Clary, Europe sage, Clary Sage

Salvia sclarea

Physical Characteristics

Salvia sclarea is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Southern Europe to Syria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Leaves - raw or cooked. A strong, warm, aromatic taste and odour[244]. They are used mainly as a flavouring in cooked foods[2, 27, 37, 105], they are similar to sage (S. officinalis)[1]. The leaves can be dipped in batter and cooked to make delicious fritters[183, 244]. Flowers - raw. A pleasant taste, they can be sprinkled on chopped salads[183, 238], or made into a tea[238]. The plant is sometimes used as a hop substitute in flavouring beer, imparting considerable bitterness and intoxicating properties[4] - it either makes people dead drunk or insanely exhilarated[244]. The leaves have also been used to adulterate wine and give it a muscatel flavour[244].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Appetizer Aromatherapy Aromatic Astringent Balsamic Carminative Ophthalmic Pectoral Tonic Clary has been perceived both as a weaker version of sage (Salvia officinalis) and also as a significant herb in its own right[254]. An antispasmodic and aromatic plant, it is used mainly to treat digestive problems such as wind and indigestion[254]. It is also regarded as a tonic, calming herb that helps relieve period pain and pre-menstrual problems. Owing to its oestrogen-stimulating action, it is most effective when levels of this hormone are low[254]. The whole plant, and especially the leaves, is antispasmodic, appetizer, aromatic, astringent, balsamic, carminative, pectoral and tonic[4]. It is useful in treating disorders of the stomach and kidneys and is a valuable remedy for complaints associated with the menopause, particularly hot flushing[4, 254]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, for drying they are harvested before the plant comes into flower[238]. The seed forms a thick mucilage when it is soaked for a few minutes in water. This is efficacious in removing small particles of dust from the eyes[4, 238]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Euphoric'[210].

Known Hazards

None known