Does the Clary Sage Plant Contain Omega-3?

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• The Harvard School of Medicine reports that omega-3 fatty acids contribute to cell membrane strength and they "provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting." Omega-3 fatty acids also help the contraction and relaxation of artery walls, allowing nutrients to flow into cells in the necessary amounts. The polyunsaturated fats in omega-3 fatty acids also "appear to help" the heart beat at the correct rate.

Clary Sage

• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a perennial or biennial plant in the Salvia genus. Its flowers are blue, growing from mauve bracts. Clary sage essential oil is distilled from its green leaves and flowers, especially the flowering tops. Russia is currently the main supplier. According to the Aromatherapy Bible, clary sage is a complementary medicine treatment option for depression, in addition to its uses in massage therapy and cosmetics.

Sources

• Omega-3 fatty acids are available in food sources such as flax-seed oil, walnuts and oily fish, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at the University of Oregon. Clary sage is not listed among the herb and food sources for omega-3. Oily fish recommendations include salmon, tuna, herring, sardines and crab. Canola oil, mustard oil, ground flax-seed and tofu are also considered reliable sources for this important group of fatty acids.

Plant Sources

• The Linus Pauling Institute also recommends many plant sources for omega-3 fatty acid oil. Kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and mustard plant seeds are known to be sources for omega-3. The Pauling Institute does not list clary sage as a reliable source for omega-3. A diet that balances the twice-weekly consumption of salmon, trout, tuna, crab and sardines with the vegetables listed provides adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a wide range of additional nutrients.