Sage
Salvia officinalis
T Traditional useSage leaf is traditionally used as a gargle for mouth and throat inflammation, for mild indigestion and for excessive sweating.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes sage (Salvia officinalis) leaf as a traditional herbal medicine for mouth and throat inflammation, mild indigestion, excessive sweating and minor skin inflammation. Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa), common in Turkey, is a different species and outside this assessment. It is not recommended under 18.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as a gargle for inflammation of the mouth or throat. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for mild indigestion such as heartburn and bloating. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve excessive sweating and minor skin inflammation. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
- Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa) is outside this assessment.
- If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the stated time, see a doctor or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
A sage gargle needs only 2.5 g of leaf in 100 ml of water; the EMA assesses this use for adults over 18. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Is sage good for a sore throat?
The EMA accepts sage as a traditional gargle for mouth and throat inflammation.
Is the sage sold in Turkey the same?
Often not. The common Turkish sage is Salvia fruticosa; the EMA assessment covers Salvia officinalis.
How do I make a sage gargle?
Infuse 2.5 g of dried leaf in 100 ml of boiling water and gargle while warm, 3 times a day.
Can children use sage?
The EMA does not recommend it under 18.
Sources
Cite This Page
Sage (Salvia officinalis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sage/
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