Testing....
If you’ve hit the “I am so done” stage of late pregnancy, you’ve probably seen clary sage for labor all over social media, doula threads, and mom forums. It’s usually framed as a “natural induction” trick — diffuse it, add it to a bath, rub it on your feet — and then… labor starts.
But does clary sage induce labor in a reliable, evidence-backed way? The most accurate answer is: we have a plausible “why,” a few small human studies showing hormonal changes (sometimes), and broader evidence that aromatherapy can reduce anxiety and pain — but we do not have strong proof that clary sage consistently starts labor on its own. Large reviews of aromatherapy in labor generally find modest reductions in anxiety and pain, but not clear evidence of direct “induction” [*].
Still, there may be a useful role for clary sage and labor support, especially when you’re already at term and close. Below is the science, the “why,” and the practical “how,” including how to use clary sage to induce labor and where to apply clary sage for inducing labor safely.
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is an herb. Its essential oil is distilled from the plant and contains aromatic compounds like linalyl acetate and linalool, which are associated with calming effects in aromatherapy research of clary sage essential oil [*].
While it’s often marketed as a way to “stimulate labor,” it’s more accurate to view it as a tool that may influence the stress, hormone environment your body needs for labor to progress smoothly [*].
This matters because labor isn’t just “contractions” — it’s a coordinated cascade involving [*]:
So when people talk about clary sage pregnancy use at the end of the third trimester, the real question is whether it can help your body shift into a labor-friendly state, not whether it’s a guaranteed “start button.”
It may support the physiology of labor when your body is already ready (term pregnancy, cervix already ripening, baby in a good position), primarily through relaxation and stress reduction, with limited evidence for direct induction [*].
In other words, clary sage probably won’t “start” labor on its own, but if your body is already getting ready at term, it may help by calming your system and supporting the hormones involved.
Here are the three main reasons people think it could help:
Oxytocin helps coordinate uterine contractions. Stress hormones (like adrenaline) can interfere with oxytocin release and the body’s ability to settle into rhythmic contractions [*]. Aromatherapy works through the olfactory system and limbic system (emotion/stress pathways), which is why it’s commonly used for relaxation and coping [*].
A pilot feasibility study in term pregnancies explored inhalation of clary sage oil and measured salivary oxytocin/cortisol. Oxytocin increased in some participants, but uterine contractions were not observed, and the sample size was tiny — so it’s not proof of induction [*].
A more recent study using an aromatherapy footbath (clary sage + lavender) found oxytocin increased after the footbath in that group, but differences vs. control weren’t clearly significant, and there were no significant differences in contractions, again suggesting “possible hormonal nudges,” not consistent induction [*].
Systematic reviews suggest aromatherapy can help reduce maternal anxiety and pain during labor — useful benefits, but different from “starting labor” [*].
Before anything: most safety guidance recommends avoiding clary sage until term due to its potential effects on uterine action.
Think of these as ways to use clary sage oil for labor to support relaxation and early labor coping (and potentially support the hormonal environment), not as a guarantee [*].
A gentle, low-contact option.
Why it may help: calming sensory input can reduce stress and support a more oxytocin-friendly state [*].
Good for: moments when anxiety spikes, or you feel tense and “stuck” [*].
If you’re using clary sage on skin, dilution is non-negotiable.
Massage itself is part of the benefit: touch lowers tension and supports coping [*].
Oil and water don’t mix, so pre-mix first.
This mirrors how some studies tested aromatherapy footbaths (though protocols vary) [*].
If you’re looking up where to apply clary sage for inducing labor, focus on areas that are safe for diluted topical oils and helpful for relaxation [*]:
Areas to avoid include [*]:
WebMD also emphasizes that clary sage is “powerful” and should never be directly rubbed on skin without caution/dilution [*].
Even if it doesn’t “induce,” it can still help in meaningful ways.
Lower anxiety can reduce stress hormones that interfere with oxytocin, especially if you’re hovering in early labor and keep tightening up [*].
Aromatherapy is more consistently supported as a complementary tool for pain and anxiety management than for induction itself [*].
Labor often progresses better when your brain perceives safety and calm (dim lights, warm shower, steady breathing). A familiar scent paired with relaxation rituals can reinforce that state — especially when you’re tired and overstimulated [*].
Clary sage is often used for relaxation in late pregnancy, but essential oils are still concentrated products — so it’s important to use them cautiously and follow basic safety rules, especially when you’re close to labor [*].
Avoid clary sage (or get explicit medical guidance first) [*]:
These aren’t proven “induction” tools, but are often used for comfort [*]:
Not reliably. Studies show possible oxytocin changes in some settings, but not consistent contraction changes or labor onset [*].
Most guidance suggests avoiding it until term; near term, it may support relaxation and labor coping [*].
Because it may influence uterine activity and isn’t well-studied across all trimesters [*].
A conservative approach is 1–2 drops, pre-mixed with carrier oil or unscented bath base [*].
No reliable timeline. If labor starts soon after, your body may have already been ready [*].
Yes: overuse can trigger nausea, headaches, irritation, and may be too stimulating [*].
Clary sage to induce labor is best understood as a term-only, caution-first aromatherapy option that may support relaxation and coping — and may possibly nudge the hormonal environment if your body is already close. It is not a dependable substitute for medically guided induction when induction is needed.
If you use it: keep it simple, keep it diluted, and keep your provider in the loop.
If you’re looking into clary sage for labor, you’re probably in “let me get everything ready now so I’m not scrambling later” mode. Cord blood and cord tissue banking are similar — it’s a choice that’s easiest to make before labor starts, because collection can only happen at birth.
MiracleCord lets you set it up ahead of time by sending a cord blood collection kit that you bring to the hospital or birth center. After your baby is born (and the cord is clamped and cut), your provider collects the cord blood and cord tissue using the kit. Then simply call to request your pickup with the medical courier. The are available 24/7/365 and will transport the collection kit directly to MiracleCord's lab for processing and long-term storage.
MiracleCord uses AXP® II automated processing (with a 99% cell recovery), and its lab is FDA registered, CLIA certified, and AABB accredited.
Want to see if it makes sense for your family? Call 888.743.2673 today or request your free information kit today and give your family future protection.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.The materials and information contained on the MiracleCord website is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis, and should not be used as such. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. If you are seeking personal medical advice, you should consult with a licensed physician. Always consult with a qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition.
Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound and personal experience. As you prepare for labor and delivery, you might be thinking about how to make this moment as s
Read Full Article
For women in their final, uncomfortable weeks of pregnancy, the delivery day can’t come soon enough. The Internet is chock full of ideas to get the ball rolling. S
Read Full Article
Pregnancy comes with a long list of “what-ifs,” but one of the more surprising ones is this: Can you really be in labor and not know it? The answer is yes &m
Read Full Article