Sage

Identity

Common Name

Sage

Scientific Name

Salvia officinalis

Botanical Family

Lamiaceae

Native Region

Mediterranean

Cultivation Regions

Mediterranean, Europe, North America

Plant Parts Used

Leaves

Synonyms

Common Sage, Garden Sage, Dalmatian Sage

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A woody-based evergreen subshrub 30-80 cm tall with square stems, soft grey-green oval wrinkled pebbled leaves, and spikes of violet-blue two-lipped tubular flowers loved by bees.

Historical Background

Revered since antiquity as a sacred, life-preserving herb — its Latin name Salvia shares the root of 'salvation.' Romans, Arabs, and medieval Europeans prized sage for memory, sore throats, and digestion, and the proverb 'Why should a man die who has sage in his garden?' circulated for centuries.

Earliest recorded uses: Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Arab medicine; name Salvia from Latin salvare (to save).

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Herbaceous, earthy, savory, slightly camphoraceous

Tea Information

Research Summary

Sage has a strong tradition for sore throats (gargle), digestion, memory, and menopausal hot flashes. Small trials support modest benefits for sore-throat pain and cognition/hot flashes, but evidence remains limited and it is not a treatment for disease.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources