Effects of Inhaling Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea L.) Essential Oil on Dysmenorrhea-Related Symptoms, Salivary Antioxidant Capacity, and Hormone Levels in Female Collegiate Athletes: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Many female athletes experience menstrual cycle issues. We investigated clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) essential oil inhalation’s effect on dysmenorrhea-related symptoms, antioxidant capacity, and salivary hormone levels in female collegiate athletes. This randomized crossover trial included 20 female collegiate athletes (mean age: 20.2 ± 1.2 years). The participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: clary sage essential oil (intervention) or water (control) inhalation. Each condition lasted for one menstrual cycle, with inhalation administered at bedtime for 60 min using a diffuser. Dysmenorrhea-related symptoms and their impact on athletic performance were assessed using a visual analog scale. Biochemical analyses included salivary antioxidant capacity and cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone level measurements. Data from 12 participants who completed the study were analyzed. Compared with water inhalation, clary sage essential oil inhalation significantly reduced menstrual pain, sleep disturbances, irritability, and anxiety (all p < 0.05). The impact of dysmenorrhea-related symptoms on performance and total symptom scores was also significantly lower in the intervention condition than in the control condition (both p < 0.05). Additionally, salivary antioxidant capacity was significantly higher following clary sage essential oil inhalation than after water inhalation (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the salivary cortisol, estradiol, or progesterone levels between the intervention and control conditions. Clary sage essential oil inhalation may be an effective nonpharmacological approach for alleviating dysmenorrhea-related symptoms and enhancing antioxidant capacity in female collegiate athletes. The results highlight its potential as a noninvasive and easy-to-use daily method for managing menstrual symptoms.