Description:
Clary sage oil is an herb, scientifically known as Salvia Sclarea belongs to Labiatae family. It is a perennial herb which grows in May to September and native to Central Asia and North Africa, its growth reaches up to 4-5 feet and it has colorful flowers, bloom in bunches and thick stems which covered with hairs.
Composition:
Its major constituents are sclareol, alpha terpineol, geraniol, linalyl acetate, linalool, caryophyllene, neryl acetate and germacrene-D.
Extraction:
Clary sage oil is derived from buds and leaves of Salvia sclarea plant through steam distillation method.
Properties:
Clary sage oil is pale yellow green in colour; it is sweet, nutty fragrance and has watery viscosity.
Blending:
Clary sage mixes well with citrus oils, lavender, cypress, juniper, pine, frankincense, geranium, rose, vertiver and sandalwood oils.
Uses:
- Clary Sage oil is an ingredient in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes.
- Clary sage is used in aromatherapy as it alleviates anxiety and to calm nervous system, stress, depression, and insomnia.
- It helps in menstrual cramps, promotes relaxation during childbirth and ease menopause symptoms.
- It has aphrodisiac property as it boosts libido and improves sexual performance.
- Clary sage oil improves vision and tired or strained eyes as it clears eyes.
- It has antiseptic property; it cleanses wounds and also protects body from infections during surgery.
- It reduces blood pressure by relaxing arteries and also decreases heart issues risk.
- Clary sage stimulates hair growth and control sebum production in scalp and prevents dandruff.
- It promotes skin health by regulating oil production and reduces inflammation which may lead to dermatitis.
- Clary sage oil is used as ingredient in muscatel wine and wine essences.
- It is added as additives in food products such as frozen dairy desserts, baked goods, condiments and non-alcoholic beverages.
- It supports respiratory system, provides relief from colds, bronchitis and sore throat and also promotes digestive health.
Safety and Precaution:
- First take advice from a physician or experienced aroma therapist before using clary sage oil internally.
- As it has sedative property so it can increase the intoxicating and narcotic effects of alcohol and drugs.
- People who have low blood pressure problem should avoid use of clary sage oil because of its hypotensive effects.
- Do not use clary sage oil while pregnant because it stimulates menstrual flow.
- Keep out of reach of infants and young children due to their highly sensitive skin.
Specification of Clary Sage Oil as per BP:
Testing Protocol – BP
Occurrence – Obtained from flowering tops and foliage of Salvia sclarea L.
Appearance – Colourless or brownish yellow liquid, usually pale yellow.
Odour – Characteristics
Identification A. GC – Meets the requirement
- TLC Meets the requirement
Relative Density – 0.890 – 0.908
Refractive Index – 1.456- 1.466
Optical Rotation – -10° – -26°
Acid Value – Max. 1.0
Chromatographic Profile
α and β thujone – max. 0.2%
Linalool – 6.5% – 24%
Linalyl acetate – 56% – 78%
Alpha terpineol – max. 5.0
Germmacrene D – 1.0% – 12%
Sclarcol – 0.4% – 2.6%
Storage – In a air tight container, protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 20°C. And container should be closed using nitrogen when opened once.
