Clary Sage
Profile
| Latin Name | Salvia sclarea |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Lamiaceae/Labiatae |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Sweet |
| Color | Clear to Pale Yellow |
| Parts Distilled | Flowering Tops & Leaves |
| Regions | France, Morocco, Russia, Syria, United States |
| Taste | Spicy, Sweet |
| Nature | Cooling |
| Affinity | HT, KD, LR |
| Major Chemical Constituents | (~15%), diterpenols (~5-7%); Esters (linalyl acetate ~50-75%), monoterpenols |
| Skin Type | Mature |
| Dosage | 8% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Cool heat in the blood and empty fire
- Subdue Liver Wind
- Descends running piglet qi for panic attacks, fright, paranoia, hysteria
Indications
- Empty Fire with night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, heat in the five centers, amenorrhea
- Heat in the Blood with insomnia, bleeding, varicosity, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, hypertension
Topical Applications
- Add to night cream to rejuvenate the skin.
- Add to shampoo to promote hair growth.
- Apply direct on PC-6 to open the chest and calm the shen.
Other Applications
- Diffuse to uplift mood.
Specific Protocols
- 6% dilution of Clary Sage (50%), Geranium (30%), and German Chamomile in a cold-pressed Sesame Seed oil base for Deficient Liver Yin Add Ylang-Ylang to the blend for emotional distress.
- 6% dilution of Clary Sage (50%), Sandalwood (30%), and Melissa (20%) in a cold-pressed Sesame Seed oil base for Deficient Heart Yin.
Actions
- Sedative
- Hypotensive
- Anticonvulsant
- Antifungal
- Euphoric in small dose
Contraindications & Cautions
- Estrogenic not for certain types of cancer or for fibrocystic breasts
- Use for short term only as it is narcotic and hypnotic
- Not for use with alcohol
- Not used during pregnancy
- Not for pre-pubescent children (estrogenic)
Notes
- Active on the Wei Mai
- Good for LU yin deficiency heat
- Strong to induce euphoria
- Combines well with other flower and wood oils
- Helps with unknown fears and night terrors
- For panic attacks from empty fire
- Strongly active on KD 3
- Helpful during menopause; cooling and calming, it helps with hot flashes and night sweats
- For someone who is desperate for meaning
- Strong to clear heat in the chest
- For mania and desire for stimulants
- Good for the eyes (HT, LR)
- For anxiety and depression
- Helps someone to see the things they are afraid of
- Brings into someone's own knowing
- For someone who is anxious spiritually
- Calming, helpful for panic and shock
- For someone who worries about things they may have done wrong (Wei Mai connection)
Additional Comments
- Clary Sage is often used in place of Sage because it is milder.
- *Clary Sage has been found to increase the effects of alcoholic beverages (contraindicated with use).
From Class
- Clary sage: Oil that resonates with KI-3 Taixi; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)
- Clary sage: Estrogenic — affects uterus/breast hormones; for yin deficiency; Yin Wei Mai oil. Always do a smell test — patient preference differentiates. (Yuen)