5 Best Ways to Use Clary Sage For Labor
Me, during my longggg marathon labor, with one of my besties as my labor nurse and my amazing husband.
Why use Clary Sage for Labor?
When it comes to labor and delivery, many women enjoy incorporating natural aids into their experience. Labor requires physical and mental preparation, and Clary Sage, aka Salvia Sclarea, can be of great assistance!
According to research done by Susan Lewis, a Certified Nurse Midwife and Audrvedic Practitioner, who spoke at the 2019 Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) convention, using Clary Sage for Labor is safe and beneficial for several reasons. When diluting with a carrier oil and massaging onto the pregnant belly, Clary Sage can increase uterine function- contractions- and ease labor pain.
Tell me more!
Clary sage oil is a natural uterotonic, meaning it can cause contractions of the uterus Therefore, this oil can cause an increase in uterine blood flow. This is why using Clary Sage can be a natural way to improve the effectiveness of contractions in labor.
It also promotes relaxation during labor, as it calms the nervous system and acts as a form of pain relief. Due to its ability to cause uterine contractions, it may also assist in the birth of the placenta and prevent too much postpartum bleeding.
Is it safe to use Clary Sage for labor?
Pure Clary Sage does not contain any hormone, but serves as an adaptogen for healthy endocrine and reproductive systems. This means that it will not cause an imbalance in hormones, and force the body into an unnatural state.
However, if you are considering using Clary Sage to try to induce labor, it is important to be VERY cautious. It is also highly suggested to work together with your midwife or obstetrician.
Clary Sage should NOT be used in early pregnancy- before AT LEAST 37 weeks- as it may cause preterm labor, miscarriage, or other pregnancy complications. (The baby is not considered full-term until 37 weeks of gestation.)
Does brand matter?
It is important to do your research to ensure you are using a high quality 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oil. Here is an example of why brand matters. When Clary Sage is distilled it yields around 3-4% sclareol. The tobacco industry processes Clary Sage for its sclareol and then sells the left over essential oil to the aromatherapy industry. Most companies use Clary Sage that has, on average, 0.2-0.37% sclareol.
However, the Clary Sage of certain essential oil companies goes through a double distillation process, where 4-7% of sclareol is obtained. Therefore, the quantity of plant per drop is sooo much higher than other brands!
I want to try clary sage for labor: How do I use it?
If you have been given the go ahead by your midwife/OB to use Clary Sage for labor, here are some ways to use it:
Put 1 or 2 drops in the bath
test oil on small patch of skin first
mix essential oil with carrier oil to dilute before adding to bath
Inhale it
use an Aromatherapy Nasal Stick
put a couple drops on a muslin blanket and hold to face
put 2 drops on a cotton ball and put under pillow where you are laboring
Massage 3 drops with carrier oil and massage to vitaflex pointsduring contractions
Inner ankles
Create a massage oil blend
Use the ratio of 2 drops of clary sage oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil
Massage gently around the abdomen area, including the hips, pelvis and lower back. You can also rub into your feet and palms.
You can also use a mixture of the following oils to assist uterine contractions during labor:
4 drops Helichrysum
4 drops Fennel
2 drops Peppermint (use caution with Peppermint if you want to breastfeed)
6 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Jasmine
3 drops Clary Sage
You may want to use a combination of these techniques during labor to increase effectiveness.
**NOTE: Clary sage essential oil does smell quite strong and earthy, so you may prefer it mixed with a few drops of lavender, rose, or neroli essential oil.
If you would like to learn more about how to use oils into your labor safely, read this article: Essential Oils for Labor: Why youshould incorporate them.
Thank you for reading! God bless you and your sweet babe during your labor and delivery!
xoxo
j
References:
- The EO Bar Oil Reference app
- Gentle Babies: Essential Oils and Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Childbirth, Infants and Young Children; Revised Fifth Edition by Debra Raybern
- Life Steps app
