The beautiful clary sage plant decorates the drylands of southern Europe with its colors and pleasant aroma. Its essence is used in perfume making.
- Maintain Balance: Small doses of clary sage oil can help you balance your hormones, which can regulate mood swings and have a calming effect.
- Relax Body and Mind: Drop 1-2 drops of sage oil in a diffuser to relieve pain in overworked or tired muscles.
Clary Sage Plant Scientific Facts
- Scientific names: Salvia sclarea L.
- Other names: Clary.
- French: Sauge sclaree.
- Spanish: Amaro.
- Environment: It grows in the dry, arid soils of southern Europe.
- Description: The plant of the Labiatae family grows from 30 to 120 cm high. It has a hairy, quadrangular stem, large leaves (up to 20 cm large), oval-shaped, and rough. The flowers grow in terminal spikes and are bluish or light pink.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The leaves, the flowers, and the seeds.
Healing Properties and Indications
The leaves and flowers of the plant contain sclareol and other aromatic alcohols and tannin, saponin, choline, and glycosides. Its properties are similar to sage, though it is an incredibly outstanding, stimulating, emmenagogue, and antispasmodic. Leaves and flowers are applied in the following cases:
- Exhaustion, fatigue, weakness, recovery from infectious diseases.
- Scant menstruation.
- Intestinal spasms or colic caused by fermentation or poor digestion.
The clary sage plant seeds are rich in mucilage, which absorbs water like a sponge due to its osmotic powers. When a clary sage seed is placed under the eyelid, the seed swells, soaking up any foreign body in the eye conjunctiva.
How to use Clary Sage
- Infusion with 15-20 g of plants per liter of water. Drink up to five cups daily.
Frequently Asked Question
Can the clary sage plant mimic estrogen in the body?
Yes, to a degree. Clary sage contains a compound called sclareol, which has a structure somewhat similar to estrogen. This allows it to interact with estrogen receptors in the body, potentially influencing hormonal balance. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t replace estrogen, and its overall impact on hormone levels is not fully understood.
How reliable is the research on the clary sage plant for reducing stress and anxiety?
Some small studies have suggested that inhaled clary sage oil can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and induce feelings of calmness.
I’ve read that the clary sage plant helps with depression. Is this true?
There is limited evidence suggesting possible antidepressant effects. Preliminary studies indicate clary sage may work on certain neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. Still, its effectiveness as a depression treatment requires extensive further investigation.
Is there a connection between the clary sage plant and improved brain function?
Possibly, but it’s a developing area of research. Some early studies hint at a potential for clary sage to improve memory and cognitive function, especially in older adults. This could be due in part to its antioxidant properties.
Does clary sage have a significant effect on blood pressure?
It might help lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that clary sage oil can relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure readings. Still, the extent of this effect and its long-term outcomes need deeper investigation.
Can the clary sage plant be used as a topical antiseptic?
Potentially, yes. Clary sage oil has demonstrated some antibacterial properties in laboratory settings. Diluted versions may be helpful for minor skin infections or wound care, but always consult a healthcare professional before using clary sage on broken skin.
Is it safe to ingest clary sage?
Generally, clary sage is not intended for internal use without the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. It’s most commonly used in aromatherapy or highly diluted topical forms.
Does clary sage interact with any medications?
It’s possible. Before using clary sage in any form, especially with medications you are already on, you must visit your physician. Clary sage could interact with medications affecting hormones, blood pressure, or the nervous system.
Are there other health conditions where clary sage might play a helpful role?
Researchers are exploring several areas, including:
Improved wound healing
Digestive health support
Reduction in PMS symptoms
Can clary sage replace conventional medical treatments?
No. While clary sage shows promise in some areas, it should never replace advice or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 766. Print.
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
- CalmneNational Institutes of Health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24802524/
- NIH: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140014/
- NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22405880/
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API