Sage is a silvery green shrub with very fragrant leaves the most commonly cultivated species of sage originally came from the area around the mediterranean but now also grows in north america the leaves of this common kitchen herb are used in medicine as well as in cooking it was used by herbalists externally to treat sprains swelling ulcers and bleeding internally a tea made from sage leaves has had a long history of use to treat sore throats and coughs often used as a gargle in the uk