COMMON NAME: Sage, Clary, Clary, Clary Wort, Muscatel Sage

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salvia sclarea

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Southern Europe

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: USA, Mediterreran, Russia, Britian, Morocco

HISTORY INFORMATION: Clarus is a Latin word meaning clear and possibly refers to Clary's ability to clear mucous from the eyes. In the Middle Ages, Clary was used to aid digestion and promote kidney function. In the 1500's it was used for brewing ale with the hope that the ale would be more intoxicating. It does seem that Clary does increase the effects of alcohol. Clary is known to contain a chemical (sclareol) that is similar to estrogen. It is useful in helping with sexual problems, menstrual discomfort, and premenstrual tension. It is reported that Clary can reduce epileptic seizures. Primarily Clary is a fragrance oil and very little noted evidence of medical properties.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Sage and Clary sage are similar in that they belong to the salvia plant, but in terms of scent and usage, they are very different. I like to refer to this plant as Clary because it avoids confusion and one is not apt to think they can be interchanged. There are several chemotypes. French type tends to be high in linalool and lower in linalyl acetate. I have not found a clear description of the other types. This oil is primarily a fragrance oil.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A perennial herb growing to 5ft high with long hair green-purple leaves with small blue, white, or pink flowers. The plant has several bracts on one stem and the aroma is potent.

PARTS PROCESSED: Flowering top of plant with leaves, dried.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Clear to yellow-green.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Ester. Linalyl acetate to 75%, linalool, pinene, myrcene, sclareol . Very complex

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, antisudorific, aphrodisiac, astringent, balsamic, calmative, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, emollient, estrogenic, euphoriant, fixative, healing( skin), hypotensor, nervine, refreshing, relaxant, regenerator (skin), sedative, stimulant (uterine contractions), stomachic, tonic, uplifting, warming. Used to improve digestion, calm, relieve stress and tension, promote restful sleep, uplift moods, increase sexual strength, relieve menstrual pain and cramps, and regulate the female reproductive system.

MENTAL USES: I am letting go of intolerant attitudes. I please others and they please me. Everything is OK. I make the decisions that are right for me.

EMOTIONAL USES: Depressed, tense, fearful, paranoia, tired TO open, tolerant of self and others, in love with life.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you are hurt and in emotional pain. Life may no longer be full of joy and love for you. You are at a point in your life where you want to feel again and you want to feel good. Clary Sage clears (legal or illegal) drug residues from the energy field. It heals the energy field of damage from perfectionist or rigid ideals.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, compress, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray, tea, tummy rub.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, large doses can induce narcotic effect, do not use with alcohol or in pregnancy, avoid if estrogen is a problem.