Evidence supporting the use of: Clary sage
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy as a supportive treatment for menopause-related symptoms, particularly hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. There is a traditional basis for its use, but some preliminary scientific research also exists. Small-scale human studies and animal models suggest that inhalation of clary sage oil may have mild estrogen-like effects and can influence cortisol levels, potentially reducing stress and improving mood. For example, a 2014 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that inhalation of clary sage oil lowered cortisol levels and improved mood in menopausal women. Another small study indicated possible stimulation of estrogen production, which may help alleviate some menopausal symptoms.
However, the overall quality of evidence is low. Most studies are small, lack rigorous controls, and often combine clary sage with other essential oils, making it difficult to isolate its specific effects. There are no large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials demonstrating clear benefits for menopause symptoms. Thus, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting its use, it should be considered complementary rather than primary therapy. More robust research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Clary sage is generally regarded as safe for inhalation in aromatherapy, but topical or internal use should be approached with caution.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)Alfalfa
Aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
Akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
Ficus religiosa
Glycetein
Horny Goat Weed
Hypericum
Isoflavones
Lycium
lemon balm
Lady's Mantle
Linden
Lotus
Loranthus
Labisia pumila
Macamides
Montanoa tomentosa
Meadow sage
Miroestrol
Macaenes
Ophiopogon
Puerain
Pulsatilla
Prickly Pear Cactus
Phytoestrogens
Polygonum
Rue
Rubus
Rockweed
Rehmannia
Rose
Rooibos
Rosa laevigata
Rhubarb
Soy
Soy Protein
Stone Root
Vervain
Viburnum
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Withanolides
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
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