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Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Aroma
Clary sage essential oil has a herbaceous, heavy and nutty aroma.
The plant
Clary sage is a flower that grows to about 2 foot tall, with a red stem and large heart-shaped wrinkled leaves. The petals are white/blue and end in a hard point, hence the Latin name ‘sclarea’ which is Greek for ‘Skeria’, meaning hardness. The plant is native to Europe, in particular France and Morocco, although also now cultivated in the United States.
The extraction
Clary sage oil is distilled from the fresh flowering tops and leaves by steam distillation.
Affects
Clary sage oil is a strong, warming and relaxing oil which is calming for nervous tension and head stress and is useful for helping calm down highly agitated states.
It is also helpful for a range of female complaints, as well as muscle health and balancing the digestive system.
When used on the skin, clary sage is useful for balancing oil secretions and for calming puffy skin. It has been said to be useful for encouraging appropriate hair growth.
As clary sage is a very relaxing oil caution is advised during driving. Consumption of alcohol should also be avoided as it can exaggerate the effects of alcohol, and in excess it can cause headaches and nausea.
History
Clary sage was known as ‘the eye of Christ’ in the Middle Ages and has always been revered for its great benefits. The oil was introduced into England in 1562.
Interesting fact
When clary sage was first introduced to Europe it was sometimes substituted for hops in brewing beer, and had an equally intoxicating affect... if not more so!
Chemical constituents
Linalool, Salviol (Alcohol), Linalyl acetate (Ester), Cineole (Ketone), Caryophyllene (Sesquiterpene).
Blending
Clary sage blends well with most oils, in particular lavender, citronella, grapefruit, geranium, sweet orange, frankincense and lemon.
