Aromatherapy or the use of essential oils is well-known adjuvant therapy for arthritis patient.
With the suggestion of aromatherapy there comes a large variety of oil that can be effectively used for symptoms of arthritis like pain, inflammation, stiffness, and swelling of the joints.
Arthritis can be mild or severe, which depends on the stage of the disease and the patient. It can also be of various types which are classified based on the mechanism of the disease or the part which it affects.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for arthritis nevertheless, it can be effectively managed with prescription medication, diet control, exercise, physical therapy, relaxation, hot or cold therapies, massages, etc .
This article aims at discussing the benefits of clary sage essential oil in arthritis. Before we investigate these benefits let us discuss some basic information about the oil.
What is Clary Sage Essential Oil?
Clary Sage is a biennial herb which has a distinct aromatic odor that is native to European and Mediterranean Region. It is cultivated in temperate regions as well.
Clary Sage is also known as ‘clear eye’ as it was traditionally used in clearing the vision. Other names of Clary sage are ‘clarywort’, ‘musoatel sage’ and ‘eyebright’ .
Clary Sage essential oil is obtained by distillation of the flowers of clary sage herb. The main chemical constituents of this oil are linalyl acetate, linalool, sclareol, and sesquiterpenes.
Cary sage is used in perfumery, wine flavoring, herbal teas, potpourris, and beverages.
Medicinal benefits of this oil are anti-spasmodic (Reduces the involuntary contraction of the muscles), carminative (reduces flatulence), anti-stress, anti-depressive, and anti-cancer properties.
Benefits of Clary sage Essential Oil in Arthritis
Clary Sage oil can benefit from arthritis in several ways. It has traditionally been used to ease pain and mitigate stress and anxiety. Clary sage oil can also have potential benefits in reducing inflammation by decreasing the inflammation-causing chemicals in the body. It can also provide some antioxidant effect which can prevent cell damage from toxins in arthritis patients.
1. Clary sage Oil Can Be Productive in Arthritis Pain Relief
Clary sage oil has analgesic properties that can relieve joint pain in arthritis. It also has a history of use for the treatment of joint pain or arthritis.
A trial conducted in 48 patients demonstrated that patients who used clary sage oil, lavender and marjoram mixture had reduced pain.
The main chemical constituents for this effect are linalool and linalyl acetate which are key components of clary sage extract.
In another study including 67 patients showed the pain-relieving property of clary sage upon local application to the skin.
A study by Myung-Haeng Hur et.al. finds that the pain-relieving effect of clary sage oil was comparable to the drug acetaminophen. Animal studies have also demonstrated this property of clary sage essential oil.
Therefore, after analyzing the research and history of use of clary sage it can be stated that this oil can reduce the joint pain in arthritis patients to a considerable extent.
What does this mean? There is a good amount of scientific data on the pain reducing effects of clary sage oil which can be of tremendous benefit in arthritis joint pain abatement.
2. Clary sage oil can Reduce Inflammation in Arthritis
Inflammation is synonymous to arthritis and rightly so, as it forms the major problem in this disease by causing joint inflammation .
Animal studies have proven anti-inflammatory properties of clary sage oil . It acts by reducing the inflammation-causing chemicals in the body.
Clary sage oil is also known to reduce inflammation in the gums in human trials.
This effect can be implicated to reduce inflammation in arthritis too. However, more studies are required to prove this benefit in arthritis patients.
What does this mean? Clary sage oil has some potential to reduce inflammation which has been proven by animal studies. However, thorough research on humans and arthritis patients could shed some more light on this benefit.
3. Clary Sage Oil is a Natural Antioxidant which can Benefit Arthritis
Antioxidants are found to be reduced in the joints of arthritis patients which can interfere in the detoxification process of the body leading to toxin accumulation and cell damage.
Clary sage oil has been proven by research in reducing the toxins in the body.
Analysis of clary sage oil has revealed the presence of vitamin E and carotenoids which are good antioxidant agents .
In a study conducted by Omidrez Firuz et. al., clary sage was found to have slightly lesser antioxidant activity when compared with other sage varieties.
Nevertheless, it can still provide some antioxidant benefits to arthritis patients that can help in detoxification which is much needed in arthritis patients.
What does this mean? Clary sage oil promote detoxification and reduces cell damage in arthritis patients by restoring the antioxidants in the body.
4. Clary Sage Oil Reduces Stress and Anxiety in Arthritis Patients
Clary sage oil has been identified to contain anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects which can benefit arthritis patients who are more prone to be stressed, anxious and depressed.
Clary sage oil acts on the dopaminergic site (brain's reward and pleasure center) of the brain to relieve stress and provide relaxation.
A Korean study including 34 female patients proved that the anti-stress effects of clary sage were more compared with lavender oil. Clary sage was found to provide better relaxation than lavender .
Another trial on 22 patients identified the potent anti-depressant effects of clary sage oil by causing chemical changes in the neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the body that control the brain functions).
What does this mean? Clary sage oil provides anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects which can lead to relaxation i.e., one of the goals of non-medical arthritis therapy.
How to Use Clary sage Essential Oil - Dosage
Clary sage essential oil can be applied to the skin by mixing it with a carrier oil such as almond oil. For oral ingestion, mix 1 drop of this oil with a teaspoon oil carrier oil before ingestion.
Clary sage oil can be used by inhalation too. For this, add few drops of diluted oil to a diffuser and allow it to diffuse through a period of 15-20mins.
The dilution procedure given by the manufacturer must be followed.
For dilution of essential oils, the best procedure to be followed is the one that is given by the manufacturer or that explained by your physician or pharmacists.
Precautions
Clary sage oil has a long history of use in humans and is generally regarded as safe for human consumption.
Prior to skin application, apply the oil to a sensitive area (such as the inside of the upper arm) and observe for any reaction for 30 minutes. If there is no sign of irritation the oil is safe to be used in the skin.
Clary sage essential oil should not be used in pregnant women.
It is also not advised to be driving after consuming clary sage essential oil.
Epilepsy and hypertension patients must consult their physicians before taking this oil.
Conclusion
Clary sage is an aromatic herb that has profound medical benefits. It finds application in perfume industries and flavoring beverages.
Clary sage essential oil extends its utility in arthritis by reducing pain and to some extent reducing inflammation.
Depression and anxiety-ridden arthritis sufferers can use clary sage essential as an aid to relieve stress and anxiety which can keep depression at bay.
As a nature of all essential oil clary sage has antioxidant properties which can contribute to detoxification in the body.
However, it must be noted that the antioxidant feature of clary sage could be lesser than other sage varieties.
Owing to the history of use of clary sage and modern research studies, clary sage could be regarded as safe and beneficial in arthritis patients, especially to reduce pain and relieve anxiety or stress.