Clary Sage Essential Oil for Labour: Benefits, Safety and How to Use It

This guest blog was written for us by Kirsty - Aromatherapist and founder of Take  Five Aromatherapy

As you step into the final stages of pregnancy, every choice becomes about one thing - feeling as calm, supported and deeply connected to your body as you can, as it prepares to bring your baby earth-side. 

Many expectant mamas are curious about using Clary Sage during these final weeks of pregnancy, usually from the mixture of excitement and anticipation of meeting their baby very soon, and an internal or external pressure to have given birth before a certain date. 

Clary Sage has long been treasured for its beautifully heady, herbaceous fragrance and its unique ability to both relax the mind while gently supporting the body during labour. 

Emotionally, it is known to bring a sense of balance, empowerment and calm - a welcome anchor during such a powerful and transformative time. 

Physically, it works with the body by gently toning the uterine muscles and enhancing the natural surges of labour.

While this probably sounds like a highly appealing oil to smother yourself in, it’s important to understand that because Clary Sage is known to stimulate and strengthen uterine surges, very occasionally this can encourage surges/contractions to begin earlier than your body or baby may be quite ready for.

For this reason, we gently advise holding off regular use of the oil until 37+ weeks of pregnancy / full term, or until early signs of labour have begun, either spontaneously or by medical induction.

Once labour is underway, Clary Sage becomes a beautiful anchor. Inhaling the scent between surges can help the uterine muscles work more effectively, supporting the rhythm of labour while also calming the nervous system and easing tension through each wave. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to feel held and supported while your body is doing the most incredible work.

When & How to Use Clary Sage Safely

Our number one advice while using Clary Sage topically (on the skin/in the bath), especially during pregnancy, would be to dilute your oil to a safe level, or to purchase a pre-diluted essential oil. This is because during pregnancy hormonal changes make our skin much more sensitive, and oils that you may usually tolerate well could cause irritation.  

Our pre-diluted 'Final Stage Clary Sage' rollerball makes it easy to apply your oil as often as needed in any birthing scenario. It can be rolled directly onto pulse points; the lower back, tummy, wrists, temples or behind the ears, and inhaled deeply in between surges. 

You can also create a calm, familiar birthing environment at home by using our Clary Sage bath oil (before waters have broken), lighting our candles or diffusing the pure essential oil on its own.

Our 'Final Stage Clary Sage' blend has been certified as safe to use from 37+ weeks of pregnancy when used as directed. However, as with any aromatherapy product during pregnancy and birth, we always recommend speaking with your midwife if you have any individual health concerns before use.

Additional Gentle, Natural Ways to Tone the Uterus

Alongside aromatherapy, many mamas love to support their bodies with gentle, natural uterine tonics in the weeks leading up to birth. One of the most well-loved is raspberry leaf tea - traditionally used from the third trimester to help tone and strengthen the uterine muscles in preparation for labour.

Unlike Clary Sage, raspberry leaf tea is considered a slower, nourishing tonic rather than a stimulant, making it a beautiful daily ritual to introduce gradually from around 32–34 weeks (or as advised by your midwife). It works gently in the background, helping the uterus feel supported, resilient and ready for the powerful work of birth.

Using raspberry leaf tea in the weeks leading up to labour and reserving Clary Sage for the very final stages / once labour begins creates a lovely balance - softly preparing the body first, then calling in Clary Sage when your surges are ready to be strengthened and supported.

Founded by Kirsty in 2019, Take Five Aromatherapy began with a passion for creating natural, soothing candles. After completing advanced aromatherapy courses, Kirsty expanded her range to include bespoke blends that nurture wellbeing. Today, her award-winning brand has been recognised with Gold and Silver honours from Made for Mums and named Best Natural Aromatherapy Products Manufacturer 2024 by Lux Life