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
27-deoxyactein7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Achyranthes
Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alfalfa
Aloe vera
amaranth
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
antler
Ashoka
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
atractylodes
atractylone
banyan
barrenwort
bee pollen
bioflavonoids
black cohosh
black currant
black root
black seed
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
Chinese silkvine
Clary sage
Cnidium
cohosh
cordyceps
Crinum latifolium
Cynomorium
daidzein
damiana
danshen
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dioscorea
dog rose
dong quai
dong quai root
durian
eleuthero
elk antler
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
Euryale seed
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Ficus religiosa
fish oil
flaxseed
fo-ti
genistein
genistin
Glycetein
goji berry
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
horny goat weed
Hypericum
Indian frankincense
isoflavones
jujube
knotweed
kudzu
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
licorice root
lignans
linden
lingzhi
Loranthus
lotus
Lycium
maca
macaenes
macamides
Marine lipid
Meadow sage
Melatonin
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Moringa
Motherwort
Nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
Ophiopogon
ophiopogon root
Phytoestrogens
pollen
Polygonum
pomegranate
Prickly Pear Cactus
Puerain
Pulsatilla
red clover
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhubarb
rockweed
Rooibos
root tuber
Rosa laevigata
rose
rose oil
royal jelly
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
rue
saffron
sage
seaweed
smilax
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
Stone Root
Valerian root
Vervain
Viburnum
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Wild yam
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
