Does clary sage help start labor?
It MAY be safe to use at 37+ weeks—but only with caution. Clary sage won’t magically induce labour, but it could help once your body is already preparing for birth. Some midwives use it to enhance contractions once labour has started, but this should always be done with guidance. 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.Aromatherapy is one of the CAMs used to stimulate labor. It is usually applied in a footbath, via scent inhalation, or by massage using clary sage, lavender, or jasmine oil [5,6,7,8,9,10].
What is clary sage used for in pregnancy?
Increased oxytocin without contractions – Pilot trials found clary sage inhalation raised oxytocin in term women but didn’t trigger labour contractions. Pain relief and relaxation – Higher oxytocin levels were linked to improved comfort and reduced stress. 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.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.
How quickly can clary sage bring on labor?
In short, there’s no strong evidence that clary sage essential oil can reliably start labour. A small pilot study found that inhaling clary sage was linked with a slight, non-significant rise in oxytocin levels in some women at term, but importantly it did not cause uterine contractions or the onset of labour. 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.