Salvia officinalis, or common garden sage, is a Mediterranean herb in the mint family with a history of use that spans centuries across the globe. It was used by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians and was later described in great detail in several Old World herbals. Today, sage is approved by the German Commission E to counter excessive sweating, mild gastrointestinal complaints and inflammation of the mouth and throat.
The astringent qualities of sage is owing to the presence of several phenolic acids and glycosides. Carnosol, for example, is a phenolic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent found in sage leaf. A related antioxidant, carnosic acid, is used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as a natural preservative.
