Clary Sage Elixir

Decoctum Salviae sclareae

Historical tradition – not medical advice, and no health or healing claims. more

Historical botanical drawing: Clary — Clary

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, clary sage elixir was associated with the stomach and digestion.

Ingredients

Clary sage leaves, pennyroyal leaves, fennel, honey and wine.

Preparation

Boil 18 g of clary sage leaves, 5 g of pennyroyal leaves, 2 g of fennel powder and 50 g of honey in 1 litre of wine for 3 minutes, then strain and bottle.

Botanical background

Clary sage contains a fragrant essential oil credited with antimicrobial properties; its rosmarinic and cinnamic acids and a resin are considered calming and antispasmodic.

Sources & references

Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 194.
Strehlow, Wighard: Der Hildegard-Kompass. Die wichtigsten Heilmittel und Anwendungen. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 86.
Hildegard von Bingen: Heilsame Schöpfung. Die natürliche Wirkkraft der Dinge (Physica). Hrsg. von der Abtei St. Hildegard, Eibingen. Beuroner Kunstverlag 2012 (4. Auflage 2024). Cap. 1-63 (Salbei).

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Historical tradition. The above describes how this preparation was recorded and used in the tradition of Hildegard of Bingen. This is cultural-historical information, not medical advice and not a health or healing claim, and it is no substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. If you have health complaints, please consult your doctor or pharmacy.

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