Sage advice for your health: the medicinal benefits of sage--from sore throat gargle to hot flash remedy--make it a must-have not just for your kitchen cabinet but also your medicine chest.(HERBAL RX: SUPPLEMENTS)

It's hard to think of sage without almost instantly conjuring up images of stuffing, turkey, sausage and other foods. But beyond the spice's culinary credits and intriguing nonfood uses (ever burned sage in a room to remove negative energies?), sage (Salvia officinalis) is a standout herb for your health.

In Latin, salvia means "to heal," and in fact 10th century Arab physicians believed that sage's use would contribute to immortality. Sage has been touted as a treatment for many ills, including snakebites, eye problems, infertility, excessive menstrual bleeding, arthritis pain, infections, epilepsy, intoxication, memory loss and intestinal problems. Since ancient times, wild sage also has been considered a sacred plant by Native Americans and used both medicinally and ceremonially to purify, cure and cleanse.

The following look at medicinal uses provides specific examples of how this herb--available in capsule, liquid and tea forms--can benefit your body.

DON'T SWEAT HOT FLASHES

One of the newest and most exciting applications of herbal sage is for the treatment of hot flashes. According to Claudia Joy Wingow, acting chair, clinical division of Tai Sophia Institute Graduate School of Healing Arts in Laurel, MD, sage is particularly good at easing hot flashes during menopause because it naturally inhibits perspiration. The herb may also help balance female hormones, thereby reducing moodiness and insomnia. Some manufacturers offer single sage supplements, but more often the herb is combined with black cohosh or wild yam. (See product picks for single-remedy suggestions.)

CHASE AWAY COLD SYMPTOMS

Mary Bove, ND, who practices medicine at Brattleboro Naturopathic Clinic in Brattleboro, VT, advises patients to drink hot sage tea three times a day, and/or gargle or swallow sage tincture (added to water) to relieve upper respiratory, throat, nasal and sinus problems. Research has confirmed the use of sage for sore throats. In a double-blind study published in the European Journal of Medical Research, a sage throat spray significantly alleviated sore throat pare compared to a placebo spray.