{"id":8921,"date":"2023-02-23T20:05:59","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T20:05:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=8921"},"modified":"2025-11-18T15:18:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T15:18:58","slug":"sage","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/sage\/","title":{"rendered":"Sage"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":8925,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"0c3d318f-9f55-472c-a7a2-c32cfee5a000","beyondwords_preview_token":"f78d1d2d-27c4-4c9c-b62d-30514f8e648f","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1166],"conditions":[694,685,701,696,698,695,700,702],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,31,18,786,16],"western_action":[992,993,994,997,1000,1003,1010,1015,1017,1020,1021,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1499,1498,1487,1497,1495,1492,1380],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-8921","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-antihidrotic","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","conditions-stages-of-life","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","sense-hot","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-astringent","western_action-carminatives","western_action-expectorant","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-nervine","western_action-stimulant","western_action-stomachic","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-salty","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-warm","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20230223","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Sage is a favoured medicine for digestive and nervous conditions","latin_name":"Salvia officinalis<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Lamiaceae","herb_summary":"Sage is a distinctive aromatic plant of the mint family. It is used as both a culinary and medicinal herb for digestive problems, skin and mucosal health. It is also a herb that has been well researched for improving cognition, mood and memory.","key_benefits":"Antihydrotic\r\nAntibacterial\r\nMood enhancer\r\nMemory and cognition\r\nDigestive support","how_does_it_feel":"Sage has a distinctive aromatic, pungent taste profile with a mildly astringent after-effect. The smell and taste of sage is both powerful and unique. It is used as a bacteriostatic and astringent in the form of a gargle for laryngitis and inflammations in the mouth and throat. These aromatic antibacterial compounds are very clearly active directly after taking.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":8924,"hdif_image_2":8926,"hdif_image_3":8925,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/pCq05QkHiLI","sense":[17,31,18,786,16],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"\"greenSage is classified as a nootropic herb which simply indicates that it works well to improve clear thinking, memory, concentration and other cognitive functions. It works particularly well when the problem arises as a result of debility or poor circulation. Sage may be used to help enhance the state of mind and to improve mental capacity on a number of levels.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSage is an excellent support for digestive function. It improves the assimilation of fatty foods and can be used to treat dyspepsia, heartburn, flatulence, poor digestion and bloating.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOne of the most well-known traditional uses of sage is to reduce excessive perspiration. Due to this, it has become very popular for use during the menopause. Sage is also supportive for short term or intermittent use during the menopause for helping to improve mood and cognitive function.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTopically, sage is used as a gargle or mouthwash for inflammation in the mouth or throat mucosa. It may be made into a strong infusion or tea and used to treat pharyngitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gingivitis and glossitis.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs an excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent, sage may also be used as a wash topically for minor skin inflammations and infections. Balms or creams may also be made, however it is important to avoid using neat sage essential oil on open wounds due to its high thujone content. This compound is usually found in safe levels when using the fresh or dried leaf. However, the essential oil is far more potent and should be used with caution (see safety).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"\"sageSage is a deep tonic for nourishment and restoration, especially for the nervous system, digestive tract and cognitive organs. It is packed with a wide range of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nervine compounds as well as important trace minerals.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSage is generally thought to be a gently, stimulating tonic whilst also being an effective herb for improving one\u2019s mood and cognitive function. However, it is also effective for reducing anxiety.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt acts primarily as a balancer of fluids in the body. It also serves as a deeply oily nutritive tonic, making it useful in more ways than one when it comes to moisture imbalance. Due to this oiliness and combined with sage\u2019s effect on digestive function, it is especially appropriate for people who cannot digest fats well. When preparing sage tea for the oil constituents, it's important to have a cover on the mug or teapot, to trap the medicinal volatile oils that evaporate when heated.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSage effectively clears both dampness and heat and is a perfect choice as a constitutional tonic in conditions of dampness or congestion. This is especially useful where there is excessive phlegm, which may be indicated with a wet or engorged tongue, moist placid tissue states or copious sweating.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis herb is high in aromatic oils and like many other highly pungent, aromatic herbs it has a warm and drying effect upon the tissues. Although it is also observed to have an amphoteric effect in terms of temperature balancing - it can either heat or cool depending on what is needed. Sage also has slightly acrid and bitter to very bitter qualities.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nSage has a long history of use as a sacred smoke. It is used in ceremony for cleansing and purification on an energetic level. It is also thought to be a protective herb. The practice of burning herbs such as such is also traditionally used for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. This herb offers protection on a number of levels.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has its own unique system of understanding health balance and disease. Principally, TCM understands that the body is an integrated whole (each and every structure in the body is an integral and necessary part of the whole). In TCM, sage is used to increase Qi (life force), resolve phlegm, restore the uterus and aid in skin\/ mucosal health and repair.<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"\"sageSage leaf was mentioned in the writings of the most historically important physicians and medics throughout ancient Europe. This includes the writings of Hippocrates, Paracelsus, Hildegard von Bingen, and Lonicerus, Bock and Matthiolus.\r\n\r\nIts cultivation in Northern Europe dates back to medieval times, and it was introduced to North America during the 17th century. Sage was used in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman medicines.\r\n\r\nAncient Egyptians used it as a fertility drug. In Ancient Greece sage was used to staunch bleeding of wounds and to clean ulcers and sores, to soothe hoarseness and coughs, to enhance memory functions and for gargles to treat sore mouths and throats.\r\n\r\nThe herbals of Gerard, Culpeper and Hill all refer to sage for its ability to enhance memory. Culpepper additionally recommends it for headaches, rheumatic pains and joint pains.\r\n\r\nSage has been well known throughout history with good reference to its carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, astringent and anti-hidrotic properties.\r\n\r\nThe smoke of several of the most aromatic sages was also considered specific for fumigating areas contaminated by the sick or deceased, indicating its usefulness in warding off viruses and bacteria.","what_practioners_say":"

\"sage<\/strong>Reproductive system<\/h3>\r\nSage has a number of uses in herbal medicine for the treatment of female reproductive conditions. Its astringent effects on the uterine tissues make it a specific for heavy, painful menstruation.\r\n\r\nIt is also used to support with a number of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and cognitive and mood changes. The astringent antihidrotic effects of its tannins reduce the sweat reflex whilst its nervine effects allow for better cognitive and emotional balance.\r\n\r\nThese nervine effects are likely a response to improved movement of circulation to the brain and nervous system activation via its aromatic compounds.\r\n\r\nA herbalist would likely use sage along with a number of specific herbs for the treatment of reproductive conditions as part of an integrated approach.\r\n

Respiratory system<\/h3>\r\nLike other members of the mint family such as thyme<\/a> and oregano - sage has an astringent and antibacterial effect on lung tissue. It also helps to dry out excess secretions in the respiratory system which can be helpful for a number of conditions.\r\n\r\nSage is an effective anti-inflammatory due to the effects of its phenolic compounds on cell oxidation (1). Additionally, the aromatic compounds in sage such as thujone have been shown to inhibit the lung metastasis of certain tumour cells in vitro in a laboratory (11). A clinical herbalist may use sage as part of an integrated and complementary approach to support cancer patients.\r\n\r\nIntegrated healthcare can be when allopathic and holistic medicines work collaboratively to optimize health, and it is always best to see qualified health practitioners for serious and life threatening conditions. You can find herbalists on our resources section here.\r\n

Nervous system<\/h3>\r\nSage inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which breaks down one of the brain's 'chemical messengers', acetylcholine. AChE inhibitors have a wide range of therapeutic outlines relating to cognitive and behavioural symptoms. This in part, demonstrates how sage positively improves symptoms of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression and helps memory, as acetylcholine plays an important role in memory function. Sage is able to bring about a sense of calmness, clarity and positivity.\r\n\r\n\"sage<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSage has also been shown to enhance cognitive function and reduce agitation in Alzheimer\u2019s patients. Sage is a herb that is therefore indicated in neurodegenerative conditions and for the treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. These actions are thought to be related to a synergistic effect of sage\u2019s volatile oils and undoubtedly a number of its other compounds.\r\n

Skin health<\/h3>\r\nSage\u2019s effects on the skin are largely due to its astringent action to dry up secretions whilst also acting an anti-microbial agent at the same time. Sage contains tannins which constrict the sweat glands and reduces perspiration. It may also be used for oedema or other swellings.\r\n\r\nThe astringent and bacteriostatic properties of the tannins along with its antimicrobial essential oils also serve to protect the mucous membranes in the mouth and pharynx against bacteria and viruses, and accelerate the healing of small wounds.\r\n

Cellular health<\/h3>\r\nSage is often applied for its powerful antioxidant properties. Research has shown that this effect is attributed mainly to its phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid (1). Rosmarinic acid works in much the same way as luteolin by inhibiting enzymes linked to inflammatory responses.\r\n\r\nAs an antioxidant agent, sage can be applied in practice for any manner of conditions where cellular health is affected. Antioxidants help to neutralise harmful free radicals, reducing cell damage in our body which supports the function of our all physical systems.","research":"\"sageA number of studies have been carried out on sage. Most interestingly there are studies that have identified positive in vitro cholinergic binding properties. This sequence of in vitro findings led to further exploration of the possible implications of sage\u2019s anti-cholinergic effects. This made way for some great clinical trials whose focus is on the efficacy of sage in treating mood disorders and Alzheimer's disease, with some interesting results.\r\n\r\nAnimal studies are not condoned by herbal reality, however for the purpose of including research from which some understanding of therapeutic actions can be confirmed, some animal studies have been included herein.\r\n

Anxiety, performance and mood<\/h3>\r\nA double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was carried out to investigate the effects of sage for mood, anxiety and performance. Thirty healthy subjects participated on three separate days, 7 days apart. Each time receiving a different treatment in counterbalanced order on each occasion (placebo, 300, 600 mg dried sage leaf). This study was carried out in part, to further backup a concomitant investigation where an extract of the sage leaf exhibited dose-dependent, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase which may have implications for improvements in mood and cognition.\r\n\r\nMood was assessed both pre-dose and at 1 and 4 hours post-dosing. The study confirms that both doses of sage led to improved ratings of mood in the absence of the stressor. There was an interesting dose dependent effect; the lower dose reduced anxiety, the higher dose increased feelings of alertness, calmness and contentedness.\r\n\r\nTask performance was improved for the higher dose at both post dose assessments, but reduced for the lower dose at the later testing session. The results confirm previous observations of the cholinesterase inhibiting properties of S. officinalis<\/em>, and improved mood and cognitive performance following the administration of single doses to healthy young participants (5). These activities are thought to be associated with a synergistic effect of volatile oil components in sage (6).\r\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/h3>\r\nA double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial was carried out to investigate the efficacy and safety of sage extract using a fixed dose (60 drops\/day), in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Patients were aged between 65 and 80 years old, and were randomised to placebo or fixed dose. The study took place over a 4-month period. The extract produced a significantly better outcome on cognitive functions than the placebo group. The study concludes that sage effectively helps in cases of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The study also found that the sage group showed reduced agitation (10).\r\n

\"sage<\/strong>Menopause<\/h3>\r\nAn in vitro study was carried out to establish the mechanisms of sage extract for the treatment of hot flush frequency and intensity.\r\n\r\nIn vitro methods were using 66\u200a% ethanolic tincture, as well as the n-hexane, CHCl3, and aqueous ethanolic sub-extracts obtained from the tincture. Estrogenicity and selective serotonin reuptake inhibition were assessed.\r\n\r\nThe tincture showed no estrogenic effects whereas the aqueous ethanolic subextract exhibited estrogenicity in the ERLUX assay with an EC50 value of 64\u2009\u00b5g\/mL.\r\n\r\nThis study concludes that the synergy of estrogenic flavonoids contribute to the anti-hot flush effect of Salvia officinalis, a safe and commonly used herbal medicinal product during the menopause (9).\r\n

Antibacterial and antiviral<\/h3>\r\nA number of in vitro studies have confirmed the strong antimicrobial properties of sage. This is thought to be attributed to the presence of thujones and other volatile components. Inhibitory activity of the oil against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and against a range of fungi has been demonstrated (1).\r\n\r\nThere is also evidence of antiviral acidity. This was established by a detailed spectroscopic analysis which identified that the two diterpenoids, safficinolide and sageone isolated from the aerial parts of sage showed antiviral activity (1, 3). Another in vitro test study of water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from the aerial parts of sage also confirmed immunomodulatory activity, as sage caused thymocytes to proliferate (4).\r\n\r\nHelicobacter pylori bacteria pose a challenge in modern medicine due to rising antibiotic resistance and associated inflammations with the infection. Sage was processed through phytochemical screening, to evaluate its chemical profile and see which components were active against H. Pylori as well as anti-inflammatory.\r\n\r\nResults showed that the main active compounds were flavonoids, sterols, volatile oil, saponins, and carbohydrates. In particular Carnosic acid (37.66%), epirosmanol (20.65%), carnosol1 (3.3%), and 12-O-methyl carnosol (6.15%) were dominant when measuring using GC-MS, while eucalyptol (50.04%) and camphor (17.75%) were dominant in LC-MS and GC-MS respectively. The alcoholic extract showed the strongest anti H.pylori activity followed by the oil. The alcoholic extract also showed the best anti-inflammatory action, when measured against Cox-2 expression. Overall the study found that sage could be useful for H.Pylori infection management (2).","did_you_know":"The name Salvia comes from the Latin word 'salvare<\/em>' meaning to heal and 'salvere<\/em>' meaning to be healthy. The species name officinalis<\/em> is derived from the Latin word opificina<\/em> meaning herb store or pharmacy.","additional_information_right":{"illustration":244803},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs depending on growing conditions. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped lilac, blue or purple flowers that grow in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes.","common_names":"