Sage
Salvia officinalis
Key Facts
- Scientific Name
- Salvia officinalis
- Plant Family
- Lamiaceae (Mint family)
- Origin
- Native to the Mediterranean region
- Primary Use
- Cognitive & Menopausal Support
Overview
Sage is a perennial, evergreen subshrub with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae and native to the Mediterranean region.
Traditional Uses
Used since ancient Greek and Roman times for its medicinal properties, including improving memory, treating sore throats, and as a digestive aid. The name Salvia comes from the Latin 'salvere' meaning 'to save'.
Active Compounds
Contains rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, thujone, and camphor. Rich in vitamins K, A, and C.
Potential Benefits — Unverified Summary
Research supports benefits for cognitive function and memory, menopausal hot flashes, blood sugar regulation, and oral health (antimicrobial properties).
Safety & Side Effects
Safe in culinary amounts. High doses containing thujone can be toxic. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. May interact with diabetes and sedative medications.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, severe rash)
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe digestive issues (persistent vomiting, bloody stools)
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Any symptoms that worsen or do not improve
Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements if you:
- Are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- Are taking prescription medications
- Have a chronic health condition
- Are scheduled for surgery
- Are giving herbs to children
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sage used for?
Research supports benefits for cognitive function and memory, menopausal hot flashes, blood sugar regulation, and oral health (antimicrobial properties).
Is Sage safe?
Safe in culinary amounts. High doses containing thujone can be toxic. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. May interact with diabetes and sedative medications.
What are the active compounds in Sage?
Contains rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, thujone, and camphor. Rich in vitamins K, A, and C.
What is the scientific name of Sage?
The scientific name of Sage is Salvia officinalis.
What are the traditional uses of Sage?
Used since ancient Greek and Roman times for its medicinal properties, including improving memory, treating sore throats, and as a digestive aid. The name Salvia comes from the Latin 'salvere' meaning 'to save'.
When should I see a doctor when using Sage?
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Sage or any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, have a chronic health condition, or are scheduled for surgery. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe digestive issues, or any symptoms that worsen or do not improve. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Source Records — Verification Pending
These identifiers were recorded in the original dataset. They are not complete citations or evidence that the claims above have been checked.
- PMC7491497
- Healthline-Sage-2024
- WebMD-Sage-2025