to treat mental fatigue, depression, anxiety, tension, and decreased libido. It's used as an astringent, anti inflammatory, and antipasmodic, and to help restore hormonal balance and relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or menopause.

The essential oil is used as a topical agent. In aromatherapy, it's used for baths, sprays, diffusers, and massages. Clary is also used as a flavoring agent in foods.

Administration

• Atomizer: 8 gtt of the essential oil added to 1 oz (30 ml) of water in an atomizer
• Bath: 8 gtt of the essential oil blended with 1 tablespoon of unscented bath oil or water and stirred well to disperse .
• Diffuser: 6 to 10 gtt of the essential oil added to 2 tablespoons water in diffuser bowl.

Side Effects of Clary

Clary may cause drowsiness. Alcohol use with clary sage oil may result in enhanced sedation.

Women who are pregnant or are planning pregnancy should avoid use. Those who have breast cysts, uterine fibroids, or other estrogen related disorders should avoid long-term use.

Clinical considerations

• Warn patient not to treat migraine, depression, or anxiety with clary before seeking appropriate medical evaluation .Because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.
• If patient is pregnant or is planning pregnancy, advise her not to use the essential oil.
• If patient is taking estrogen, instruct her to inform her health care provider.
• Tell patient not to apply undiluted essential oils to skin.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that she's taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult her health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of clary and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.