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Monday, September 20, 2010

CLARY SAGE-Salvia sclarea seeds for sale

CLARY SAGE-Salvia sclarea
Family : Lamiaceae

Details : The Romans called it sclarea, from claurus, or “clear,” because they used it as an eyewash. The practice of German merchants of adding clary and elder flowers to Rhine wine to make it imitate a good Muscatel was so common that Germans still call the herb Muskateller Salbei and the English know it as Muscatel Sage. Clary sometimes replaced hops in beer to produce an enhanced state of intoxication and exhilaration, although this reportedly was often followed by a severe headache. It was considered a 12 th-century aphrodisiac.

Part used : herb/flowering tops and foliage

Constituents : linalyl acetate, linalol, pinene, myrcene, saponine and phellandrene.

Actions : anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, bactericidal.

Medicinal Uses : Like its relative sage, clary tea, the leaf juice in ale or beer, was recommended for many types of women’s problems, including delayed or painful menstruation. It was once used to stop night sweating in tuberculosis patients. An astringent is gargled, douched and poured over skin wounds. It is combined with other herbs for kidney problems. The clary seeds form a thick mucilage when soaked for a few minutes and placed in the eye, helps to removed, small irritating particles. A tea of the leaves is also used as an eyewash. Clary is also used to reduce muscle spasms. It is used today mainly to treat digestive problems such as gas and indigestion. It is also regarded as a tonic, calming herb that helps relieve premenstrual problems. Because of its estrogen-stimulating action, clary sage is most effective when levels of this hormone are low. The plant can therefore be a valuable remedy for complaints associated with menopause, particularly hot flashes.

Cultivation details : Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Thrives on any ground that is not too wet. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Hardy to about -20°c. A biennial or short-lived perennial. The flowers can be air-dried and used as everlasting flowers. A very ornamental plant, it is strongly aromatic and is sometimes cultivated for its essential oil, there are some named varieties. When bruised, the leaves release a deliciously pungent and refreshing smell of fresh grapefruit. The flowers are very attractive to bees. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation: Seed - can be sown in situ during spring. Alternatively seed can be sown in August/September to overwinter, it will then produce larger plants Thinnings can be transplanted. The seed remains viable for 5 years.

Clary-Salvia sclarea cashmiriana seeds
Available :In stock
Qty: Number of Seeds Per Pack: 50
Price: 550/US$10/pkt
More details:
Chenab Industries Kashmir-CIK
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR Jammu and Kashmir  190001
Ph: 09858986794
Landline: 01933-223705
e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com, iirc@rediffmail.com
home: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com