Clary sage is often referred as the go to essential oil for labour and birth.
Although research is pretty poor on the subject, some studies indicate that the use of clary sage - aka Salvia Sclarea - essential oil may increase uterine function and help relieve discomfort during labour. This has also been reported by midwives, doulas and mothers who've witnessed its use, or used it themselves during labour.
Being a natural uterotonic, clary sage essential oil can increase uterine blood flow and therefore encourage more effective labour surges (contractions).
Clary sage is also known to calm the nervous system, helping people feeling more relaxed during labour and therefore more comfortable. You can find out more about the tension-pain cycle in this post. A calm state also means that the body is able to release more Oxytocin which is the hormone responsible for strong and effective surges in the first place...
For the same reasons, clary sage may also have benefits for the third stage of labour - the birth of the placenta - and prevent heavy postpartum bleeding by encouraging oxytocin flow and helping the uterus to contact efficiently.
How to create an oil blend
Use the ratio of 2 drops of clary sage oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil - such as pure coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or virgin olive oil.
Using a similar ratio, you can choose to add other essential oils to your 'birth blend', such as lavender, orange, jasmine, rose, neroli or frankincense.
You can also buy ready-made blends that have been created by aromatherapists to support labour.
How can I use Clary Sage essential oil during labour?
Breathe
Use an aromatherapy stick, or put a couple of drops of your diluted blend on a cloth and hold to your face. Take a few deep (long and slow) inhales followed by slow and even longer exhales.
Repeat this as much as you want as long as it feels right and comfortable.
You can also use an essential oil diffuser in your birth space.
Soak
(before release of membranes)
Add a few drops of your diluted blend to your bath water.
Rub
Gently massage diluted blend to belly.
Birth partner to massage back of your calf, about 2 inches above your inner lower ankle bone.
What are the contraindications?
As mentioned above, there is very limited research on the benefits and risks of using clary sage essential oil during labour. Current expertise relies mainly on shared experiences and according to opinions and ancient wisdom, rather than on scientific evidence in this area.
Here is what general advice suggests:
Do not use during pregnancy, before reaching full term.
Do not use with a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean section), with a ‘low lying placenta’, or ‘for 30 minutes following ARM’ (Artificial Rupture of Membranes).
Always test on a small patch of skin (ideally at least 24 hours before using on skill or diluted in bath water).
Aromatherapy for childbirth survey
Overall how much do you think clary sage helps women and labour?
The average response to the question on a scale of between one and a hundred was 74.
Thoughts on how clary sage can help labour and why it is thought to work:
The following comments were offered in the 'following thoughts and advice' section.
"It works wonderfully to bring on or build uterine activity. A little amount goes a long way".
"It is also a very good relaxant and I noticed immediate effects of relaxation on myself and still do whenever I smell it".
"Clary sage helps stimulate contractions or surges very useful to induce labour especially following a membrane sweep".
"It has quite a sedating effect which potentially has a positive impact on reducing adrenaline and therefore aids oxytocin production".
"Ensure she is hydrated, nourished with energy foods, rested, relaxed, that the baby is well positioned (head not high, optimal positioning etc. if possible), using other oils to relax and support emotions first THEN try clary sage".
Read more about this small survey here.
Photo credits
Above: Eva Bronzini
Left: Labour Rollerball by Oyster & Olive