Salvia sclarea/Clary Sage

pH 5.5–5.7

Aroma and Taste Smells like a really good cup o’ tea—Earl Grey tea, to be precise, because there is a distinct bergamot edge to the aroma. The water is distinctly clary sage, although less potent and much, much softer than the oil. The flavor is also remarkably Earl Grey–like, with the bergamot citrus quality stronger even than in the odor. In dilution it is sublime either hot or cold, any time.

Stability and Shelf Life Slightly unstable. Clary sage has a quite variable shelf life; some batches last less than twelve months, others last well for two years or more. The plant is a biennial or perennial, and this may have something to do with it, since at least two years’ worth of weather and environment affect the plant and therefore the hydrosol. Generally I would give sixteen to eighteen months as a safe range.

Properties and Applications Clary sage essential oil should not be used in combination with alcohol owing to the adverse interreactions between the two. Clary sage hydrosol is safe to use if alcohol will be consumed and, in fact, is a traditional addition to the May wine in Germany.

This is the “woman’s choice” water, and it makes a great life-affirming beverage at any time. Use for hormone-related cramps, bloating and water retention, moodiness, and other symptoms of PMS. A three-week protocol can help regulate the menstrual cycle, reducing excessive bleeding and helping reestablish the cycle after cessation of birth-control medication. Menopausal symptoms also respond well, particularly in synergy with sage hydrosol. Try a three-week treatment with a 50:50 combination of the two hydrosols or alternate clary one day, sage the next, to reduce hot flashes. Do not use sage hydrosol if you are hypertensive. During the birth process make a hot compress with two hundred and fifty milliliters of undiluted clary hydrosol, three drops of clary oil, and three drops of blue tansy oil; apply it to the lower abdomen and back during contractions for really amazing pain relief. If the birth is taking place in water, skip the essential oils; add the hydrosol directly to the tub and put some in the mother’s drinking water.

Clary is lovely misted on the face or combined with peppermint, rose, and/or rose geranium, all of which will give a moist dewy glow to the skin. On its own it is astringent and toning for oily skin and can be used in combination with Roman chamomile as a makeup remover. A mild antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory in both topical and internal use, it has at least some effect on many of the body systems—circulatory, endocrine, digestive, muscular, and nervous—and can be taken in synergy with yarrow for overall health benefits and to improve the flavor.

Clary sage is a euphoriant and antidepressant; some find it an aphrodisiac. Either way it provides emotional support and a feeling of wellbeing. It makes a good beverage for those giving up the alcohol habit and can calm some symptoms of withdrawal. Profoundly energetic; use it with any form of vibrational work, particularly for emotional traumas and heartache.

Clary sage makes a delicious martini or white-wine punch and is wonderful on fresh fruit and in sorbets and ices.