{"id":189180,"date":"2025-09-01T12:22:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T11:22:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=189180"},"modified":"2025-09-01T12:27:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T11:27:10","slug":"clary-sage","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/clary-sage\/","title":{"rendered":"Clary sage"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":189234,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"459ae7f2-0f02-42ce-b4e3-16d0fb79c025","beyondwords_preview_token":"fe91ec57-e756-4355-a8b0-47b36758df05","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[685,693,699,696,698,695],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,18,1820,206],"western_action":[1809,990,992,1810,993,997,1000,1003,1009,1010,1017,1018,1020,1829,1022,1023],"chinese_action":[1042,1050,1036,1047,1038],"ayurvedic_action":[1080,1072,1083,1059,1115,1088,1064,1086,1087],"energetics_action":[1908,1515,1541,1512,1540,1498,1533,1487,1546,1520,1544,1518,1519,1619,1507,1381,1547,1552,1539,1497,1617,1492,1550],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-189180","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-respiratory-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-bitter","sense-pungent","sense-resinous","western_action-amphoteric","western_action-analgesic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antidepressant","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-astringent","western_action-carminatives","western_action-emmenagogue","western_action-expectorant","western_action-nervine","western_action-relaxant","western_action-stimulant","western_action-thymoleptic","western_action-trophorestorative","western_action-uterine-tonic","chinese_action-aromatically-transform-damp","chinese_action-astringents-stabilise-bind","chinese_action-drain-dampness","chinese_action-tonify-blood","chinese_action-tonify-the-qi","ayurvedic_action-krumighna","ayurvedic_action-dipaniya","ayurvedic_action-madakari","ayurvedic_action-anuloma","ayurvedic_action-vishaghna","ayurvedic_action-praja-sthapana","ayurvedic_action-artava-janana","ayurvedic_action-nidrajnana","ayurvedic_action-pachana","energetics_action-aromatic","energetics_action-astringent-taste-chinese","energetics_action-astringent-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-bitter-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-dry-quality","energetics_action-heart","energetics_action-heavy","energetics_action-kidney","energetics_action-liver","energetics_action-nervous-channel-srotas","energetics_action-neutral-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-neutral","energetics_action-penetrating","energetics_action-pitta-constitution-dosha","energetics_action-pungent-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-reproductive-channel-srotas","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-vata-constitution-dosha","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250828","herb_author":1203,"banner_text":"Clary sage is a powerfully aromatic, relaxing and tonifying herb","latin_name":"Salvia sclarea<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Lamiaceae","herb_summary":"A vibrant, strongly aromatic herb with an affinity for the female reproductive and nervous systems, clary sage has been widely loved and used medicinally since Roman times.","key_benefits":"Hormone regulating\r\nMood-enhancing\r\nRelaxing\r\nTonifying","how_does_it_feel":"Fresh clary sage is pungent, earthy and strongly aromatic, and an infusion of the dried flowers and leaves gives a bitter, earthy and cleansing taste. The unique aroma profile of the fresh herb makes it distinct: first, the light, floral, almost lavender-like aromas appear, quickly followed by musky, resinous, animal-like notes \u2014 this is echoed in the flavour of the infusion to a degree, which leaves a mild bitterness and astringency in the mouth. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has been described as uniting body and soul, spirit and earth, and its duality of flavour and aroma seems to reflect that (<\/span>5<\/span>). The essential oil, the most commonly used form of this herb nowadays, has an altogether \u2018lighter\u2019 aromatic profile, since many of the larger, earthier-smelling compounds are not carried over into the essential oil via distillation.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":189234,"hdif_image_2":189241,"hdif_image_3":189240,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,18,1820,206],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_189240\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"510\"]\"Clary Clary sage (Salvia sclarea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nClary sage is mainly used in its essential oil form, either topically, diluted in massage oil, balms and creams or via inhalation, although the young leaves (fresh or dried) can be infused and drunk, or used to flavour cooking (<\/span>6,7<\/span>). The essential oil, however, should not be ingested (<\/span>3<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\r\n<\/span>The essential oil is used today for a wide range of applications. It is a valuable treatment in the management of conditions resulting from hormonal imbalances or changes, including <\/span>PMS<\/span><\/a> and some menopausal symptoms (<\/span>8<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe oil of clary sage is useful to support the nervous system, and is used widely in the treatment of <\/span>stress<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a>, depression and tension (<\/span>9,10<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts pain-relieving, <\/span>antispasmodic<\/span><\/a> effects make it helpful for relieving muscle cramps or sore muscles (<\/span>9,10<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is a bitter herb, and the fresh or dried leaves and flowers can be infused and drunk as a digestive tea to relieve bloating, flatulence or IBS (<\/span>9,10<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is <\/span>antimicrobial<\/span><\/a> and an <\/span>expectorant<\/span><\/a> which makes it helpful in supporting and tonifying the lungs, and supporting recovery from respiratory congestion or infection (<\/span>7,9<\/span>).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_189236\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Clary Clary sage (Salvia sclarea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is a plant with a particular affinity for the female reproductive system, since it is helpful during menarche, labour and in menopause, working systemically and specifically, primarily on the uterine muscle tissues, nervous system, and muscles (<\/span>8\u201311<\/span>). It has decongestant, <\/span>astringent<\/span><\/a> properties and is, therefore, particularly useful where there is damp or congestion \u2014 especially in pelvic conditions (<\/span>10<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nClary sage is considered a tonic herb and is understood in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to strengthen the <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i>, restore mental debility and as a general tonic (<\/span>9<\/span>). In addition to its other uses, it has a regulating effect on both the digestive and respiratory systems, alleviating bloating and IBS as well as supporting the lungs with its mildly <\/span>expectorant<\/span><\/a> and anti-infective actions (<\/span>9<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts uniqueness lies in the simultaneously restorative, and relaxing actions of its aroma; it is grounding yet uplifting, strengthening yet calming, as well as being both fortifying and clarifying for the mind (<\/span>9<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nClary sage is used in meditation as it has a euphoric effect and so can be particularly beneficial for meditation, to calm busy, overthinking minds and those who worry, or experience stress and anxiety (<\/span>10<\/span>). Psychologically, it has the ability to stimulate \u201cawareness from within\u201d and break down \u201chard, protective structures\u201d as well as helping to find one\u2019s true purpose, and in TCM, to connect with the <\/span>p\u00f2<\/span><\/i>, or bodily soul (<\/span>9,10<\/span>).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"The traditional use of clary Sage is thought to date back to the Romans who used it internally as an infusion to support the digestive and respiratory systems, as well for support during the menstrual cycle (<\/span>12<\/span>). It was, in fact, the most popular tea in the UK before <\/span>black tea<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Camellia sinensis<\/span><\/i>) was imported (<\/span>7<\/span>). Historically, it was also applied topically as a poultice (<\/span>6<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts aroma was valued by the Romans, and the plant was used to scent bath houses and clary sage was sometimes used as a hop substitute to flavour beer or wine; it was said to add bitterness and make the brew more intoxicating (<\/span>6<\/span>,12). The leaves were also used to imbue wine with a muscatel flavour, hence one of its common names, muscatel sage (<\/span>6<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"EndocrineEndocrine system<\/h3>\r\nThe high (up to 7%) sclareol content of clary sage essential oil makes it a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and as such, it has a systemic oestrogen regulatory action, improving menopausal symptoms, <\/span>dysmenorrhoea<\/span><\/a> or PMS where there is low oestrogen, or severe forms of PMS where oestrogen is dominant or has accumulated, and isn\u2019t being cleared (<\/span>8,10<\/span>). Its uterine tonic, relaxant and spasmolytic actions are attributed to its stimulatory effects on the pituitary-gonadal axis, a critical part of the neuroendocrine system that regulates the production of sex hormones, and reproduction (<\/span>10<\/span>). This stimulatory activity is understood to be produced by the herb\u2019s linalyl acetate (an ester) content which can be up to ~66.5% (<\/span>3,10<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/h3>\r\nClary sage essential oil calms tension, strengthens resilience and supports those who are<\/span> fatigued<\/span><\/a> emotionally and mentally (<\/span>9<\/span>). Its dual ability to both restore and relax makes it helpful in conditions where there is tension and fatigue, such as ADHD, nervous tension, depression and <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>10<\/span>). This is in part due to its linalool (an alcohol) content, which shows anxiolytic and relaxant effects in humans on inhalation (<\/span>13<\/span>). <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Its analgesic action also makes it helpful for treating headaches and migraines (<\/span>9<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal system<\/h3>\r\nThe analgesic, antispasmodic actions of clary sage essential oil on both smooth and striated muscle tissue make it helpful for the treatment of spasmodic musculoskeletal conditions, including fibromyalgia, aching legs and general muscular stiffness (<\/span>9,10<\/span>). Its analgesic properties can be in part attributed to its high borneol (an alcohol) content (<\/span>3,10<\/span>).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_189238\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"Clary Clary sage (Salvia sclarea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and cortisol plasma levels in menopausal women after inhalation of clary sage oil<\/h3>\r\nClary sage has been shown to both increase 5-HTP (serotonin precursor) production and lower cortisol in a small study of 22 menopausal women, some of whom experienced depressive symptoms; the change rate in cortisol levels was greater in women with depressive symptoms when compared with normal groups. The difference was statistically significant (<\/span>11,14<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n

Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial<\/h3>\r\nA 2012 randomised, double-blind clinical trial was conducted amongst\u00a0 48 patients experiencing menstrual pain. Pain duration was significantly reduced from 2.4 to 1.8 days after aromatherapy intervention (abdominal massage of an essential oil cream blend including <\/span>Lavandula officinalis<\/span><\/i>,<\/span> Salvia sclarea<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Origanum vulgare<\/span><\/i>) in the essential oil group. The essential oil blend contained four analgesic components that totalled 79.29% of the formula; researchers attributed the analgesic effects to these constitutes, two of which were linalyl acetate and linalool (<\/span>15<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n

Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial<\/h3>\r\nA 2006 randomised placebo-controlled trial studied the effect of abdominal aromatherapy massage with clary sage on 67 female college students experiencing moderate to severe menstrual cramps. An essential oil blend including clary sage and diluted in almond oil (<\/span>Prunus amygdalus<\/span><\/i>) was applied topically to the experimental group via abdominal massage. Menstrual cramps were significantly lowered in the aromatherapy group compared with the other two groups at both post-test time points, which suggests that a combination of massage and essential oils (including clary sage) may be effective in reducing abdominal cramp severity (<\/span>16<\/span>).<\/span>\r\n

Effect of aromatherapy for postoperative pain management in the postanesthesia recovery room: A systematic review<\/h3>\r\nA 2025 systematic review found that using aromatherapy (including clary sage) was effective in relieving pain in a post anaesthesia recovery setting. Studies also observed reductions in heart rate, blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, and decreased need for administration of antiemetics. The review did not solely focus on clary sage, nor detail the methods of application of the essential oils used (17).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Its name, clary, comes from the latin \u201cclarus\u201d meaning clear. Historically, its seeds were used to clear mucus from the eyes, giving it the name \u201cclear-eye\u201d, from which the modern name, clary, was derived (<\/span>18,19<\/span>).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":189246},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Clary sage is a biennial perennial, growing up to approximately 1 m tall, with dusty-green, scented, wrinkled, waxy and soft-textured oblong leaves, up to 20 cm long. The plant has tall racemes of pale purple to pink flowers, and mauve bracts. It flowers in late spring or summer (24).<\/span>","common_names":"