Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Clary

CLARY, or Salvia, L. is a genus of native plants, producing two species:

1. The Pratensis, or Meadow-Clary, which grows in dry pastures, and is found principally in the counties of Surrey and Sussex. It is perennial; flowers in the months of June and July; and its leaves are slightly aromatic. When soaked in water for a few minutes, its seeds acquire a mucilaginous coat, somewhat similar to the spawn of frogs. Bechstein observes, that this plant, when used as a substitute for hops, imparts an agreeable flavour to beer and wine; but, at the same time, renders them more intoxicating, and pernicious to health. It may, however, be more usefully employed in tanning leather, and dyeing a permanent dark brown.

2. The Verbenaca, or Wild English Clary, which is also perennial, grows in gravelly, calcareous soils, and blows from June to October. This species is smaller than the preceding, but more aromatic. Its seeds, when immersed in water, possess the property of the pratensis, in a superior degree. Both the leaves and seeds of this plant have a warm, bitterish, pungent taste, and a strong, though not agreeable, odour. They are principally recommended in hysteric disorders, and in flatulent colics.

Clary-Water is composed of brandy, sugar, clary-flowers, and cinnamon, in which a little ambergris is dissolved, It is also prepared with brandy, juice of cherries, straw-berries and goose-berries, cloves, white pepper, and coriander-seeds; the whole of which are infused, sweetened, and strained.—This medicated water is said to assist digestion, and to be "an excellent cardiac;" but we have reason to apprehend that it is, like all other cordials, calculated to increase the catalogue of tipplers, rather than to promote the purposes of health.