What is Clary Sage Essential Oil?

Clary Sage Essential Oil is the steam-distilled essential oil of Salvia sclarea, in the Lamiaceae family, a plant native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe. It is drawn from the flowering tops of the plant. Clary sage is a European biennial herb, distinct from common culinary sage.

About the oil

Clary sage essential oil is distilled from the flowering tops of Salvia sclarea, a tall European biennial herb with large pink-and-white flowers. It is a different species from common culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) and has its own distinctive scent, rich in linalyl acetate and the fixative compound sclareol. The species name derives from the Latin for "clear," a nod to an old traditional name for the plant.

Clary sage has been grown in European gardens since ancient times and is a prized material in perfumery, where it works as an excellent fixative that helps hold other notes in a blend.

Aroma and character

The aroma of clary sage oil is warm, herbaceous, and slightly sweet.

Related essential oils

• Sage Essential Oil (Dalmatian) — common sage, a different species.

Clary Sage Essential Oil: form and size

We carry Clary Sage Essential Oil bottled as a single, unblended essential oil.

Safety and handling

Essential oils are highly concentrated. Dilute clary sage oil in a carrier oil before any topical use, keep it away from the eyes, and store it tightly capped and out of reach of children and pets. This oil is not intended for internal use.

Clary Sage Essential Oil at a glance

Botanical name

Salvia sclarea

Family

Lamiaceae

Origin

the Mediterranean and southern Europe

Plant part

flowering tops

Extraction

Steam-distilled

Primary compounds

Linalyl acetate, linalool, sclareol

Aroma

warm, herbaceous