Herb library · Herb · Salvia officinalis, S. lavandulaefolia
Sage
A Mediterranean kitchen herb sold as a supplement for menopause symptoms, memory, and cholesterol. Only a few small studies exist, and some sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in large amounts.
Traditional use
Common sage and Spanish sage are shrubs native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, used in cooking and as traditional remedies for digestive, respiratory, and skin problems. A sage infusion was a standard gargle for sore throats in 19th-century American medicine. Today sage supplements are sold for menopause symptoms, memory, and cholesterol.
Traditional energetics
Galenic (hot or cold, dry or moist)
Hot and dry. Culpeper's Complete Herbal (1814), p. 244 (opens in a new tab)
What studies show
- Limited
Hot flashes: a few small studies suggest common sage might reduce how often menopausal hot flashes happen.
- Limited
Memory in healthy people: a few studies suggest common sage, Spanish sage, or both may improve scores on memory and thinking tests, but the evidence is small.
- Insufficient
Alzheimer's disease: very little research in people, so it is uncertain whether sage affects thinking in Alzheimer's.
- Limited
Cholesterol: a few studies suggest possible beneficial effects on blood fats.
- Insufficient
Blood sugar: not enough evidence to say whether sage has any effect.
Be careful of
Cautions
- AmountSage is likely safe in food amounts, and larger amounts were used safely for up to 8 weeks in studies. Some sage, including common sage, contains thujone, which can be toxic in large amounts, so high doses or long use may be unsafe.
- PregnancySage may be unsafe in pregnancy because of its thujone; ask your clinician first. Little is known about breastfeeding.
- InteractionIf you take any medicine, check with your clinician first; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“The infusion, either alone or combined with vinegar, honey, alum, or sumach berries, is much used as a gargle for inflammation and ulceration of the throat, and relaxed uvula.”
“Van Swieten stated that a vinous infusion forms an excellent fomentation to the breasts, when it is desirable to check the flow of milk.”
Sources
- Sage: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026
Reviewed September 25, 2026.