Why Clary Sage is a Popular Oil for Cramps
Clary Sage: A Renowned Oil for Alleviating Cramps in Women
In the realm of essential oils, Clary Sage holds a special place, particularly for women's wellness. As noted by Salvatore Battaglia in his book, "The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy", Clary Sage is considered a vital essential oil for women. Its effectiveness in easing menstrual cramps through its antispasmodic and analgesic action on the uterus has made it renowned among women. Battaglia further emphasizes the significance of Clary Sage oil for women during crucial life stages such as childbirth and menopause.
Scientific Insights on Clary Sage: A Popular Cramp Alleviator
From a scientific viewpoint, Clary Sage offers its myriad benefits chiefly due to two crucial components that mitigate muscle spasms:
Linalool
Linalyl Acetate
Each of these components can independently soothe spasms, but their combined effect, or synergy, as observed in Clary Sage, amplifies their benefits.
Here's a cramp relief oil blend, featuring Clary Sage along with Roman Chamomile, Catnip, and Bergamot, all of which are known to help with cramps. The inclusion of Bergamot also taps into the synergy of linalool and linalyl acetate.
Clary Sage Synergy Cramp Relief Oil
Ingredients:
1 fl oz (30 ml) Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
7 drops Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)
5 drops Catnip essential oil (Nepeta cataria)
4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile)
2 drops Bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia)
Procedure: Pour jojoba and essential oils into a 1 oz (30 ml) bottle. Shake gently to blend the oils together. Apply this soothing blend to your abdomen as needed during periods of cramping.
Exploring the Other Essential Oils in this Cramp Relief Recipe
The cramp calming prowess of linalool and linalyl acetate isn't singular. This recipe also features other essential oils known for their ability to relieve cramps, hence enhancing the overall relief potential of this blend.
Catnip Essential Oil (Nepeta cataria)
This oil, rich in nepetalactone, has a calming effect on both the mind and body, reducing tension, making it a common ingredient in stress-relieving blends. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can contribute to pain relief.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Chamaemelum nobile)
Roman Chamomile, a traditionally favored oil for cramps, is packed with esters, molecules that can alleviate muscle tension and spasms. It's an excellent choice for any blend aimed at abdominal discomfort, as it eases everything from cramps and nausea to indigestion. If your abdomen often requires care, Roman Chamomile could be a valuable ally.
Please note that German Chamomile is not always a suitable substitute for Roman Chamomile as their properties differ significantly. You might want to explore their differences further.
REFERENCES
Aydin, S., Beis, R., Ozturk, Y., Husnu, K., Baser, K.H. (1998) Nepetalactone: a new opioid analgesic from Nepeta caesarea Boiss. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Jul; 50(7):813-7.
Battaglia, S. (2003) The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (second edition). Brisbane, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.
Franchomme, P. and Pénoël, D. (1990) L’aromathérapie Exactement. Limoges: Jallois.
