Although both Perilla (Perilla frutescens) and Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) belong to the Dicotyledoneae class and Lamiaceae (mint) family, they exhibit significant differences in morphology, origin, application, etc..
1. Essential Differences
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| Aliases | Guiren, Bai Su, Chi Su | European Sage, Muscatel Sage, Clear Eye, Roze Sage |
| Classification | Annual herb of the Perilla genus | Biennial or perennial herb of the Salvia genus |
| Morphology |
plant height ≤1m, small purple pollen. The leaves are green or purple on both sides, or only purple on the bottom. Perilla has a pedicel, a long flower axis with many flowers of equal pedicel length growing on it. |
plant height 1-2m, purple/white pollen. Clary Sage has no pedicel, and the bracts are pink to white, and are usually large and conspicuous. |
| Origin | Native to China. Widely distributed in India, Myanmar, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and Russia. In China, found wild or cultivated in Hebei, Shanxi, Anhui, and across North, Central, South, and Southwest China | Native to Southern Europe and the Middle East. Now cultivated in France, Russia, and Chinese provinces, including Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Yunnan. Shaanxi Province is the largest Clary Sage cultivation base in China. |
| Harvesting Period |
Leaves: Late July to early August (before flowering). Stems: Early September (when inflorescence just emerges). Seeds: Late September to mid-October (when fruits ripen). |
Flowering Period: June to September (varies by location). Seed Maturity: July to September. Sowing: Best sown in autumn; harvest from mid-late June to September the following year. |
| Applications | Its essential oil (Perilla Oil/Red Perilla Oil) primarily consists of Perillaldehyde, with minor amounts of Limonene, α-Pinene, etc. Mainly used medicinally; less common in perfumery. |
Its key component, Ambroxide, is a natural alternative to the precious animal-derived ambergris, highly prized in the global market. |
2. Cultural Anecdotes
Perilla: Legend attributes the name "Zi Shu" (Purple Comfort) to the ancient Chinese physician Hua Tuo, noting its purple leaves and stomach-soothing properties. The name "Perilla" (紫苏) became formalized during the Song Dynasty.
Clary Sage: Its English name derives from the Latin "clarus" (clear), as ancient Greeks used its seeds to cleanse and soothe eyes. Its flower language, "enhancing intuition through chaos," symbolizes its fragrance's ability to heighten awareness, provide guidance, and offer clarity amidst confusion.
There are two pictures below of Perilla and Clary Sage plants. Can you tell which one is Perilla and which one is Clary Sage?
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3. Recommended High-Quality Products
Specializing in the deep processing of Clary Sage, Xi'an App-Chem Bio (Tech) Co., Ltd. (Hereinafter referred to as APPCHEM) boasts 19 years of expertise in the Clary Sage plant extract market. The core product portfolio includes:
These high-purity, premium-grade natural aromatic ingredients are widely used in premium perfumery, cosmetics, food flavoring, and the pharmaceutical industry. APPCHEM provides a stable and reliable supply chain for global customers. If you have any related needs, please feel free to contact us. (email: sales@appchem.cn)