Common sage is a colloquial term for Salvia officinalis, a Mediterranean flowering plant that belongs to the mint family. Like its cousins rosemary, basil, oregano, and thyme, sage has long been considered an essential culinary herb. Its sharp, earthy aroma and peppery, bitter-sweet flavor has made it a staple in numerous cuisines around the world. Beyond the culinary realm, sage is a popular ingredient in cosmetic products, soaps, and cleaning agents.

As is the case with many other herbs, sage is brimming with antioxidants and nutrients and has been used in alternative medicine for centuries. While much of the evidence for its curative powers remains anecdotal, modern scientific research illustrates that sage does in fact possess a host of therapeutic properties and is able to deliver tangible health benefits. There are seven reasons to consider when supplementing your diet with sage.

Tina Richardson is a writer, aromatherapy enthusiast, and website accessibility evangelist. When she's not optimizing websites for people with physical impairments, you'll find her editing the blog at True-Blue.co.