Clary Sage Essential Oil - France Limited Reserve
Salvia sclarea
(Essential Facts
- Country of Origin:France
- Plant Parts:Flower buds, Leaves
- Cultivation Method:Distiller is Certified Organic
- Note Classification:Middle
- Method of Extraction:Steam or Hydro Distillation
- Botanical Family:Lamiaceae
- Chemical Family: Esters, Monoterpenols
- Extraction Date: Summer 2022
- Approx. Shelf Life: 6 years
- Batch: claryfr
Notes & Use
Botany
Clary Sage, scientifically known as Salvia sclarea, is a plant species in the genus Salvia, a part of the larger mint family, Lamiaceae. Originating in the Mediterranean Basin, it has been naturalized in many places and can be found growing widely in various regions, including France.
Clary Sage is a biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial plant. The plant typically grows to a height of about 1 meter (3 feet) but can occasionally reach up to 2 meters (almost 7 feet). It features square stems covered in hairs, and the leaves are arranged in opposite pairs. The lower leaves are broad, elliptical, and can reach up to 20 cm (8 inches) in length. They often have a wrinkled texture and feature a distinctive downy or hairy appearance, particularly on the underside.
The Clary Sage plant blooms from late spring to late summer. Its inflorescences are large, with numerous, densely packed flowers that are arranged in verticillasters (whorls). The flowers range in color from pale mauve to lilac or white to pink with a pink mark on the edge.
Notably, Clary Sage is grown extensively in the Provence region of France for its essential oil, considered one of the finest and most sought after. This oil is extracted through steam distillation from the plant's flowering tops and foliage and is used widely in aromatherapy and perfumery.
It's important to note that despite the common name similarity, Clary Sage is different from common Sage, Salvia officinalis, which is a different species within the same genus.
Energetics
Energetics and Chakras
1st Chakra - survival and support, 2nd Chakra - relationships, creation energy, 3rd Chakra - personal power, 6th Chakra - perspective, Balancing, Clarity, Expansive, Introspective, Protective, Purifying, Transformative, Unconditional love, UpliftingTraditional Folklore
- Ancient Egypt: Historical records indicate that Clary Sage oil was used in ancient Egyptian culture for its medicinal properties and for spiritual rituals. It was also reportedly used in traditional cosmetics.
- European Folk Practices: In Medieval Europe, Clary Sage was often associated with the ability to provide clarity and wisdom. It was considered a premier herb for health and longevity. It was also widely planted in monastic herb gardens.
- Shakespearean Reference: The famed playwright William Shakespeare references Clary Sage in one of his comedies, "The Merry Wives of Windsor," demonstrating the herb's prominence during the Elizabethan era.
- Culinary Uses: Apart from medicinal and cosmetic uses, Clary Sage was also used in cooking for flavoring wines and certain dishes, especially in the Mediterranean region. The plant's leaves were often used in teas and salads.
- 18th Century Pharmacopeia: In the 18th century, Clary Sage was included in the London Pharmacopeia as a beneficial herb for assorted ailments, from eye troubles to digestive problems. Its therapeutic uses continued to be explored and it became a staple in European herbal medicine.
- Victorian Language of Flowers: In the Victorian era, when flowers were used as symbols to convey specific sentiments, Clary Sage represented 'wisdom' and 'long life' in the language of flowers.
- Origins in Ancient Times: The name "Clary" comes from the Latin "clarus," which means "clear." It was often used in ancient times as a medicinal herb. Roman and Greek physicians used Clary Sage seeds to clear eye problems, which gave it another common name, "Eyebright".
- Medicinal Uses: Throughout the Middle Ages, Clary Sage was known as "clear eye" or "eye bright" due to its use in healing eye problems. It was also commonly used for digestive issues, kidney diseases, and to relieve menstrual pain and anxiety.
- Brewing Ingredient: Interestingly, before the advent of hops, Clary Sage was used in the brewing of beer to provide flavor and increased intoxication. It was known to provide a euphoric effect, enhancing the alcohol's impact.
- Mystical and Spiritual Uses: In certain cultures, Clary Sage has been used in spiritual practices for its believed ability to enhance one's ability to dream, as well as to cleanse and purify the spirit.
- Love and Fertility: Clary Sage has often been associated with the goddess Venus and was used in love potions. It was also often used by midwives to promote fertility and ease childbirth.
Chemistry
