Clary Sage is a popular oil for cramps among women. 

In The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, author Salvatore Battaglia writes:

“Clary sage is one of the most important essential oils as a women’s remedy . . . Clary sage is renowned for the relief it brings to menstrual cramps because of its spasmolytic and analgesic action on the womb.”

He also says that Clary Sage oil remains important for women during childbirth and menopause.

The science of this popular oil for cramps

From a scientific standpoint, Clary Sage’s benefits are largely due to two components that help calm muscle spasms:

• Linalool

• Linalyl acetate

Linalool and linalyl acetate can each calm spasms individually. And when they show up side by side (like in Clary Sage!), they enhance one another’s effects. We call that working in synergy.

This is a cramp oil recipe with Clary Sage and three other popular oils for cramps: Roman Chamomile, Catnip and Bergamot. (Bergamot also features the linalool-linalyl acetate synergy!)

Clary Sage Synergy Cramp Oil

• 1 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)

Make this blend in a 1 oz (30 ml) bottle.

Combine your jojoba and essential oils in the bottle, and shake gently to blend all the ingredients. Massage it into your belly as needed when you have cramps.

About the other oils in this cramp calm recipe

Linalool and linalyl acetate aren’t the only natural components that can calm cramps. So I layered the recipe up with a few other oils for cramps to take the relief to the next level!

Catnip essential oil

Nepeta cataria

Catnip oil contains nepetalactones, which can calm your mind and body as one. (The more peaceful your mind is, the more your body can let go of tension.) That’s why Catnip is often included in anxiety-easing recipes.

Nepetalactones have also been shown to reduce inflammation, which means they can help soothe pain. 

Roman Chamomile essential oil

Chamaemelum nobile

Roman Chamomile is a traditional and popular oil for cramps! 

It’s rich in esters, a chemical family of molecules that can release muscle tension and soothe spasms. I love using Roman Chamomile in any blend for the belly. It has a talent for easing everything from cramps, to nausea, to indigestion. If your belly often needs support, Roman Chamomile can become a good friend to you.

Note: German Chamomile is not always a substitute for Roman Chamomile. The two oils are very different. Learn about their differences. 

Have you tried any of these popular oils for cramps?

I’d love to know your experience! Share them in the comments. You could help someone else who’s looking for guidance.

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.