Clary Sage

Overview

From May to September, clary sage (Salvia sclarea) blooms with hardy whorls of pale blue, purple, or pink blossoms atop long spikes. The flowers are surrounded by heart-shaped green leaves with soft, fuzzy surfaces. This biennial or perennial plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and grows 3-5 feet tall. Native to southern France, Italy, and Syria, clary sage is now cultivated worldwide, especially in Mediterranean climates, central Europe, England, Morocco, Russia, and the United States. The best oils come from England, France, and Morocco. Steam distillation of the flowering tops and leaves produces a colourless or pale yellowish-green oil with a sweet, fresh, clean aroma, featuring warm, herblike, nutty, and balsamic undertones.

Emotional Effects

Clary sage is known for balancing emotions and restoring equilibrium. It alleviates melancholy, depression, fear, and nervousness, acting as a tonic for the nervous system. It enhances concentration, stimulates mental activity, and inspires creativity and intuition. In stressful situations, clary sage oil calms nerves, reduces tension, and minimises the effects of stress-related disorders, often inducing a state of euphoria. Many consider it an aphrodisiac, and it has been used to treat frigidity and impotence.

Principal Properties

Euphoric | Relaxing | Intoxicating

Aroma

Sweet | Heady | Floral