Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Botanical Characteristics
- Scientific Name : Salvia sclarea
- Family : Lamiaceae
- Origin : Mediterranean regions
Description
Clary Sage is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family, characterized by large fuzzy leaves and clusters of flowers ranging in shades from white to purplish pink. It emits a distinctive and pleasant aroma, often used in various applications.
Climate and Cultivation
- Clary Sage prefers a temperate climate with well-drained soil.
- It is mainly cultivated for its leaves and flowers.
- Multiplication is usually done by sowing.
In Mythology
Sage was often used in purification rituals in several ancient cultures. Native Americans, for example, burned sage to purify space and ward off negative energies.
In ancient Greece, sage was sometimes used as an offering to the gods, especially in rituals associated with healing and wisdom.
Sage has also been considered a plant with medicinal and magical properties. It was often used by herbalists, healers, and sorcerers for its healing and protective virtues.
In some European traditions, sage was planted around houses to protect against evil forces. Its scent and purifying properties were believed to ward off evil spirits.
Sage was sometimes associated with qualities of wisdom in some cultures. Its ritual and medicinal use was often linked to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
Some historical groups used sage in divinatory practices. For example, the ancient Egyptians used sage in rituals associated with divination.
Keywords
Purifying, cleanliness, revitalizing, inspiration, creativity
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Origin and Extraction : Clary Sage essential oil is extracted from the flowering tops of the Salvia sclarea plant, an herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. Extraction is done by steam distillation. Native to southern Europe, Clary Sage is renowned for its therapeutic properties and distinctive fragrance.
Appearance and Scent : It has a clear color, ranging from pale yellow to colorless. Its scent is sweet, herbaceous, with floral and sweet notes. The characteristic aroma of Clary Sage makes it a valued oil in aromatherapy.
Chemical Composition : Clary Sage essential oil contains components such as linalool, sclareol, germacrene D, and linalyl acetate. These constituents give the oil balancing, soothing, and hormonal regulatory properties.
Historical Virtues
Hormonal Balance : Clary sage is often associated with hormonal balancing properties. It is sometimes used to help regulate hormones, especially in women during menopause. It can also be beneficial in relieving symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can help alleviate hot flashes, a common symptom during menopause. It can also help relieve muscle spasms, especially those associated with painful periods.
Emotional Support : In aromatherapy, Clary Sage essential oil is used for its potential to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and balance emotions. Its sweet scent can have a positive impact on mood.
Digestive Support : Clary sage can have carminative properties, meaning it can help relieve digestive problems such as bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Properties : Clary Sage essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in relieving skin and joint inflammations. Additionally, its antibacterial and antifungal properties can contribute to protection against infections.
Support for Skin and Hair Health : It is sometimes used to help balance sebum production on the skin and scalp, which can be useful for those with oily skin or hair.
Note : Clary Sage essential oil, with its multiple beneficial uses, is particularly prized for its impact on hormonal balance and its relaxing properties, making it a favored choice in aromatherapy and natural care.
Clary Sage Hydrolat
Origin and Production Process : Clary Sage Hydrolat is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops of the Salvia sclarea plant, also known as Clary Sage. This distillation process captures the water-soluble molecules and aromatic compounds of sage, producing a hydrolat with unique properties.
Appearance and Scent : This hydrolat is clear, slightly tinted water, with a distinctive and herbaceous scent of sage. Its aroma is both gentle and powerful, with floral, woody, and pungent notes, offering a pleasant sensory experience.
Historical Virtues
For consumption : This hydrolat can be used in cooking to add a subtle flavor to various dishes. It pairs well with mushrooms and can be incorporated into pesto, soup, or creamy sauce. It also pairs well with sweet dishes due to the honeyed aroma of clary sage, allowing it to be used for pastry or custard.
On the Skin : Clary Sage hydrolat can help tone and revitalize, promoting a healthier appearance, while also being soothing. It helps regulate hormonal imbalances, especially in women, by alleviating symptoms related to the menstrual cycle or menopause. It is a skin tonic that makes a very good deodorant as it regulates excessive sweating.
On the Hair : It can be used as a hair tonic to regulate sebum production and provide support for oily hair.
In the Environment : Sprayed in the air, it soothes and promotes relaxation and emotional well-being.
Note : Clary Sage Hydrolat, with its balancing and soothing properties, is a versatile product for skin care and well-being rituals, offering a distinctive and beneficial aromatic experience for skin and hair health.
WARNING
The information on properties, indications, and usage comes from reliable sources in aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy, and phytotherapy, such as specialized books and reputable websites. These data are frequently found in these sources and are often supported by observations in scientific environments. However, it is essential to emphasize that those informations are provided for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice and cannot engage our responsibility. For any therapeutic use, it is strongly recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional.
