**Common sage** (*Salvia officinalis*) is a **herb** from the mint family, widely used in cooking and traditional remedies. ### 🌿 What it is used for: * **Cooking:** Adds a strong, earthy flavor to dishes (stuffing, meats, soups, sauces) * **Tea:** Sage leaves are sometimes brewed into herbal tea * **Traditional uses:** Used in folk remedies for digestion and sore throat ### 💚 Possible benefits (general, not medical treatment): * May help with **digestion** * Has **antioxidant compounds** * Traditionally used for **mouth and throat comfort** ### 🍃 Important cautions: * Strong in flavor—too much can be bitter * Should be used in **moderation** * Not all sage varieties are edible (ornamental sage plants can be different) ### 🧠 Simple way to think of it: Sage is basically a **fragrant cooking herb** that also has a long history in traditional herbal use. If you want, I can show you how to make **sage tea** or which foods it pairs best with.