Clary Sage essential oil

Latin name: Salvia Scarea (Lamiaceae family (labiatae))

Description: A perennial or biennial herb with large hairy green leaves with a hint of purple. The flowers are small and blue growing out from large pinkish mauve bracts.

Branches of these bracts radiate in pairs from a spectacular central stem often reaching 1.5 meters in height. Other members of the Sage family include garden sage (S. Officinalis) and Spanish sage (S. Lavendulaefolia)

Distribution: Native to S Europe cultivated especially in the Mediterranean region, Russia, USA, England, Morocco and Central Europe. The French, English and Moroccan sage are considered to be of the best quality for perfumery work.

History / Traditions: It is believed that the word 'Clary' is derived from the Latin 'clarus' meaning clear and was called 'Clear eye' in the middle ages as it was known for its ability to heal eye problems.

Although it was highly esteemed in the middle ages, it has largely fallen out of use. It was used for digestive disorders, kidney disease, uterine and menstrual complaints, for cleansing ulcers and as a general nerve tonic. The musilage from the seeds was used for treating tumors and for removing dust particles from the eyes.

Like garden sage it cools inflammation and is especially useful for throat and respiratory infections.

Extraction: The Flowering tops of the plant and the leaves are used in the production of oil which is extracted by steam distillation. A concrete and absolute are also produced by solvent extraction in small quantities.

Details of Oil: The oil is a colorless or pale yellow/green liquid with a pervading nutty, sweet, heady aroma. The oil blends well with juniper, lavender, geranium, sandalwood, cedarwood, pine, jasmine, frankincense, bergamot and other citrus oils.

Sage oil has antispasmodic qualities, it also serves as an effective relaxant and sedative. In addition the oil is Antibacterial, antoconvulsive, antiseptic, astingent, colesterol reducing and cicatrisant.

Uses:

Emotional: The oil has uplifting qualities making it suitable for the treatment of depression, anxiety, tension and mental fatigue. The oil may also prove effective in the treatment of migraine and stress related disorders.

Respiratory: The calming and anti-inflammatory qualities can help to relieve sore throats and hoarseness.

Skin: The soothing qualities make Sage useful for all skin inflammations including boils and acne. Sage can help to preserve moisture in dry skin. Benefits have also been shown in treating hair loss and dandruff.

Circulatory: The calming effect of Sage can help to relieve high blood pressure.

Gynecological: Sage can help to relieve P.M.S. and menstrual pain and help to establish menstrual regularity. Sage can also help to soothe swollen breasts and prevent hot flushes.

Digestive: Sage can have a calming influence on colic, cramp and dyspepsia.

Other Uses: The Oil and the absolute are used as fragrance components. The oil is also used by the food and drink industry, especially in the production of wines with a Muscatel flavor. German wine makers have used Clary sage to improve the flavor of cheap wine.

Safety data: Avoid it use during pregnancy and use cautiously in conjunction with HRT. Alcohol should be avoided after use as the combination induce a narcotic effect which exaggerates drunkenness.

Components: Up to 75% linalyl acetate, linlol, pinene, myrcene and phellandrene. The constituents vary according to the geographical origin so there are several different chemotypes.