Herb · Lamiaceae family · with preparation per the EMA
common sage
Salvia officinalis
In short a 10-second read
Common sage (herb) grows to 0.4–0.7 m tall and 0.4–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. It flowers in June–July; the flowers are purple or blue. Plant out in March–May, September–November. Hardy to −26 °C.
× spread 0.4–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −26 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: sandy, loamy, gravelly
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–July · purple or blue
Pruning
cut back by a third (March, July)
Planting out
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
protect from winter wet
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: protect from winter wet.
- Protect from winter wet
- Hardy to −26 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include common sage
Sage, thyme, oregano and savory — fragrant herbs for a sunny, drier…
Lemon balm, mint, hyssop and sage — tea from the bed from spring to…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common sage flower?
In June–July; the flowers are purple or blue.
Does common sage tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does common sage need?
At maturity 0.4–0.9 m wide and 0.4–0.7 m tall; recommended spacing 41 cm.
Does common sage survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: protect from winter wet.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 12 expert sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (12)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Plants For A Future
- RHS Plant Finder
- Bamberger Staudengarten (Strobler), katalóg
- Gärtnerei Strickler, katalóg
- Foerster-Stauden, katalóg
- Staudenkulturen Stade
- EMA/HMPC - Salviae officinalis folium (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - European Union herbal monograph, Salviae officinalis folium
- RHS - How to grow sage
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
Preparation and use · common sage
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: leaf
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1–2 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1–2 g of dried leaves in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink 3× a day.
EMA 4.2
For: excessive sweating EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 2 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 6 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 2 g of dried leaves in a cup. EMA 4.2
- 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water. EMA 4.2
- 3
Steep for 5–15 min. EMA/HMPC/5829/2010
- 4
Drink it. EMA 4.2
part: leaf
Infusion applied to the skin at home
For: minor skin inflammation EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- On the skin EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 2.5 g of dried leaves in 100 ml of water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2–4× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 2.5 g of dried leaves in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 100 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Apply to the skin 2–4× a day.
EMA 4.2
part: leaf
Mouth rinse and gargle at home
For: minor inflammation of the mouth or throat EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- In the mouth and throat EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 2.5 g of dried leaves in 100 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 2.5 g of dried leaves in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 100 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Gargle 3× a day.
EMA 4.2
For: minor inflammation of the mouth or throat EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- In the mouth and throat EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 10, ethanol 70 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 5–10 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- Several times a day EMA 4.2
- Dilution
- In a glass of water EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 5–10 ml of tincture. EMA 4.2
- 2
Dilute in a glass of water. EMA 4.2
- 3
Gargle several times a day. EMA 4.2
part: leaf
Tincture from a pharmacy
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 10, ethanol 70 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 2–3 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 2–3 ml of tincture.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Take it 3× a day.
EMA 4.2
part: leaf
Undiluted tincture on the affected area from a pharmacy
A ready-made product. The exact method is in the package leaflet.
For: minor inflammation of the mouth or throat EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- In the mouth and throat EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 10, ethanol 70 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- Undiluted EMA 4.2
- How often
- 1× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Undiluted tincture on the affected area — minor inflammation of the mouth or throat: tincture 1:10, ethanol 70 %; per the pharmacopoeia, macerate for 3 days, undiluted, 1 times a day. For adults and the elderly (from 18 years). If symptoms last longer than 1 week, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: leaffor: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence | 1–2 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: leaffor: excessive sweating | 2 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 6 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | ||
| Infusion applied to the skinat homepart: leaffor: minor skin inflammation | 2.5 g of dried leaves in 100 ml of water EMA 4.2 | 2–4× a day | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Mouth rinse and gargleat homepart: leaffor: minor inflammation of the mouth or throat | 2.5 g of dried leaves in 100 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Mouth rinse and gargleat homepart: leaffor: minor inflammation of the mouth or throat | 5–10 ml EMA 4.2 | several times a day | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 10, ethanol 70 % · Dilution: in a glass of water EMA 2 EMA 4.2 |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: leaffor: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence | 2–3 ml EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 10, ethanol 70 % EMA 2 |
| Undiluted tincture on the affected areafrom a pharmacypart: leaffor: minor inflammation of the mouth or throat | Tincture 1:10, ethanol 70 %; per the pharmacopoeia, macerate for 3 days, undiluted, 1 times a day EMA 4.2 | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 10, ethanol 70 % EMA 2 | |
| Adults only EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. — for: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence, minor skin inflammation EMA 4.2
If symptoms last longer than 6 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. — for: excessive sweating EMA 4.2
If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. — for: minor inflammation of the mouth or throat EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Adults only EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol). EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist. GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it. GridGarden
Home-made tincture · per the EMA
Tincture at home.
The EMA also lists a tincture. This is how to make it from dried herb from your bed.
Weigh
of dried leaves, chopped
calculated · 1 : 10Cover with alcohol
ethanol 70 %, in a glass jar
EMA 2Leave to steep
close the jar, keep it in the dark and shake it now and then
pharmacopoeia (USP)Use
3× a day · adults only
EMA 4.2Before taking the tincture
The tincture contains alcohol. Read this before use:
- Adults onlyEMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plantEMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)EMA 4.6
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol).EMA 4.4
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor.EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist.GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it.GridGarden
Source: EMA/HMPC monograph EMA/HMPC/277152/2015 · Steeping days and straining