Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Recent research found that inhaling clary sage essential oil had an improvement on biological markers in the body for depression.
Clinical depression is a group of symptoms that include feelings of sadness, loss, anger or frustration that impair an individual’s ability to function in everyday life (1, 2). With the increase in popularity of aromatherapy, many are turning to essential oils to help with depression. Recent research found that inhaling clary sage essential oil had an improvement on biological markers in the body for depression (1).
Previous studies have found essential oils to be beneficial for depression (3) because they react with nerves in the nose that connect to the regions of the brain associated with mood (limbic system via the amygdalae and hippocampus) and can cross the blood brain barrier (4). But this is the first study of its kind to investigate biological markers for depression after inhaling clary sage oil (1).
The study included 22 menopausal women who were divided into a normal tendency (those without depression) or a depression tendency group (those with depression) (1). After a blood sample was taken, the women inhaled clary sage oil (0.1 mL) on a piece of gauze for 5 minutes. Then 30 minutes later, a second blood sample was taken (1) and analyzed for three different biomarkers that are regarded as a major cause for depression:
- 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) also known as seratonin, which is decreased in depression
- Cortisol levels, which are increased during stressful situations and depression
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which is decreased during depression.
All participants self-reported their depression symptoms based on three different surveys (Beck Depression Inventory -I (KBDI-I), Beck Depression Inventory- II (KBDI-II) and the Self-rating Depression Scale (KSDS)). The following results were observed:
Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or Seratonin:
| Inventory | Group | After Inhaling Clary Sage Oil |
|---|---|---|
| KBD I-I | Normal tendency (n=10) | Increased by 341% |
| Depression tendency (n=8) | Increased by 484% | |
| KBD I-II | Normal tendency (n=10) | Increased by 828% |
| Depression tendency (n=12) | Increased by 257% | |
| KSDS | Normal tendency (n=11) | Increased by 530% |
| Depression tendency (n=7) | Increased by 622% |
p<0.05 for all results compared to baseline
Average change in cortisol levels:
| Inventory | Group | After Inhaling Clary Sage Oil |
|---|---|---|
| KBD I-II | Normal tendency (n=10) | Decreased by 31% |
| Depression tendency (n=12) | Decreased by 16% | |
| KSDS | Normal tendency (n=11) | Decreased by 36% |
| Depression tendency (n=7) | Decreased by 8.3% |
p<0.05 for all results compared to baseline
*There was no significant change in the KBDI-I inventory group.
After inhalation of clary sage oil, TSH was improved across all groups but did not reach statistical significance compared to baseline or between groups (1).
In conclusion, inhaling clary sage oil for 5 minutes improved symptoms of depression and biological markers for depression, including seratonin and cortisol levels in both the normal tendency and depressed tendency groups (1). Due to the small sample size in this study, more research should be conducted to determine if the results can be extrapolated to a larger population (1).
Source: Lee, Kyung‐Bok, Eun Cho, and Young‐Sook Kang. “Changes in 5‐hydroxytryptamine and Cortisol Plasma Levels in Menopausal Women After Inhalation of Clary Sage Oil.” Phytotherapy Research 28.11 (2014): 1599-1605.
© 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Lee, et al. Changes in 5-hydroxytrytamine and Cortisol Plasma Levels in Menopausal Women after Inhalation of Clary Sage Oil. 2014. Phytother. Res. 28: 1599-1605.
- Seol GH, et al. Antidepressant-like effect of Saivia sclera is explained by modulation of dopamine activities in rats. 2010. J Ethnopharmacology 130:187-190.
- Heuberger, E. Effects of essential oils in the central nervous system. Handbook of Essential Oils. CRC Press: New York. 2010; 1-975.
- Valerie AW. The Fragrant Mind. New World Library: Novato, California. 1996, 26.
