Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil has been traditionally used for its calming and mood-enhancing effects, but there is also a modest body of scientific evidence supporting its use for stress reduction. Several small-scale human studies have investigated the impact of clary sage aroma on stress-related parameters. For example, a 2013 study in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that inhalation of clary sage oil led to significant reductions in cortisol levels and improvements in mood among women with stress and depression symptoms. Another study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2014) indicated that clary sage oil aromatherapy produced anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects in women undergoing stressful medical procedures, as measured by physiological indicators such as blood pressure and self-reported anxiety scales.

The proposed mechanism is that volatile compounds in clary sage oil may interact with the limbic system through olfactory pathways, influencing neurotransmitter activity and the body's stress response. However, most existing studies are small, short-term, and sometimes lack rigorous controls. Therefore, while preliminary scientific evidence supports a mild benefit for stress relief, more robust clinical trials are needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of clary sage essential oil for this purpose. Its use is not solely based on tradition; there is emerging but limited scientific validation.

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