Clary sage essential oil is considered to be beneficial for a number of ailments including depression, anxiety, migraines, digestive disorders, skin inflammation and other stress-induced symptoms. This therapeutic plant oil is also recommended for women's health issues including premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Clary sage essential oil can also help relieve pain and promote labor to help ease childbirth and delivery. It is, however, contraindicated for use at any other time during the pregnancy as it may induce contractions of the uterus or womb. Speak to your healthcare professional about using clary sage oil during childbirth.
Pour a small amount of clary sage essential oil into a bowl and soak unbleached cotton balls or pads in it. Place the cotton in your pillow case or close to the bed when your mid-wife or doctor advises that it is safe to do so. This may be when your pregnancy has reached the due date or when labor is beginning. Inhaling the clary sage oil will help induce contractions of the uterus to facilitate labor.
Mix one part clary sage oil with one part pure carrier oil such as almond oil. Test a small amount on your inner arm 12 hours before use to ensure that it does not cause an allergic reaction on the skin. Use your fingers to massage the oil into the skin of the belly to facilitate labor and ease delivery pain. Use only the amount of essential oil recommended by your doctor or midwife as too much can be toxic.
Place a few drops of clary sage essential oil in an aromatherapy burner and allow the scent to diffuse into the room where childbirth will take place. Breathing in the aroma helps ease labor by intensifying contractions and reducing pain for a quicker and easier birth. Mix the clary sage with other essential oils such as lavender to promote calmness and decrease anxiety before and during the birth.
Add a few drops of clary sage oil to a moisturizing cream or lotion. Use 2 drops of the essential oil per 10mL of cream or lotion. Massage it into the skin shortly before labor to ease pain and promote uterine contractions for an easier delivery.
Tip
Clary sage essential oil is considered to aid respiratory, muscular, and uterine systems during labor. This helps ease the birth of the baby because regular and consistent contractions of the womb are promoted. Clary sage is also an analgesic for reducing pain for a more comfortable delivery.
Warning
Clary sage oil should not be used during the pregnancy as it can induce uterine contractions and bleeding and thus possibly cause a miscarriage. Do not confuse clary sage with regular sage oil, which is more toxic and should not be used. Speak to your healthcare provider before using essential oils during pregnancy and labor.
Writer Bio
Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor and a medical writer. Her articles have been featured in "Women's Health," "Nutrition News," "Check Up" and "Alive Magazine." Kassem also covers travel, books, fitness, nutrition, cooking and green living.