# Clary Sage essential oil

> An earthy, herbaceous single oil steam-distilled from the flowering plant, often used in calming evening routines.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/clary-sage

Type: Single oil

## At a glance

- **Botanical name:** Salvia sclarea
- **Plant part:** Flowering tops and leaves
- **Extraction:** Steam-distilled
- **Aroma:** Earthy, herbaceous, musky
- **Origin:** Mediterranean
- **Blends with:** Lavender, citrus

## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate)

Based on 6 GC-MS samples from 5 peer-reviewed papers (2021–2025); Moderate evidence base. 45 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range):

| Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| linalyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 43.19 | 30.1–52.12 | 69.41 | 4 |
| linalool | Oxygenated monoterpene | 20 | 15.06–21.51 | 23.02 | 3 |
| germacrene d | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 12.4 | 10.51–14.3 | 16.2 | 2 |
| β-caryophyllene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 2.04 | 1.72–8.65 | 28.3 | 4 |
| limonene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 3.92 | 2.74–5.11 | 6.3 | 2 |
| (z)-β-ocimene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 3.4 | 2.8–4 | 4.6 | 2 |
| (e)-β-ocimene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 1.59 | 0.71–2.79 | 3.8 | 4 |
| myrcene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 3.08 | 1.86–4.29 | 5.5 | 2 |
| geranyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2 | 1.52–2.67 | 3.35 | 3 |
| β-cubebene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 2.73 | 2.16–3.29 | 3.85 | 2 |
| α-terpineol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 1.27 | 1.03–1.62 | 2.27 | 4 |
| β-copaene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 2.2 | 1.4–3 | 3.8 | 2 |

Chemotypes seen in the samples: linalyl acetate (67% of samples), β-caryophyllene (17% of samples), linalyl acetate 1 (17% of samples).

## Key constituents

- **Linalyl acetate** (55-75%) — The dominant compound; gives clary sage its soft, herbaceous-floral sweetness
- **Linalool** (10-20%) — A floral-woody alcohol supporting the soft aroma
- **Sclareol** — A trace diterpene alcohol unique to clary sage, contributing to its distinctive musky-earthy undertone

## How to use it

- **In the diffuser:** 3–5 drops alone, or with lavender and a touch of citrus for a relaxing blend.
- **On skin:** Dilute to 1–2% in a carrier oil for a calming evening massage blend.

## Safety

- Clary sage is generally avoided during pregnancy or with estrogen-sensitive conditions unless cleared by a physician; dilute for topical use.
- Maximum dermal use: Dilute in a carrier oil for skin.
- Traditionally avoided during pregnancy until labour — check with a professional if pregnant.
- Its relaxing reputation means some people find it best used in the evening rather than before driving.
- Not phototoxic. Dilute for skin; keep out of reach of children.

## What the research says

- Clary sage oil and its constituents have been studied for effects such as relaxation; one recent study examined its differential effects versus linalyl acetate. Findings are early-stage and should not be read as a treatment for any condition. — Kim et al. (2025), Frontiers in Medicine (https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1523441)

## Evidence

- Clary sage is an ester-dominant oil, with linalyl acetate typically the largest single constituent, followed by linalool. — Kostić et al. (2013), Journal of Essential Oil Research (https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2012.742467)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is clary sage the same as common sage?

No. Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is an ester-rich, gentle oil, while common/Dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis) is high in thujone and needs far more caution. They're different oils despite the shared name.

### Can I use clary sage during pregnancy?

It's traditionally avoided during pregnancy until labour. If you're pregnant, check with a qualified professional before using it.

### Why is clary sage considered relaxing?

Its dominant constituent, linalyl acetate, is a soft floral ester associated with calming effects in preliminary studies. Many people use it in the evening for its soothing aroma.

## Sources (GC-MS studies)

- Ovidi E, Laghezza Masci V, Zambelli M, Tiezzi A, Vitalini S, Garzoli S. Laurus nobilis, Salvia sclarea and Salvia officinalis Essential Oils and Hydrolates: Evaluation of Liquid and Vapor Phase Chemical Composition and Biological Activities. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2021. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8067454
- Ciobotaru GV, Goje ID, Dehelean CA, Danciu C, Magyari-Pavel IZ, Moacă EA, Muntean D, Imbrea IM, Sărățeanu V, Pop G. Analysis of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Migratory Properties of the Essential Oils Obtained from Cultivated Medicinal <i>Lamiaceae</i> Species. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11944916
- Wang Y, Wen F, Zhou X, Chen G, Tian C, Qian J, Wu H, Chen M. Deterrent Effects of Clary Sage Oil and Two Major Constituents against Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae). _Insects_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11509010
- EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Villa RE, Azimonti G, Bonos E, Christensen H, Durjava M, Dusemund B, Gehring R, Glandorf B, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, Marcon F, Nebbia C, Pechová A, Prieto-Maradona M, Röhe I, Theodoridou K, Bastos ML, Brantom P, Chesson A, Schlatter J, Westendorf J, Dirven Y, Manini P. Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the flowering stems of Salvia sclarea L. (clary sage oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl). _EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11561422
- Karaca N, Demirci B, Gavahian M, Demirci F. Enhanced Bioactivity of Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, and Chamomile Essential Oils by Fractionation, Combination, and Emulsification. _ACS omega_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10061596

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._