Salvia officinalis
Sage
Lamiaceae
At a Glance
- Common name
- Sage
- Scientific name
- Salvia officinalis
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Region
- Mediterranean
- Plant part
- Leaves
- Caffeine
- Caffeine Free
- Evidence
- Moderate
- Safety review
- Safety information on file
Safety & Cautions
Safety information on fileBotanical Description
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.
Also known as: Common Sage, Garden Sage, Dalmatian Sage
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 preparations:
- Leaf infusion
- Gargle
- Honey-sage syrup
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Traditional European Herbalism
Sore-throat gargle, digestive, and memory tonic.
Middle Eastern Traditions
Digestive and throat tea; culinary seasoning.
Modern Herbalism
Cognitive and menopausal hot-flash support (modest evidence).
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Herbaceous, earthy, savory, slightly camphoraceous
Tea Preparation
Modern Evidence
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 describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.
Related Herbs
Entry last updated August 4, 2026