Clary Sage

Product Details

Botanical name

Salvia sclarea

Extraction method / Source

Steam distillation / flowering tops

Aroma

Sweet, fruity, floral, herbaceous

Note

Middle, Base

Odor Intensity

3

Key constituents

Linalyl acetate, Linalool, Germacrene D, Caryophyllene

Plant description

Botanical family: Laminaceae or Labiatae (mint)

Clary sage is a perennial, and in some cases biennial herb. It grows to a height of about 3 - 4 feet, produces velvety grey-green heart shaped leaves and has whorls of pink, white, or pale blue flowers, depending on the variety. It is cultivated in Europe, Morocco, Russia, and the USA.

Regions of Production

France

Growing Practices

Cultivated without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides

History / Fun Facts

The name Clary Sage was derived from the Latin sclarea, meaning "clear", and was gradually modified to Clear Eye. It has been suggested that the name thus evolved because the herb was used to clear mucus from the eyes. Newer medical research data demonstrates that Clary Sage naturally raises estrogen and progesterone levels.

Properties

Antidepressant, antispasmodic, deodorant, emmenagogue, estrogenic, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, tonic, uterine stimulant (Battaglia, 2003).

Please refer to the Glossary for terms which may be new to you.

Uses / Benefits

Helps relieve PMS and menstrual discomfort, promotes menstruation and hormonal balance. Useful in managing the symptoms of menopause - try a blend with Geranium Rose for foot soak or in the bath. Beneficial as a physical and emotional relaxant during the childbirth process. Reduces nervous tension, anxiety and stress, and promotes restful sleep. Helps in the management of asthma by reducing bronchial spasms and relieving the anxiety associated with respiratory distress. Recommended for oily skin, greasy hair and dandruff, and can help prevent excessive sweating. Used in natural perfume making.

Fragrant influences

Calming, enhances dreaming, promotes restful sleep, stimulates creativity, relieves stress. Helps relieve depression associated with nervous starin and chronic tension. Helpful for grief management during bereavement or grief associated with loss (Battaglia, 2003; Mojay, 1997)

Modes of Administration

Topical: massage, compress, bath, skin care

Inhalation: direct inhalation, aromatherapy inhaler, diffuser or oil vaporizer

Blends well with

Bay, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Coriander, Cypress, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Tea Tree

Safety

Non toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Some sources recommend not using Clary Sage while pregnant, however Robert Tisserand states it presents no danger during pregnancy at the doses used in aromatherapy.

Notice

This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease, and should not take the place of evaluation by a qualified health professional. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Precautions

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.

References

Althea Press, Essential Oils: Natural Remedies, 2015. Althea Press, Berkeley, CA.

Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, 2003. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal, 2002. Prentice Hall Press, New York, NY.

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing with Essential Oils, 2015. Floramed Publishing, The Woodlands, TX.

England, Allison, Aromatherapy for Mother and Baby, 1994. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Green, Mindy, Natural Perfumes, 1999. Interweave Press, Loveland, CO.

International Fragrance Research Association, http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards (January 5, 2016).

Mojay, Gabriel, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, 1997. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, (English translation)1998. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Schnaubelt, Kurt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Aromatherapy, 2011. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Tisserand, Robert and Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition, 2014. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, New York, NY.

Tourles, Stephanie L, Hands On Healing Remedies, 2012. Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA.

United States Food and Drug Administration, HHS, 182.1 Substances That Are Generally Recognized as Safe, 182.20 Essential oils, Oleoresins (solvent-free), and natural extractives (including distillates), http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/CFR-2012-title21-vol3-sec182 (January 28, 2016)

TIMELESS Essential Oils guarantees the purity and quality of all our therapeutic oils.  The current Certificate of Analysis is available upon request.  All essential oils are best stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.