Evidence supporting the use of: Clary sage
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) has a longstanding history of use in traditional herbal medicine and aromatherapy, particularly for its calming and mood-enhancing properties. Historical texts and folk practices suggest that clary sage essential oil was valued for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The use of clary sage for anxiety disorders is primarily rooted in these traditions rather than robust scientific validation.
Some small-scale clinical studies and preclinical research have explored the anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects of clary sage essential oil. For example, a few randomized controlled trials have indicated that inhalation of clary sage oil may lower cortisol levels and induce a sense of calm in healthy adults or individuals undergoing stressful procedures. However, these studies typically involve small sample sizes, short durations, and varying methodologies, which limit the generalizability and strength of the findings. Systematic reviews of aromatherapy for anxiety often note that while some essential oils—including clary sage—demonstrate potential benefits, the overall evidence base remains weak due to methodological limitations.
In summary, the use of clary sage for anxiety is primarily justified by tradition, with limited and low-to-moderate quality scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish its role in managing anxiety disorders.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava root
l-glycine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Essential Oil Blend
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Vervain
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Clary sage
AmenorrheaAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Backache
Cramps (menstrual)
Depression
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Insomnia
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
PMS (general)
Stress
Wounds and Sores