Sage

Botanical Overview

Sage is a woody, aromatic perennial native to the Mediterranean region, cherished for thousands of years as both a culinary staple and one of the most revered medicinal herbs in the Western tradition. Its very name speaks to its legacy — Salvia derives from the Latin salvere, meaning "to heal" or "to be saved." Ancient Romans considered sage sacred, harvesting it with elaborate ceremonial rituals and using it to preserve meat, treat wounds, and support memory. Medieval Europeans believed sage growing vigorously in a garden was a sign of a prosperous household, and a Latin proverb asked: Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto? — "Why should a man die who grows sage in his garden?" In Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, sage has long been valued for its warming, drying, and clarifying properties. Today it remains one of the most thoroughly studied herbs in modern botanical research, with particular interest in its effects on cognitive function, menopausal symptoms, and antimicrobial activity. Its silvery-green velvety leaves carry a complex bouquet of essential oils — thujone, camphor, and cineole chief among them — that give sage its distinctive warm, savory, and slightly resinous character.

Flavor Profile

• Warm, earthy, and herbaceous with a savory depth
• Slightly resinous and aromatic with a gentle camphor note
• Bold and distinctive — pairs well with other strong flavors
• Warming and grounding in the cup
• Pairs beautifully with lemon, honey, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper

Traditionally Used For

• Supporting cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity — one of the most studied herbs for brain health
• Reducing hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause
• Easing excessive perspiration — a traditional remedy for night sweats and hyperhidrosis
• Powerful antimicrobial and antiviral properties — soothing sore throats and mouth infections
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support
• Supporting healthy blood sugar regulation
• Easing digestive discomfort, bloating, and gas
• Supporting mood and reducing mild anxiety and depression symptoms
• Traditionally used to reduce milk production when weaning

Brewing Notes

• Water temperature: 190–200°F / 88–93°C — slightly below boiling preserves the delicate aromatic oils
• Steep time: 5–7 minutes
• Use 1 teaspoon of dried sage per 8 oz of water — sage is potent, start with less
• Fresh sage leaves can also be used — use 3–4 large leaves per cup
• A squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of honey make a classic sore throat remedy
• Pairs wonderfully with thyme and lemon for an immune-supporting winter blend
• Best enjoyed in moderation — thujone content means very large amounts are not recommended for daily long-term use