Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis)

Scientifically known as Salvia officinalis, sage is closely related to rosemary, and they are often considered “sister herbs” Its botanical name is a clue to its medicinal importance. Salvia comes from salvare which, in Latin, means to cure.


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In fact, many of sage’s health benefits are derived from the rosmarinic acid, the organic compound found in rosemary that makes it powerful. It does have its differences and is actually an evergreen shrub with woody stems and blue/purple flowers that are found in the Mediterranean region.

The traditional use of sage in medicine is well-documented and stretches back thousands of years. It was initially used for the treatment of snakebite, protecting against evil, boosting female fertility, and other uses that are no longer en vogue or relied on. Sage is a shrubby, perennial plant that grows to about 2-3 feet tall. Foliage is gray-green with a pebbly texture. As it ages, it has a tendency to sprawl. Spikes of purple flowers appear in mid-summer.

  Ref. 1.Lu, Y.,Foo, L.Y (2010). ChemInform Abstract: Salvianolic Acid L, a Potent Phenolic Antioxidant from Salvia officinalis. ChemInform, 33(8). doi: 10.1002/chin.200208271 2. Bachir Rahm G. Benattouche Z. & Bevilacqua A. 7 Corbo M.R. & Sinigalia M. & Pignatiello S., (2016). "Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts from salvia officinalis L on some bacteria and Yeast,' journal of Biotechnology Research, Academic Research Publishing Group, vol. 2(5),pages 31-35, 05-2016. 3. Schapowal, A., Berger, D., Klein, P., & Suter, A.(2009).Echinacea/sage or Clorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: A randomized double-blind trial. Eauropean Journal of Medical research,14(9), 406. 4. Scholey, A. B., Tildesley, N.T.,Ballard, C.G., Wesnes,K.A., Tasker, A.,Perry,E.K., & Kennedy,D.O.(2008). An extract of Salvia(sage) with anti cholinesterase properties improves memory and attention in healthy older volunteers. Psychopharmacology,198(1),127-139. 5. Akhondzadeh, S., Noroozian,M., Mohammadi,M.,Ohadinia,S., Jamshidi, A.H., & Khani, M.(2003).Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimers diseases: A double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics,28(1),53-59. 6.Kennedy, D.O.,Pace, S., Haskell,C., Okello,E.J., Milne, A., & Scholey, A.B (2005). Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibiting Sage( Salvia officinalis) on Mood, Anxiety and Performance on a Psychological Stressor Battery. Neuropsychopharmacology, 31(4).845-852. 7.Bommer, S., Klein, P.,& Suter, A.(2011). First time proof of sage's tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes. Advances in Therapy,28(6),490-500.