---
title: "Linden or Sage? | Herbadex"
description: "Linden for colds, a sage gargle for sore throats: the differences, uses and safety warnings of two popular winter herbs side by side."
language: en
url: https://herbadex.com/en/compare/linden-vs-sage/
source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com)
---

Comparisons

# Linden or Sage?

Both are among the most searched herbs in winter, but according to the EMA they have different uses. The table below is built automatically from the sourced cards of both herbs.

| Aspect | Linden Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos | Sage Salvia officinalis |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Strongest evidence | T Traditional use | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Immunity, Sleep, Stress & Mood | Respiratory, Throat & Mouth, Digestion, Skin & Hair |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5 g of dried linden flowers. | Infuse 2.5 g of dried sage in 100 ml of boiling water; gargle while warm. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 4 | From age 18 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | For a cold, see a doctor if no better within 1 week | Not stated |

## Which one, when?

### Linden

Traditionally drunk for common cold symptoms and mild stress. For colds it can be used from age 4.

[Full card →](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/linden/)

### Sage

Traditionally used as a gargle for mouth and throat inflammation, and for mild indigestion and excessive sweating. Not recommended under 18.

[Full card →](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sage/)

## Good to know

-   The sage assessment covers common sage (Salvia officinalis); the Greek sage widely sold in Turkey is another species.
-   With shortness of breath, high fever or pus-like phlegm, neither herb replaces a visit to the doctor.

## Sources

1.  [Community herbal monograph on Tilia cordata Miller, Tilia platyphyllos Scop., Tilia x vulgaris Heyne or their mixtures, flos](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-tilia-cordata-miller-tilia-platyphyllos-scop-tilia-x-vulgaris-heyne-or-their-mixtures-flos-first-version_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2012
2.  [European Union herbal monograph on Salvia officinalis L., folium – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-salvia-officinalis-l-folium-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2016

This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.