The Clary Sages are: Salvia sclarea (common Clary), Salvia verbanaca (wild english) and the rare Salvia pratensis, all of the Labiatae family.
Clary Sage is a broad leafed sage (Salvia; to salve / to heal) with mucilaginous seeds that are used to heal the eyes of people, horses and dogs. The fresh seeds are soaked briefly (15 minutes) in tepid water which is then strained well and the liquid used as an eyewash. One fresh seed was placed into each eye of a "cloudy nature" to clear and restore eyesight in the 1700's. The eyewash (and even the use of a fresh seed if water isn't handy) can suspend an object in the musilage created which will expel the object from the eye. Of course, our eyesight (and that of our animals) is too precious to take lightly and ANY disorder of the eye must be seen by a health care practitioner.
The leaves with seeds are fed (2 handsful for a horse) fresh or brewed as the dry herb in water to make a remedy to purify the digestive tract, calm the stomach and expel gas. For dogs, a large "pinch" is used, people brew a tablespoon herb to 2 cups of water.
Clary Sage Essential Oil is used in insect repellents (oil from the leaf) and to foster "clear thinking", calmness and stillness as an aromatherapy remedy.
It makes a pretty, large plant in the herb garden with very nice uses in healing. It will bloom as "spikes" of purple colored blossoms and attracts beneficial insects to the flower.
As with any herb, use a small amount at first and watch for any type of reaction. Animals and people can have different metabolisms and you must look at each as an individual.
The FDA has not approved these statements and we do not diagnose or prescribe for you or your animals. Always consult a holistic practitioner in cases of injury or illness.
