Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves  Oil
Edible Uses: Condiment  Oil

Leaves - raw or cooked. A strong, warm, aromatic taste and odour[244]. They are used mainly as a flavouring in cooked foods[2, 27, 37, 105], they are similar to sage (S. officinalis)[1]. The leaves can be dipped in batter and cooked to make delicious fritters[183, 244]. Flowers - raw. A pleasant taste, they can be sprinkled on chopped salads[183, 238], or made into a tea[238]. The plant is sometimes used as a hop substitute in flavouring beer, imparting considerable bitterness and intoxicating properties[4] - it either makes people dead drunk or insanely exhilarated[244]. The leaves have also been used to adulterate wine and give it a muscatel flavour[244].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antispasmodic  Appetizer  Aromatherapy  Aromatic  Astringent  Balsamic  Carminative  Ophthalmic  
Pectoral  Tonic

Clary has been perceived both as a weaker version of sage (Salvia officinalis) and also as a significant herb in its own right[254]. An antispasmodic and aromatic plant, it is used mainly to treat digestive problems such as wind and indigestion[254]. It is also regarded as a tonic, calming herb that helps relieve period pain and pre-menstrual problems. Owing to its oestrogen-stimulating action, it is most effective when levels of this hormone are low[254]. The whole plant, and especially the leaves, is antispasmodic, appetizer, aromatic, astringent, balsamic, carminative, pectoral and tonic[4]. It is useful in treating disorders of the stomach and kidneys and is a valuable remedy for complaints associated with the menopause, particularly hot flushing[4, 254]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, for drying they are harvested before the plant comes into flower[238]. The seed forms a thick mucilage when it is soaked for a few minutes in water. This is efficacious in removing small particles of dust from the eyes[4, 238]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Euphoric'[210].

Essential  Oil

An essential oil is obtained from the flowering stems. Called 'Muscatel oil', it has an ambergris aroma and is used in soaps, cosmetics, as a fixative in perfumery etc[1, 46, 74, 171, 238]. A drying oil is obtained from the seed, it is used in varnishes, paints etc[74].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Scented Plants