I still need to write a whole post on my labor experience. It was crazy and beautiful at the same. Jude was 12 days late and we seriously tried every natural way to induce him. I wanted to let my body go Into labor naturally but my midwife would only let me go 14 days and then I would have to be released to the hospital and I did not want to go that route this time. So on day 12, we really took action which included breaking my water, using a balloon method, pumping, essential oils, walking, birthing ball, castor oil, and raspberry leaf tea. Basically all the things!

One of the things we did was use an essential oil called Clary Sage so I wanted to highlight it here for you today.

Clary Sage is a biennial or perennial herb that grows up to six feet in height. Clary Sage oil is known for its calming properties and benefits to the skin. The main chemical component of Clary Sage oil is linalyl acetate, part of the esters group, making it one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils.

It’s a powerful oil that women use to help bring on contractions when already in labor. This was the top oil that I used during my labor. (Disclaimer: I was under the supervision of my midwife and I was past the due date. Always consult your doctor or midwife before using this oil when pregnant.) The way my midwife suggested that I use this essential was topical. She had my husband rub several drops on my inner ankle and rub it with a carrier oil.

Are used to hate the smell of the soil but because I’ve used it so much at the end of my pregnancy, I actually enjoy it now.

When you’re not pregnant, here are some great ways to use this oil.

(See below)

This oil is amazing for women’s hormones. And it’s excellent to use at “that time of month”!

* Rub three to five drops of Clary Sage oil on the abdomen for a soothing massage.

* Combine Clary Sage oil with Roman Chamomile (another oil that I used to dislike the smell of but after using it in my homemade baby wipes, I’m in love with this oil and I think it’s beautiful) essential oil and add to bath water for a stress-relieving bath.

* Add Clary Sage oil to shampoo or hair conditioner to promote healthy hair and scalp.

* Combine Clary Sage essential oil with a carrier oil to massage, soothe, or rejuvenate skin.

Since we’re talking about essential oils during labor, let me share a few other favorites. Copaiba and Wild Orange were two of my top oils with John. While I was in labor, I had my husband drop a few drops under my tongue every few hours to help calm me down. If your hospital or midwife will let you diffuse during labor, frankincense and lavender would be my top choices.