Clary Sage
Latin Name
Figure 1: Clary sage Salvia sclarea at the College’s herb garden in Portland, Oregon. Image by American College of Healthcare Sciences. © 2004
Salvia sclarea (L.)
Family
Lamiaceae
Common Names
Clary sage S. sclarea is also called clary, clary wort, common clary, and clear eye.
Sources
The majority of clary sage S. sclarea oil is produced in China and Russia, with smaller quantities coming from Morocco, the south of France, England, and the United States.
Do not confuse clary sage S. sclarea with sage Salvia officinalis (L.). Salvia officinalis has purple flowers and smoother-edged leaves than clary sage.
Images
Note: This image set is dynamically generated from photos uploaded to flickr tagged with the Latin binomial. This list is dynamic, so the images change as new images are uploaded. While most of the photos are likely to be of this botanical, there is also a good chance that some of them have been mislabeled by flickr users. This is an authentic and valuable opportunity to enhance your critical thinking and identification skills as there are many “look a likes” in nature and out in the digital ‘wild’ of flickr.
History
Clary sage S. sclarea was used extensively during the Middle Ages as an addition to wine and was used as a substitute for hops to produce a bitter and intoxicating beer. The English name clary originates from the Latin sclarea derived from clarus, meaning “clear.” The name “clear eye” refers to the tradition of soaking the seeds in water and then using the soaking water to clear foreign bodies from the eyes.
Parts Used
Figure 2: Clary sage Salvia sclarea
The oil is extracted from the fresh flowering tops or calyces, which are the most oil-rich part of S. sclarea. The lower leaves and stalks are not used. Also, it is best not to distill when it is setting seed. If the oil is distilled at this stage it reduces the yield and it has a different constituent profile. Seed oil has been shown to contain thujone[1].
There is also a cold-pressed clary sage S. sclarea seed oil, which is taken as a dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplement. This should not be confused with clary sage S. sclarea essential oil[2][3].
Cultivation
Clary sage S. sclarea is generally propagated by seed and is a biennial, so plants should be raised annually for an uninterrupted supply. A tall plant, it is often cultivated as an ornamental in perennial gardens. It prefers dry soil with a high elevation and plenty of sun. If the soil is too rich or too moist, the plant grows a lot of stalk without many flowers, which greatly reduces the essential oil yield. It grows well with lavender L. angustifolia, as they like similar growing conditions.
Harvesting & Production
The plant is harvested about one foot above the ground. The yield is an average of 40 pounds of oil per acre. Oil production can also be done by solvent extraction rather than by steam distillation, which is said to produce a considerably lower yield.
Remember that a solvent extraction will have a different constituent profile from a steam-distilled essential oil, so if you ever use a solvent-extracted clary sage S. sclarea check the constituent analysis.
Characteristics
Open your sample of clary sage S. sclarea. See if you can identify the following. Note your own experience of the aroma, color, and feel in your notebook.
Active Constituents
Clary sage S. sclarea contains:
Up to 65% linalyl acetate (approximately), an ester. Esters are effective antispasmodics and are also anti-inflammatory.
9-20% linalool (approximately), a monoterpene, which has an antiseptic action.
3-9% germacrene D (approximately), another ester.
A range of constituents in smaller quantities.
NOTE: Russian clary sage may have a somewhat different constituent profile. This is true, however, of all essential oils. Just like with wine, the constituent makeup varies depending on where the essential oils are grown, and how they are harvested, produced, and stored.
Storage
As with all essential oils, clary sage S. sclarea should be stored at cool temperatures and in well-filled containers protected from light.
Therapeutic Uses
Clary sage S. sclarea essential oil may provide support for: Anxiety, depression, headache, insect repellent, lack of energy, low libido, migraine, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful periods, sore throat, and throat infections.
Clary sage S. sclarea is said to be an adrenal gland tonic, helping to stimulate, energize, and strengthen the body. For low energy or low libido, use two to three drops of clary sage S. sclarea essential oil in a bath three times a week. If full baths cannot be taken, use a bowl and soak the feet.
A research study with rats documented clary sage S. sclarea essential oil’s antidepressant effects[4]. Clary sage S. sclarea has traditionally been known for its uplifting and euphoric actions. Because of these actions, clary sage S. sclarea is useful for depression and anxiety. Diffuse the oil or use two to three drops in a bath.
Clary sage S. sclarea is an antispasmodic, helping to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions and spasms. This action can be useful in cases of headache or migraines. Rub one drop of clary sage S. sclarea essential oil into the temple (avoiding eyes) and one drop into the hollow at the base of the neck, just below the hairline.
Clary sage S. sclarea is an astringent; it contracts tissues, making them denser and firmer, and arrests discharges. This action is useful for relieving sore throats. Use one drop of clary sage S. sclarea essential oil (this may be blended with one drop of bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia) in one cup of boiled water and gargle three times a day.
Further, clary sage S. sclarea is antibacterial, destroying or suppressing the growth or reproduction of bacteria[5][6]. This action is useful for throat infections. Use one drop of clary sage S. sclarea essential oil (this may be blended with one drop of bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia) with one cup of boiled water and gargled three times daily.
Clary sage S. sclarea essential oil was found to be effective as an insect repellent against the Tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, which is know to carry and spread diseases through its bite[7].
In addition, clary sage S. sclarea is an emmenagogue, toning the female reproductive organs and regulating menstrual flow. This action combined with clary sage S. sclarea essential oil’s antispasmodic action makes it very useful for painful periods, PMS, and low libido. In a study, 48 outpatients diagnosed with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) were given an aromatherapy blend of clary sage S. sclarea, lavender L. angustifolia, and marjoram O. majorana essential oils diluted in a cream base. After applying the aromatherapy cream to their low backs and abdomens daily for one month, these patients had a decrease in the duration of pain they experienced with their next menstrual cycles[8]. For painful periods or missed periods, use two to three drops of clary sage S. sclarea essential oil in a bath. Or, use two drops of clary sage S. sclarea essential oil in one ounce of sweet almond oil and massage the abdomen counter clockwise. Hot compresses can also be used over the uterus; use three drops in one cup of hot water.
Household Uses
Clary sage S. sclarea is great for entertaining and creates a warm, friendly atmosphere. Use a few drops of clary sage S. sclarea oil in a lamp ring or diffuser to lighten the atmosphere in a room. It is also beneficial to add to bath water for a relaxing, euphoric bath.
In flavors, the coriander-like notes of clary sage S. sclarea oil are used in liqueurs and other drinks.
Perfumery
Clary sage S. sclarea was extremely popular in France as a perfume fixative, and it is still used in perfumery for its exceptional holding power. It has a very warming fragrance reminiscent of ambergris.
Oils that blend well with clary sage include:
Clary sage S. sclarea blends well with bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia, cardamom E. cardamomum, cedarwood Atlas C. atlantica and cedarwood Virginia J. virginiana, clove bud S. aromaticum, coriander C. sativum, cypress C. sempervirens, frankincense Boswellia spp., geranium P. graveolens, grapefruit C. paradisi, jasmine J. grandiflorum, lavender L. angustifolia, lavandin L. intermedia, lemon C. limonum, lime C. aurantifolia, neroli C. aurantium var. amara, petitgrain (bitter orange) C. aurantium, sandalwood S. album, and sweet orange C. sinensis.
When blended with frankincense Boswellia spp., clary sage S. sclarea gives an amber-like Oriental note. It imparts a unique top note, but it also acts as a base note and helps to fix an aroma. It is useful in soaps where a high-grade fixative is required.
Cautions & Contraindications
Clary sage S. sclarea has FDA Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the U.S.[9]
Use clary sage S. sclarea oil with caution during pregnancy. Only use it after the first trimester.
Historically, clary sage S. sclarea essential oil was thought to have a hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effect. This is supported by a 2013 study showing a significant decrease in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure[10].
Cary sage S. sclarea contains sclareol, which may have estrogenic activity. There is no evidence supporting this activity but be aware, sclareol content varies considerably and can be higher if the oil is obtained via solvent or CO2 extraction[11].
Tisserand confirms there is not enough evidence to state that clary sage is estrogenic[12]. However, until there is more information showing sclareol does not have estrogenic activity, the author recommends avoiding clary sage where there is a history of estrogen-dependent cancer and endometriosis.
Also, some aromatherapy publications have stated that clary sage is effective for epilepsy, while others state it should never be used. Epilepsy is a serious condition that should only be treated by a qualified healthcare practitioner. While there is no evidence that clary sage should be contradicted in the case of epilepsy, there have been reports of thujone being present in clary sage if it is distilled when it is setting seed, in which case it should be avoided as thujone is a central nervous system stimulant[13][14].
Cary sage S. sclarea can cause skin sensitivity, so ensure that finished products contain no more than .25%[15].
It can also be narcotic in doses above the Recommended Daily Dosage (RDD).
Formulas
Relaxing Bath
Clary sage Salvia sclarea oil: 3 drops
Ylang ylang Cananga odorata var. genuina oil: 2 drops
Fill bath first; then add the blend. Swirl the bathwater with your hand to mix the oils before entering the bath, and then immerse yourself for a wonderful, relaxing soak.
Refreshing Air Diffuser
Put three to four drops of clary sage S. sclarea essential oil into warm water and into your diffuser. Place the diffuser on your bedside table or on your desk at the office.
Notes and References
[1] Saharkhiz, M., Ghani, A., & Hassanzadeh-Khayyat, M. (2009). Changes in Essential Oil Content and Composition of Clary Sage (Salvia sclera) Aerial Parts During Different Phenological Stages. Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Science and Biotechnology, 3(1):90-93.
[2] Gross, M., Nesher, E., Tikhonov, T., Raz, O., & Pinhasov, A. (2013). Chronic food administration of Salvia sclarea oil reduces animals’ anxious and dominant behavior. J Med Food., 16(3):216-22.
[3] Yalcin, H., Ozturk, I., Tulukcu, E., & Sagdic, O. (2011). Effect of γ-irradiation on bioactivity, fatty acid compositions and volatile compounds of clary sage seed (Salvia sclarea L.). J Food Sci., 76(7):C1056-61.
[4] Seol, G.H., Shim, H.S., Kim, P.J., Moon, H.K., Lee, K.H., Shim, I., et. al. (2010). Antidepressant-like effect of Salvia sclarea is explained by modulation of dopamine activities in rats. J Ethnopharmacol., 130(1):187-90.
[5] Firuzi, O., Miri, R., Asadollahi, M., Eslami, S., & Jassbi, A.R. (2013). Cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and phenolic contents of eleven Salvia species from Iran. Iran J Pharm Res., 12(4):801-10.
[6] Chovanová, R., Mikulášová, M., & Vaverková, S. (2013). In Vitro Antibacterial and Antibiotic Resistance Modifying Effect of Bioactive Plant Extracts on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Int J Microbiol., 2013:760969.
[7] Conti, B., Benelli, G., Leonardi, M., Afifi, F.U., Cervelli, C., & Profeti, R. (2012). Repellent effect of Salvia dorisiana, S. longifolia, and S. sclarea (Lamiaceae) essential oils against the mosquito Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitol Res., 111(1):291-9.
[8] Ou, M.C., Hsu, T.F., Lai, A.C., Lin, Y.T., & Lin, C.C. (2012). Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. J Obstet Gynaecol Res., 38(5):817-22.
[9] See: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=182.20
[10] Seol, G.H., Lee, Y.H., Kang,P., You, J.H., Park, M., & Min, S.S. (2013). Randomized Controlled Trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: Differential Effects on Blood Pressure in Female Patients with Urinary Incontinence Undergoing Urodynamic Examination. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(7):664-670.
[11] Farkas, P., Holla, M., Tekel, J., Mellen, S., & Vaverkova, S. (2005). Composition of the Essential Oils from the Flowers and Leaves of Salvia sclera L. (Lamiaceae) Cultivated in Slovak Republic. J. Essential Oil Res., 17:141-144.
[12] Tiserand, R. (2014). Is clary sage estrogenic? roberttisserand.com. Retrieved from: http://roberttisserand.com/2010/04/is-clary-sage-oil-estrogenic/comment-page-1/
[13] Sharopov, F. & Setzer, W. (2012). The Essential Oil of Salvia sclera L. from Tajikistan. Rec. Nat. Prod., 6(1):75-79.
[14] Saharkhiz, M., Ghani, A., & Hassanzadeh-Khayyat, M. (2009). Changes in Essential Oil Content and Composition of Clary Sage (Salvia sclera) Aerial Parts During Different Phenological Stages. Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Science and Biotechnology, 3(1):90-93.
[15] Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 253.
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