Clary Sage Standard- Perfumery Base

Salvia sclarea, clary or clary sage is a biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial in the genus Salvia. It is native to the northern Mediterranean, along with some areas in north Africa and Central Asia. The plant has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb and is currently grown for its essential oil.

S. sclarea reaches 3 to 4 ft (0.91 to 1.22 m) in height, with thick square stems that are covered in hair. The leaves are approximately 1 ft (0.30 m) long at the base, 0.5 ft (0.15 m) long higher on the plant. The upper leaf surface is rugose and covered with glandular hair. The flowers are in verticils with 2-6 flowers in each verticil and are held in large colorful bracts. That range in color from pale mauve to lilac or white to pink with a pink mark on the edge. The lilac or pale blue corolla is approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) with the lips held wide open.

Clary seeds have a mucilaginous coat,which is why some old herbals recommended placing a seed into the eye of someone with a foreign object in it so that it could adhere to the object and make it easy to remove. This practice is noted by Nicholas Culpeper in his Complete Herbal (1653) who referred to the plant as "clear-eye".

The distilled essential oil is used widely in perfumes and as a muscatel flavoring for vermouths wines and liqueurs. It is also used in aromatherapy for relieving anxiety and fear, menstrual-related problems such as PMS and cramping and helping with insomnia. It is used as fragrance component and fixative in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes. The oil is used extensively by the food and drink industry. Especially in the production of wines with a muscatel flavor. The young tops of Clary were used in soups and as pot herbs. It gives a new lift to omelets and was used to flavor jellies. The leaves were chopped into salads. Culpeper recommended a 17th century sage dish where the fresh leaves were first dipped in a batter of flour, eggs and a little milk fried in butter and served as a side dish.

The flowers have an aromatic flavor and make a lovely contrast in salads. All sage flowers are edible after removing all greenery and stems.

The main constituents of the oil are Linalyl Acetate , Linalool and Germacrene. Clary Sage Oil is one of the most important in a perfumers pallete. Excellent blending properties and forms good accords with Citrus and Herbal notes. And at the same time has very useful fixative properties.

Pure Clary Sage is highly regarded for its earthy, slightly floral, and herbaceous aroma, making it an excellent choice in perfumery and therapeutic applications. The oil is extracted through steam distillation and is known for its ability to promote relaxation and ease tension. Many aromatherapists recommend Clary Sage Essential Oil as a natural remedy for stress, fatigue, and emotional balance.

The use of Natural Clary Sage extends beyond aromatherapy. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential benefits in supporting hormonal balance and digestive health. The oil is often blended with other essential oils like lavender, geranium, and bergamot to create soothing and uplifting fragrances. The high content of Clary Sage Oil in many modern formulations showcases its importance in both traditional and contemporary wellness practices.

Due to its versatile nature, Sage Essential Oil is widely incorporated into skincare and haircare products. It is believed to help in maintaining clear skin, reducing excess oil, and soothing minor skin irritations. Additionally, Pure Clary Sage is used in massage oils for its muscle-relaxing properties, making it a popular choice among wellness professionals.

Many perfumers value Clary Sage Essential Oil for its remarkable fixative properties, helping to stabilise and enhance the longevity of fragrances. Its ability to blend harmoniously with citrus, floral, and woody notes makes it an essential ingredient in high-end perfumes. Clary Sage Oil is also used in candle-making and home fragrances to create a calming and inviting atmosphere.

The food and beverage industry also utilises Natural Clary Sage for its unique muscatel-like flavour, often found in herbal teas, wines, and liqueurs.

Beyond culinary applications, Sage Essential Oil is recognised for its antimicrobial properties and is sometimes used in natural cleaning solutions. The main constituents of the oil are Linalyl Acetate, Linalool, and Germacrene, contributing to its therapeutic effects. Whether used in perfumes, wellness applications, or skincare, Clary Sage Essential Oil remains one of the most sought-after natural extracts for its wide-ranging benefits.