Clary Sage Jelly

Posted byblackbirdsbackyardPosted inFood Recipes

Clary Sage is one of my favorite plants even though I have never used it medicinally. Every year I buy one and hope it overwinters. I love the large fuzzy leaves and interesting purple flowers.

Clary Sage Jelly


Several large fresh clary sage leaves chopped to make…
1/4 cup of infusion


3/4 cup apple juice
Juice of 1/2 lemon juice
1 and 1/2 cups honey
1/2 bottle liquid pectin or 2-3 tsp of powder pectin like Pomona’s

A few drops of yellow food coloring if desired.


Make an infusion of clary sage and water. Strain and add enough water, if needed, to make 1/4 cup. Combine with apple and lemon juice. In a large saucepan, bring the liquid to a boil. Add in the pectin, stirring constantly for 30 more seconds. Whisk if there are lumps. Remove from heat, mix in the honey, and strain. Pour into hot a sterilized jar and seal. Refrigerating will speed setting once cool. Makes one large jar.

This would pair well with soft cheese, fresh fruit, toast.

Recipe is courtesy of Susun Weed

Salvia Sclarea

Sclarea is a a sage like the pineapple cultivar. It probably has many similar properties as the culinary spice you are familiar with. Like all member of the mint botanical family clary is high is volatile oils. Most alternative practitioners are only familiar with using this herb as an essential oil. I find the living flowers to smell even more amazing than what you get in a bottle.

This year I decided to harvest the leaves because I noticed they have a lovely smell. I dried many of them in the dehydrator due to their texture, size, and moisture content. Crumbled they make a lovely addition to a bath mixture. For the jelly I just used fresh.

The flowering tops and leaves have been used historically in tea for delayed and painful periods, menopause (night sweats, hot flashes), PMS, a digestive tonic, stress/depression, and muscle spasms/cramps. Externally it can be as a wash for irritated eyes, vaginal douche, or sores.

As an edible, clary sage can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Contraindications-do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not take large/therapeutic doses of the tea for more than one week at a time.

Do you have a favorite plant that you grow for medicine in your garden?

Published by blackbirdsbackyard

My backyard botanical pharmacy is located in Boulder Colorado. I began studying herbal medicinewhen I was 12 years old. In college I studied subjects like anthropology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, After graduation I decided to go to midwifery school. I attended births and had a small practice until I retired early in order to be a mother full time. I have always had an herb garden, gathered plants and made my own healing formulas with plants. Over the last 30 years there have been many teachers and I have attended dozens of workshops. I am one of those people who is always reading, studying and learning. In 2019 I was called to practice as an herbalist professionally, using "plant spirit medicine" and bio-energetic ( 5 element)healing techniques. I feel that there is a big need in the community for my skills and talents. I hope to inspire others to start their own backyard pharmacies as a solution to species extinction and the healthcare crisis in America. Healing has also become a spiritual practice and way for me to feel balanced and connected with nature. I consult with clients in person, teach classes (adults and kids), give tours of my garden and offer apprenticeships. Health, joy, meaning, and support are everyone's birthright.

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