Member of the Sage family and a biennial. Will grow to about 4 ft (1.2 m) high. It has large, wrinkly, dark-green leaves and spikes of long-lasting mauve flowers. It is also a very pungent plant. Introduced to England in 1562.Its name derives from "clear-eyes", when it used to be used in infusion for tired or inflamed eyes. "The leaves of Clarie taken any manner of way, helpeth the weaknesse of the backe" - so said Gerard in 1633.
Clary wine used to be valued as an aphrodisiac. Clary oil is used in perfume as a fixative. It is a good bee plant. Use the leaves in soups and stews. Infusions of leaves are used as lotions for cuts and as a gargle for mouth ulcers. Plant is also used in flavouring alcoholic drinks. It was sometimes used in the nineteenth century as a hop substitute in beer-making. It was believed in Guernsey that a poultice of leaves would draw out splinters.
Clary lowers blood pressure, relieves wind and colic, and heightens the feeling of intoxication when added to wine.
Plant in a sunny spot in autumn or spring.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*
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