| | | |  
 

 

 
| | |

Clary Sage
I discovered my love for clary, also known as clary sage, in the South of France. There I found myself in a huge, sun-drenched field of the clary plant—surrounded by myriad brilliant colors from gentle pink to magenta to violet and even blue. Each flower, reaching to the sun, abundantly gave its gift of fragrance to the world. I felt as though I were standing inside an impressionist painting with intoxicating colors painted in euphoric ecstasy. Overwhelmed, inhaling the warm, sweet fragrance, I felt light and exhilarated and as though I had wings on my feet.

I learned much later, through aromatherapy, that clary may indeed create euphoria, and it may intoxicate some people. Clary oil is one of the most enigmatic essential oils in aromatherapy’s mysterious medicine chest. Like its cousin the opal stone, it is powerful, radiant, and puzzling. It regenerates energy and inspires both mind and spirit, with a little foolishness and risk thrown in. The opal should be worn with deliberation, since it is considered problematic for delicate people. No one at the Russian Court was allowed to wear this stone. The essential oil of clary should not be used to excite euphoria or to intoxicate. That would be misuse.

In centuries past, the plant was used to increase the euphoric effects of wine and beer. A German winemaker, with the aid of this plant, created clary wine almost magically from inferior wines. But clary also has immense healing powers. Its main effects are psychological, that’s why the oil is so valued in aromatherapy.
The essential oil lends strength, both psychological and physical. While it helps reduce deep-seated tension, it remains stimulating, regenerative, and revitalizing. This is the oil chosen for treating nervousness, weakness, fear, paranoia, and depression. Clary brings long-lasting inner tranquility, and, thanks to its warmth and liveliness, it helps remedy melancholy. This oil may be compared to a colorfully costumed clown or comedian who cheers and entertains with a sort of dance. It diverts us from negative thoughts and helps guide our energies so that we may revel in our own dance of life.

The essential oil clary feeds the soul and helps us get through rough and meager times. Unlike rockrose and immortelle, clary does not encourage depth. Jasmine is helpful when one’s emotional imbalance threatens personal relationships, but clary is recommended when pressures and stress come from outside. The oil is very relaxing, which explains its sensual effect on both men and women. Or could it be that the fragrance awakens our curiosity about the unexpected? Whatever the reason, this wonderful product is perfect when used for a relaxing bath for two or a pleasurable massage or to create a special atmosphere. Any product containing clary has something of the unexpected, something exciting. When combined with jasmine, sandalwood, geranium, and vetiver or tuberose, it becomes a most intriguing product.

Clary oil has been particularly recognized as useful for people involved in creative work. It opens the path to the unknown, unusual, creative, and intuitive. An aroma lamp filled with clary next to the easel, notebook, or piano will surely inspire.
Clary oil has a rejuvenating effect since it lends us the courage to do things we haven’t done in a long time. This oil is wonderful for people in mid-life crisis. This perfume may be ideal for those who know that after a certain age we need not go downhill but merely leap from peak to peak. ‘This fragrance would be perfect for Gray Panthers.

The oil of Salvia officinalis, sage oil, is toxic in very small dosages. Since it has a powerful effect on the central nervous system, it should never be used by people with epilepsy. Clary is similar in its medicinal effect to sage oil and is often used instead of sage oil for treating physical ailments. As a medicinal remedy clary was used long before its psychological effects were known. It relaxes and its tension-reduction extends from the psychological to the physical. The oil is used as a bath or massage oil for menstrual cramps, delayed or irregular menstruation, and premenstrual syndrome. Sometimes, psychological problems contribute to pelvic area cramps. The oil, in these instances, has a very healing effect on both the psyche and the body, since it addresses the whole person. This oil is wonderful to use during childbirth and throughout pregnancy. Clary is especially beneficial when used with jasmine. It also helps support discontinued breast feeding; use it as a compress.

Taken orally during menopause, used as a shower gel, or added to a sponge bath, clary oil helps reduce hot flashes. For migraine attacks possibly connected to cramps or delayed menstruation, compresses may be very soothing. Also easing cramps related to intestinal, stomach, liver, or gallbladder problems may be achieved with application of hot compresses. Use the compresses in combination with coriander, chamomile, or fennel.

Sage and clary help the healing process for colds and bronchitis when inhaled, used in an aroma lamp, or added to an aroma diffuser. During asthma attacks, clary will ease tightness in the bronchial tubes. Never take it with any medication that contains iron.