Traditional Chinese Medicine Use of Clary Sage

How TCM Interprets the Actions of This Essential Oil Massage Herb

May 7, 2009

Clary sage is familiar as an essential oil for massage. It also has value in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas as a Heart Blood mover and tonic and Liver Yin tonic.

The sage most commonly used in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhizae) but Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) has very similar, if somewhat milder effects. Both are Blood and Yin tonics which focus on the Liver and Heart.

Use of Clary Sage in Western Herbal Medicine and as a Massage Oil

In western herbal medicine, clary sage is considered valuable for calming and soothing emotions, relieving digestive upsets, easing female hormonal problems, and as a restorative for fatigue, stress and insomnia. Used topically as an essential oil for massage, clary sage is helpful in easing varicose veins.

How Clary Sage Fits TCM Assessment Patterns

These indications fit the common Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns of Blood Deficiency and Stagnation and Yin Deficiency resulting in Liver Yang Rising. More specifically, clary sage targets the Heart and Liver as defined in TCM.

Clary Sage as Blood Invigorator and Tonic Herb

Clary sage, with its calming properties suggests it is a Heart Blood tonic, as Heart Blood Deficiency is associated with insomnia and restlessness. As a general Blood tonic, clary sage has also been shown to ease menstrual symptoms, particularly in cases where there are irregular menses. Here its invigorating properties come into play as well. By helping the smooth flow of blood through the body, clary sage eases some of the painful aspects of irregular menses and PMS.

Because clary sage targets the Lower Jiao (lower third of the body), it is used in treating varicose veins and lower leg edema. Clary sage essential oils can be used as a regular massage oil or it can be applied at specific acupressure points for more focused local treatment.

Clary Sage as Liver Yin Tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Liver Yin Deficiency results in Liver Yang Rising, as there is not enough Yin to contain the Yang. Excessive Liver Yang is associated with irritability, agitation and tension headaches. In addition to including clary sage in the Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, acupressure points on the head and face may be treated with clary sage essential oil.

Clary sage acts to tonify the Liver Yin, which can ease agitation, restlessness and insomnia. It also helps to direct the Liver Yang downward, reducing certain types of headache and tension in the Upper Jiao.

Clary Sage Usage Cautions

Given that clary sage is a Blood Invigorator it should be used with caution, if at all, during pregnancy, especially as it has its strongest effects in the Lower Jiao. Before beginning any herbal treatment, oral or topical, individuals should consult their physician.

Sources:

Holmes, Peter, L.Ac., M.H. Clary Sage Essential Oil Profile of a Versatile Blood an Yin Tonic. Golden Flower Chinese Herbs News. Spring 2009.

Wicke, R.W., Ph.D. Traditional Chinese Herbal Science Volume 1: The Language and Patterns of Life, 5th Edition.1994. Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute

The copyright of the article Traditional Chinese Medicine Use of Clary Sage in Chinese Medicine is owned by Dawn M. Smith. Permission to republish Traditional Chinese Medicine Use of Clary Sage in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.