Clary Sage Hydrosol

In the past, I have grown Clary Sage from seed. I wish I had my copper alembic still at the time to have experienced truely fresh Clary Sage Hydrosol!

For emotional applications, the hydrosol is a much gentler version of its essential oil counterpart. Clary Sage Hydrosol is lovely to include in body and facial mists intended to refresh the mind and support the skin.

Look to the citations from hydrosol experts Suzanne Catty, Jeanne Rose and Len and Shirley Price in the Uses and Applications section below for information on the potential benefits of Clary Sage Hydrosol.

Suzanne Catty describes the hydrosol to have a note similar to Earl Grey tea, and I agree. I find it pleasant and especially wonderful when blended with other hydrosols.

Botanical Name

Salvia sclaria

Aromatic Strength

Medium

Shelf Life

Up to 2 years if stored properly (refrigeration is recommended).

Reported Properties, Uses and Applications

Suzanne Catty states that Clary Sage Hydrosol is astringent and is mildly antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. She reports that it may be helpful in easing the "hormone-related cramps, bloating and water retention, moodiness and other symptoms of PMS." Emotionally, Catty states that Clary Sage Hydrosol acts as an anti-depressant and may be useful for traumas and heartache. It may also act as an aphrodisiac. [Suzanne Catty, Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2001), 129.]

Len and Shirley Price report that the Clary Sage Hydrosol that they analyzed consists of 11-49% alcohols and 3-76% esters (these ranges do not include the water present in the hydrosol) and possesses the following properties: "anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, balancing (to nervous system), calming, cicatrizant, decongestant, stimulating, uplifting." [Len Price and Shirley Price, Understanding Hydrolats: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy: A Guide for Health Professionals (London: Churchill Livingstone, 2004), 140.]

Jeanne Rose adds that Clary Sage Hydrosol is astringent and is useful for oily skin, PMS, hot flashes, drug withdrawal and is energizing. [Jeanne Rose, 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols (Berkeley, CA: Frog, Ltd, 1999), 172.]

Safety Information

Read AromaWeb's Hydrosol Safety Guidelines.

Helpful Sources of Information About Clary Sage Hydrosol

Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
Author: Suzanne Catty

Understanding Hydrolats: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy
Authors: Len Price and Shirley Price

375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols
Author: Jeanne Rose

Essential Waters: Hydrosols, Hydrolats & Aromatic Waters
Author: Marge Clark

Aromatic Waters: Therapeutic, Cosmetic, and Culinary Hydrosol Applications
Author: Amy Kreydin