Is it safe to use clary sage oil in pregnancy?
Clary sage should NEVER be used before your estimated due date as it can cause excessive Braxton Hicks contractions which may distress your baby or cause complications such as bleeding. A maximum of two drops can be diluted in a teaspoonful of carrier oil and added to your bath water. Skin: Add about 6 drops of clary sage oil to 1 oz. Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to the bathwater to soothe sore muscles and improve mood.Safe ways to use clary sage massage oil – mix about 15 drops in 50ml carrier oil (~1% dilution) and gently massage around the hips, lower back and abdomen. Reflex points – a drop on the inner ankle (spleen 6 – sp6) may support oxytocin release and labour progress.Clary sage essential oil is derived from the salvia sclarea herb. It has a sweet, nutty smell and can help reduce pain, fear and tension and may also help speed up your labour.
Why avoid clary sage in pregnancy?
Clary sage is another oil to avoid, as it can induce contractions and potentially lead to premature labor. Lemongrass, though popular for its refreshing scent, carries the risk of uterine stimulation and should also be excluded from your pregnancy routine. Many essential oils, such as basil, clary sage, clove, cedarwood, cypress, juniper, sweet marjoram, peppermint*, rosemary, rose and thyme are commonly classified as contra-indicated in pregnancy.
What does clary sage do for birth?
Labor involves uterine contractions (UCs) caused by oxytocin [11]. Clary sage essential oil is thought to stimulate labor by increasing the oxytocin level. You may have heard about the essential oil clary sage being used to get labour started. However, you should not use this at home, as it may be harmful if not used correctly. If it’s something you want to try, talk to your midwife or consult a qualified medical herbalist. All essential oils have potential side effects.Some women are led to believe that clary sage is a “natural induction” tool, but it doesn’t actually trigger labour unless your body is already ready. Labour starts when the baby and your body are prepared—not because of an essential oil.Clary Sage essential oil Clary sage has long been recommended as a method to induce labour. It is a utero tonic meaning it can stimulate the uterus to contract. Always use a carrier oil; mix a few drops of clary sage into the carrier oil and rub on your bump. You can also pop some on a bit of fabric to smell.