Profile: Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is an herb that is native to Southern Europe. It grows to about 6 feet, has small blue/white or lavender/pink flowers and fuzzy leaves. It should not be confused with the more common Dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis) which is used in cooking.

It has a long herbal history with writings on it in the Hellenic and Roman period. In the Middle Ages, it was called, "Oculus Christi," the eye of Christ because it was used as a powerful medicine. In Jamaica, locals used clary sage to treat ulcers and for eye inflammation. The name comes from the Latin word for "clear," probably for this reason.

Clary sage essential oil is distilled while it is in flower. It is calming, sedating, and useful in menstrual problems. It is a clear, thin liquid that smells like sage. It can be used for anxiety, insomnia, and pain and is often used in blends for painful or irregular periods and eases labor pains.