Salvia officinalis, in the Labiate family, is one of the well-known and highly regarded culinary and medicinal herbs. A Modern Herbal reports that in antiquity and into the Middle Ages, there was a saying, “Why should a man die whilst sage grows in his garden?” Centuries ago, Salvia officinalis was being used for emotional, mental, and physical complaints. It also has been long associated with warding off evil.

Sage is native to the Mediterranean region long known to be of medicinal value so much so that its Latin name means “to be saved.” Ancient Egyptians reported used it as a remedy for infertility. Ancient Romans considered its healing properties particularly for digestive support and was part of the official Roman pharmacopeia, to treat ulcers and sore throats, as well as bleeding wounds. The Chinese are reported to have used sage for colds, joint pain, typhoid fever, and for kidney and liver issues. In the 9th century AD, Sage was considered a lucrative business by Charlemagne.

One noted historical recipe for a morning infusion combines Sage, Speedwell, and Wood Betony, as a substitute for English breakfast tea. Traditionally, Italians were known to regularly eat Sage with bread and butter to maintain health.

Sage tea is said to aid in cooling fevers and useful for blood cleansing and purification; also traditionally used to allay nervous excitement found in brain or nervous disorders and nervous headache. The tea also has a history as a stimulating tonic in cases of digestive or nervous system debility, which is why it was prized by the Chinese (more than their own tea). A recipe for the tea, in A Modern Herbal, instructs combining ½ ounce of fresh Sage leaves, 1 ounce of sugar, juice of 1 lemon, infused in a quart of boiling water. A variation in Jamaica substitutues lime juice for lemon.

Sage has numerous purported benefits. It is considered a natural antiseptic and beneficial for brain health; for depression; cardio health; and hormonal support for menopausal women. It can also be used for oral health, including canker sores and gum disease. Sage can also be used externally for hair, skin, and nails to improve the tone and texture of hair; and to tone oil or astringe oily skin.

The medicinal action of Salvia officinalis includes stimulant, astringent, tonic, nervine, diuretic, hemostatic, emmenagogue, tonic, and carminative. Historical use in the U.S. is as an infusion to treat oral afflictions, sore throat, relaxed throat and tonsils, and for ulcerated throat. Gargling with Sage tea has been said to relieve bleeding gums and prevent excess saliva. The astringent action of Sage is useful in liver complaints, kidney trouble, hemmoraghes in the lungs or stomach. Some also regard it for joint pains or lethargy. One noted phytochemical is the flavone salvigenin.