Clary Sage Oil for Labour Preparation

Clary sage oil has traditionally been used in the later stages of pregnancy as part of labour preparation and relaxation practices. Due to its traditionally recognised stimulating effects on the uterus, clary sage oil is generally not recommended before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Many women use clary sage oil during the final weeks of pregnancy or labour as part of a broader wellbeing and relaxation approach. It is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote calm, relaxation, and a sense of grounding during labour and birth.

What is Clary Sage Oil?

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is an essential oil derived from a flowering herb

traditionally used in aromatherapy and complementary health practices.

In aromatherapy, clary sage oil has traditionally been used to support:

Relaxation and stress reduction
Nervous system calming
Menstrual and hormonal wellbeing
Muscle relaxation
General emotional wellbeing

Some women also choose to use clary sage oil during labour preparation because of its traditional association with uterine activity and relaxation.

Clary Sage Oil & Labour

Clary sage oil has traditionally been used during labour due to its calming and grounding properties. Some women report that it helps create a more relaxed birthing environment and may support comfort during labour.

While clary sage oil is widely used by aromatherapists and birth practitioners, there is currently limited high-quality research on its effectiveness during labour and pregnancy.

Because clary sage oil may stimulate uterine activity, it is important that it is used cautiously and only in the later stages of pregnancy. Always speak with your midwife, obstetrician, or healthcare provider before using essential oils during pregnancy or labour.

How To Use Clary Oil During labour

Clary sage oil is very potent and needs be used correctly to prevent hyper-stimulation and other adverse side effects. There are several options on how to use clary sage oil to induce labour or during labour:-

Put 2 drops on a dry cloth or flannel and inhale.
Put 2 drops on a cotton ball and put under pillow or near where you are labouring.
Create a massage oil blend with the ratio of 2 drops of clary sage oil to a teaspoon of base oil (such as olive, coconut or grape seed oil). Other essential oils that work well with clary sage oil for massage include rose, neroli and lavender. Massage gently around the abdomen, hips, pelvis and lower back. This blend can also be rubbed into your feet and palms.
Use a combination of these techniques during labour to increase effectiveness
Massage 2 drops into certain acupressure points during or between contractions (which ever the pregnant person prefers).

Pressure point 1 – Spleen 6 – Inner ankle (see image) located one hand breadth from the centre of the ankle bone.

Pressure point 2 – Kidney 1 is located on the sole of the foot, approximately one-third of the way down from the base of the toes toward the heel.

How to use Clary Sage Oil before labour?

In the final weeks of pregnancy after 37 weeks gestation, some women choose to use clary sage oil as part of their birth preparation routine. Clary sage oil is highly concentrated and should always be diluted appropriately before use.

Some common aromatherapy methods used during labour preparation include:

Adding a few diluted drops to massage oil
Using in a diffuser
Applying diluted oil to pulse points or feet
Inhaling from a cloth or cotton pad

Many women combine clary sage oil with relaxation techniques, massage, breathing exercises, or acupuncture during labour preparation.

Safety Considerations

Essential oils are potent substances and should be used carefully during pregnancy.

Clary sage oil is generally avoided:

Before 37 weeks gestation
In early pregnancy
If advised against by your healthcare provider

Some people may experience skin irritation, headaches, nausea, or sensitivity to essential oils. Discontinue use if irritation or discomfort occurs.

Always consult your healthcare practitioner before using essential oils during pregnancy, particularly if you have a high-risk pregnancy or underlying medical condition.

Pregnancy Acupuncture & Labour Preparation

At Georgie Smith Acupuncture, I provide pregnancy acupuncture and labour preparation support for women across Clayfield and Brisbane Northside. Treatments are tailored to support relaxation, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing during the final stages of pregnancy.

If you are preparing for birth and would like support during late pregnancy, you are welcome to book a consultation.

For other methods of naturally inducing labour, check out our article on natural ways to induce labour