Supplements Herbal Supplements What Is Sage? Can this common herb improve memory and reduce cancer risk? By Jennifer Moll, PharmD Jennifer Moll, PharmD Facebook Jennifer Moll, MS, PharmD, is a pharmacist actively involved in educating patients about the importance of heart disease prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 26, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Meredith Bull, ND Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND Facebook LinkedIn Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Sage Made Of? What Is Sage Used For? Dosage and Preparation What to Look For Frequently Asked Questions Sage is an herb commonly found in the spice rack of many Americans. Sage is usually dried and used to add flavor to entrees, such as Thanksgiving stuffing. Sage also has medicinal properties that people have used for centuries in both Eastern and Western cultures. In recent years, scientists have studied how effective sage or sage extracts can be in preventing or treating some common medical conditions. This article explains what sage is made of and how people use it, as well as the research on its potential health benefits for lowering cholesterol, enhancing memory, improving inflammatory conditions, and reducing hot flashes. This article also explains the multiple ways that sage can be taken and how it can be taken safely. Verywell / Alexander Shytsman What Is Sage Made Of? Components of sage that are believed to have therapeutic properties include camphor, carnosic acid, carnosol, and phenolic acids. Camphor is the oily substance that gives sage its pungent aroma. Popularly used in topical creams and ointments, camphor actively stimulates nerve endings, producing a warm sensation when vigorously applied, or a cool sensation when applied gently. Carnosic acid and carnosol both have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They directly activate a molecule known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) that helps regulate blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation, among other things. Phenolic acids are plant-based chemicals that exert significant antioxidant properties, protecting cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Learn Sage Contents One teaspoon of ground sage contains:Calories: 2Protein: 0.1 gramsCarbs: 0.4 gramsFat: 0.1 gramsVitamin K: 10% of the reference daily intake (RDI)Iron: 1.1% of the RDIVitamin B6: 1.1% of the RDICalcium: 1% of the RDIManganese: 1% of the RDI What Is Sage Used For? There are numerous varieties of sage used for culinary and medical purposes, the most common of which is Salvia officinalis (also known as common sage). Other edible varietals include Salvia lavandulaefolia and Salvia plebeia. When used for complementary or alternative therapies, sage has been used for: Cold soresFatigueHigh cholesterolHot flashesMemory issuesSore throatSunburnUpset stomach There is evidence, albeit sparse, to support the benefits of sage. Sage Purportedly Heals Many people swear by sage as a treatment for cuts, wounds, and bruises as well as insect bites. Cancer Prevention Scientists have shown that components of S. officinalis or S. lavandulaefolia (including carnosol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid) can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in test tubes, including breast cancer, colon cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and small-cell lung carcinoma. While test-tube results infrequently translate to humans, a 2017 review of studies reported that rosmarinic acid given daily to mice was able to prevent skin cancer and bone metastasis from breast cancer. None of this should suggest that eating or drinking sage can prevent cancer. Nevertheless, a group of researchers have said: "...extensive pharmacological and chemical experiments, together with human metabolic studies, should be the focus of our future studies." Lower Cholesterol Sage's activation of the PPAR gamma molecule, which promotes metabolism and suppresses inflammation, may be most apparent in its impact on cholesterol. One study, published in the journal Phytotherapeutic Research, concluded that this effect is more than marginal. According to the research, people who were provided between 400 milligrams to 1500 milligrams of sage daily (in the form of either powder, tea, or a supplement) achieved an overall improvement in their blood lipids (fats) after three months. Among the findings: Total cholesterol levels were lowered by 16% to 20%. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (known as "bad cholesterol") was reduced by at least 12%. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (known as "good cholesterol") was increased by up to 20%. Triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood) were lowered by at least 18%. Other studies have not demonstrated similar results. Moreover, while the activation of PPAR gamma is associated with improved blood sugar, this effect has not been seen when taking sage or a sage extract. Herbs and Supplements That Can Help Lower Your Cholesterol Improved Memory There is evidence to suggest that sage can improve memory and information processing. While the evidence remains sparse, a 2017 research review suggested that substances in sage can influence biological mechanisms associated with cognition. According to the research, two types of phenolic acid found in sage—rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid—have been shown to improve alertness and cognitive skills in mice. Other studies included in the review consistently showed improvements in short-term memory, alertness, and speed recall. Improved mood and alertness were also cited. 4 Types of Memory That Everyone Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects Sage may be beneficial in providing relief for inflammatory conditions such as sore throat and sunburn. A study from Switzerland showed that an extract of sage and echinacea, when used as an oral spray, was just as effective in treating an acute sore throat as the combination of chlorhexidine and lidocaine, pharmaceutical drugs commonly used in oral anesthetics. It is these same properties that are believed to be effective in relieving tonsillitis pain or speeding the healing of cold sores when applied as a salve or ointment. Meanwhile, another study reported that sage oil exerted both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, providing relief of mild inflammatory skin conditions like sunburn and folliculitis. Inflammation Can Spell Danger Chronic inflammation is thought to increase the risk of many conditions, including arthritis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart disease. Hot Flashes Hot flashes and night sweats are common symptoms for women experiencing menopause. A study published in the International Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences reported that a 100-milligram daily dose of S. officinalis (sage), delivered in an oral tablet over eight weeks, reduced the incidence of these and other menopausal symptoms when compared to women who took a placebo. Moreover, it appeared to do so without influencing hormone levels, and sage has not been shown to help women with abnormal periods. Dosage and Preparation Sage supplements usually come in pill, gel cap, or capsule form. The range generally falls from 280 mg to 1,500 mg by mouth daily for up to 12 weeks. Doses of up to 1,2000 milligrams per day are generally considered safe and well tolerated by healthy people. People also take sage: "Organically," meaning by chewing a certain amount of leaves from a sage plantThrough a tincture, by combining a dried version of the herb with alcoholBy boiling a tea with powdered sage leavesThrough topical creams and ointments, though these products are usually used for skin irritations Heed Off-Limits Alerts Women should not take sage supplements while they're pregnant or breastfeeding. And both men and women should avoid sage if they have allergies. Possible Side Effects When consumed as a spice in food, sage is considered safe for adults and children. Healthcare professionals generally agree that: Sage should be safe when taken in medicinal amounts for no more than two months.Sage may be unsafe when it's taken in high doses or for a long time. Some species of sage, including common sage (Salvia officinalis), contain a chemical called thujone. Too much thujone can cause seizures and damage the liver and nervous system.Sage applied to the skin is possibly safe when used for up to one week.Sage essential oil, inhaled as aromatherapy, should be safe. Like some other essential oils, sage oil can be toxic and should never be taken orally. Even when applied topically, the oil must be diluted or it could cause rash or irritation. Sage can also make anticonvulsant drugs less effective if used in excess, including phenobarbital, Mysoline (primidone), Depakote (valproic acid), Neurontin (gabapentin), Tegretol (carbamazepine), and Dilantin (phenytoin). The excessive use of sage if you're taking diabetes medications can trigger a potentially severe drop in blood sugar, leading to hypoglycemia. If you use sage capsules or extracts, never consume more than the recommended dose on the product label. Sage medications should be used with caution in people with impaired kidney function. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking, including herbal remedies like sage, so that you're fully aware of the potential interactions and risks. Carrier Oils Assist Essential Oils Essential oils are concentrated plant oils that must be diluted so that they can be used safely. The dilution source is known as a carrier oil, which can help prevent dryness, skin reactions and evaporation. Some of the most popular carrier oils include almond, coconut, jojoba, olive, rosehip, and sesame oil. What to Look For Dried and fresh sage can be found at most grocery stores. Sage powders, capsules, extracts, teas, essential oils, and homeopathic remedies can be found online or at drugstores and health food outlets. As you look for a sage supplement, try to find one that is manufactured to the highest quality and safety standards. The best way to do this is to check the label for a seal of approval from an independent, third-party certifying body, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab. USP Database Can Help USP publishes the Dietary Supplements Compendium, an online, subscription-based database which provides quality standards for the production of dietary supplements. Supplements thatpass USP's quality requirements are awarded a distinction called the USP Verified Mark. Summary Sage is one of those "must-have" herbs found in many spice racks to season a wide variety of culinary creations. And sage or sage extracts are also being examined in research for common medical conditions, including lowering cholesterol, enhancing memory, improving inflammatory conditions, and reducing hot flashes. Doses of up to 1,2000 milligrams per day are generally considered safe and well-tolerated by healthy people. There are several ways to take sage, and each method requires taking special precautions. A Word From Verywell It can be easy to get enthused about an herb like sage, particularly when you review a complete list of all the discomforts and maladies that some people swear it can either ease or cure. It will take researchers years to catch up with all the anecdotal evidence. Until then, it's wise to follow the advice of the National Institutes of Health, which notes that "herbal remedies are a type of dietary supplement. They are not medicines." It further notes that herbals may not work as claimed and may contain ingredients or contaminants that are not listed on the label. Before you enter this unchartered territory, schedule a session with your healthcare provider so you can compare and contrast the potential benefits vs. the risks. Frequently Asked Questions Are sage tablets or gel caps vegan? Not always. Gel caps in particular are sometimes made from animal gelatins rather than vegetable cellulose. To be safe, purchase products that are labeled "vegan" or "vegetarian." Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 10 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Herbpathy. Sage herb uses, benefits, cures, side effects, nutrients. Ghorbania, A. and Esmaeilizadehb, M. Pharmacological properties of Salvia officinalis and its components. J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(4):433-40. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.12.014. Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M. Chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal property of sage (salvia) to prevent and cure illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and cancer. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. 2014;4(2), 82–88. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.130373. Kianbakht, S.; Abasi, B.; Perham, M. et al. Antihyperlipidemic effects of Salvia officinalis leaf extract in patients with hyperlipidemia: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2011;25:1849-53. doi:10.1002/ptr.3506. Lopresti, A. Salvia (sage): A review of its potential cognitive-enhancing and protective effects. Drugs R D. 2017;17(1):53-64. doi:10.1007/s40268-016-0157-5. Schapowal, A. Berger, D. Klein, P, Suter A. Echinacea/sage or chlorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: a randomized double-blind trial. Eur J Med Res. 2009;14(9):406-12. doi:10.1186/2047-783X-14-9-406. Dawid-Pać, R. Medicinal plants used in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013;30(3):170-77. doi:10.5114/pdia.2013.35620. Rad S, Forouhari S, Dehaghani A, et al. The effect of salvia officinalis tablet on hot flashes, night sweating, and estradiol hormone in postmenopausal women. Int J Med Res Health Sci. 2016;5(8):257-63. U.S. Pharmacopeia. What is the U.S. Pharmacopeia? National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. A guide to herbal remedies. Additional Reading Rad, S.; Forouhari, S.; Dehaghani, A. et al. The effect of Salvia officinalis tablet on hot flashes, night sweating, and estradiol hormone in postmenopausal women. Int J Med Res Health Sci. 2016;5(8):257-63.