What is it used for?
Source of antioxidants/Provides antioxidants [Source note 2].
Source of antioxidants/Provides antioxidants that help fight/protect (cell) against/reduce (the oxidative effect of/the oxidative damage caused by/cell damage caused by) free radicals [Source note 3].
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine (as a carminative) to help provide relief of upset stomach and flatulence (flatulent dyspepsia) [Source note 4].
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine (as a diaphoretic) to increase perspiration/sweating (PDR 2007; Culbreth 1927; Felter 1922; Cook 1869).
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine (as an antihidrotic) to reduce hyperhidrosis/excessive sweating or perspiration [Source note 5].
Used in Herbal Medicine to help reduce hot flushes/hot flashes/night sweats associated with menopause [Source note 6].
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine (as an antigalactagogue) to stop the production of breast milk (Godfrey et al. 2010; Wichtl 2004; Yarnell et al. 2003; Felter and Lloyd 1983; Culbreth 1927; Cook 1869).
The above uses can be combined on the product label if from the same traditional or non-traditional system of medicine (e.g., Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to reduce excessive sweating or perspiration and to stop the production of breast milk).
For multi-ingredient products:
What this guide covers
The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant on the label.
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Antioxidant
Methods of preparation: Dry¹, Non-Standardized Aqueous Extracts (Dry extract, Infusion, Infusion concentrate)
Not to exceed 12 grams of dried leaf, per day [Source note 7].
¹Note: Dried leaf should be prepared as an infusion (see direction for use).
Method of preparation: Non-Standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture)
Not to exceed 2.25 grams of dried leaf, per day [Source note 8].
Method of preparation: Fluid extract
Not to exceed 6 grams of dried leaf, per day [Source note 9].
Other uses
Methods of preparation: Dry¹, Non-Standardized Aqueous Extracts (Dry extract, Infusion, Infusion concentrate)
1 - 12 grams of dried leaf, per day [Source note 10].
¹Note: Dried leaf should be prepared as an infusion (see direction for use).
Methods of preparation: Non-Standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture)
0.3 - 2.25 grams dry leaf, per day [Source note 11].
Method of preparation: Fluid extract
1 - 6 grams of dried leaf, per day [Source note 12].
How is it used?
Night sweats
Take 1 hour before bedtime [Source note 13].
Dried leaves - All uses
Pour hot boiled water on dried leaf and steep.
Dried leaves - Antihidrotic
(To reduce sweating,)* let infusion cool before drinking [Source note 14].
Dried leaves - Diaphoretic
(To increase sweating,)* drink infusion while still warm (PDR 2007; Culbreth 1927; Felter 1922; Cook 1869).
*Note: Information in brackets is required on the label, when both uses to reduce and increase sweating are listed on the label.
How long is it used?
Ask a healthcare professional for use beyond 4 weeks [Source note 15].
Warnings and precautions
Carminative, Diaphoretic, Antihidrotic, Antigalactagogue
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
When should it be avoided?
All products
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding [Source note 16].
Do not use if you have a seizure disorder such as epilepsy [Source note 17].
Possible side effects
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salvia officinalis |
| Salvia officinalis | Leaf | Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2024; Gardner and McGuffin 2013; Common names: USDA 2024; Gardner and McGuffin 2013; Source information: Blumenthal et al. 2000; BHP 1996; Cook 1869.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Sage contains thujone. For adults, the upper limit for total daily intake of thujone from health products is 6 mg. product documentation for oral products should include a copy of a certificate of analysis or any other equivalent document demonstrating that the thujone content of a daily dose of the product is acceptable. Because thujone content of the herbal materials can vary, the thujone content should be determined for each batch during production of the product.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- January 10, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
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Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.