Sometimes called muscatel sage, clary sage is a small perennial cultivated throughout Europe and Asia. It's thought that the term "clary" is an adulteration of the phrase "clear eye" because clary sage was once a common treatment for excess mucus of the eye.

Clary sage is distilled from the flower and leaves of the Salvia sclarea.

Traditional Herbal Uses

Traditionally, herbalists used clary sage to bring down swellings. An Italian study found clary sage to be remarkably effective at reducing inflammation.

In Chinese medicine, clary sage is believed to increase Qi through relaxation and improved circulation.

Aromatherapy Uses

Clary sage has a strong grassy scent slightly reminiscent of freshly cut hay. It gives the nose a slightly dry sensation.

Clary sage is widely considered one of the most important essential oils for women. Aromatherapists will diffuse it into the air to ease menstrual cramps and it seems to exert an estrogenic effect.

Aromatherapists generally regard clary sage as uplifting and warm. They also tend to recommend clary sage to clients who work in highly expressive fields like art or dance.

Clary sage is frequently blended with geranium, especially for women.

Blending With Other Essential Oils

Clary sage is a strong herbaceous scent that blends well with citrus oils, some woody oils like frankincense and floral scents like ylang ylang and rose.

Clary sage is generally considered a middle-note.

Safety & Warnings

Clary sage was traditionally thought of as an emmenagogue and many aromatherapy books still advise against using it during pregnancy but current scientific evidence doesn't seem to support the idea that clary sage is an abortifacient.

Lisa Barger

Lisa Barger is a traditional naturopath specializing in Natural Health Education. Ms. Barger holds certification in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Herbology, Native American Herbalism, Iridology, Homeopathy and Naturopathy.

She is in private practice in Little Rock, AR.