All About Clary Sage
Clary Sage is one of the heaviest essential oils, high in sesquiterpenes that give it a long lasting aroma. It is an excellent essential oil for blending in perfumery as a base note. The aroma smells like dancing forest elves - green, deep, slightly smoky, and a frolicking celebration of all that is earthy. The aroma has been researched for its anxiety reducing possibilities. Its sclareol constituent has an estrogenic like effect that may aid in menopause and menstrual complaints.
Fun Fact
Clary sage is a lot less reactive than common sage. This is because common sage is composed of ketones, while clary sage is made up mostly of esters such as linalyl acetate!
Clary Sage Research
A few dozen research articles have been catalogued on clary sage. Most research is on its anxiolytic potential. It has also been researched for its hormonal effect, and may help reduce symptoms of menopause and menstrual pains. The plant has also shown antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal potential and may be a useful antioxidant with cancer and tumor reducing potential. More research is warranted. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Clary Sage Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Salvia sclarea
Family: Lamiaceae
Other Common Names
- Other common names: clary, clary wort, clear eye, esalarea, muscatel sage, see bright
- Not to be confused with sage (Salvia officinalis and other Latin names)
Plant Description
Clary sage is an herbal plant that reaches up to four foot in height with thick square hairy stems. Leaves are purplish and hairy. There are many chemo-variations of clary sage according to growth locations including the Meditteranean, United States, Soviet Union, Morocco, and France.
Herb Description
Leaves are prepared fresh or dried. For making a tea, steep 1 Tbsp of dried herb, or 2 Tbsp of fresh herb in 2 cups of boiled water for five minutes. Strain and drink.
Essential Oil Description
Clary sage is steam distilled, or made as an absolute or solvent extraction from the flower tops. Essential oil is colorless, non-oily, and dries quickly. It is a sweet, rich, herbaceous, fixative often used in perfumery. Absolutes and solvent extracts are much higher in the sclareol constituent than the steam distilled essential oil.
Key Constituents
- Linalyl acetate
- Linalool / Beta Linalool / Linalyl Alcohol / Linalyl Oxide
- Germacrene D
- Beta Caryophyllene
- Sclareol
