Is it okay to drink sage tea every day?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

A study published in the Chemical Central Journal suggests that consuming up to six cups of sage tea daily is safe. However, while sage tea offers many health benefits, the question, 'Is it okay to drink sage tea every day?' depends on your overall health, consumption amount, and preparation method. Moderation is key to harnessing its therapeutic properties without the risk of side effects.

Quick Summary

Consuming sage tea daily in moderate amounts is generally safe for most healthy adults. It contains thujone, which can be toxic in large doses, so a recommended daily limit of 1-3 cups prevents adverse effects. Potential benefits include antioxidant properties, improved digestion, and menopausal symptom relief, but precautions are necessary for specific health conditions, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Key Points

Moderation is Essential: Drinking 1-3 cups of sage tea per day is generally considered safe for most adults.
Be Mindful of Thujone: Excessive intake can lead to nervous system toxicity due to the compound thujone, which can cause seizures and vomiting.
Check for Contraindications: Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with seizure disorders or certain hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid sage tea.
Consider Drug Interactions: Sage can interfere with medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, and sedatives. Consult a doctor if you are on medication.
Harvest the Benefits: Moderate consumption offers antioxidants, digestive relief, potential cognitive enhancement, and relief from menopausal symptoms.
Brew Properly: Use fresh or dried leaves for tea and avoid consuming sage essential oil, which is toxic when ingested.
Listen to Your Body: Start with a small amount to assess your personal tolerance before making it a daily habit.

The Benefits of Moderate Daily Sage Tea Consumption

Daily consumption of sage tea in reasonable quantities is associated with several health benefits, largely due to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile. The tea contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid, camphor, and carnosol, which contribute to its positive effects when consumed in moderation.

Cognitive Function and Memory Enhancement

Sage may positively impact brain health. Studies suggest compounds in sage can improve memory, mood, and cognitive function in healthy adults, possibly by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning.

Relief for Menopausal Symptoms

Sage tea can help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Clinical studies indicate that sage extract can reduce the frequency and intensity of these symptoms, potentially due to estrogenic flavonoids in some sage species.

Digestive and Oral Health Support

Traditionally, sage has been used for digestive issues such as bloating and gas. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities can also benefit oral health. Gargling with sage tea is used for sore throats, mouth wounds, and bad breath.

Antioxidant Power for Overall Well-being

The antioxidants in sage tea help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals, contributing to the body's defense against chronic diseases and supporting overall health.

The Risks and Cautions of Excessive Sage Tea

While moderate intake is generally safe, excessive or prolonged consumption carries risks due to the presence of thujone, a compound that can be toxic in high doses.

Thujone and Nervous System Toxicity

Thujone, found in common sage (Salvia officinalis), can be harmful in large amounts. High doses can cause serious nervous system symptoms, including seizures, vomiting, and dizziness. Thujone levels vary depending on the plant, growing conditions, and harvest.

Potential Drug Interactions

Sage can interact with various medications, including those for diabetes, anticonvulsants, and sedatives. Individuals on medication should consult a healthcare provider before daily sage tea consumption.

Contraindications for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid sage tea. Thujone in sage can potentially induce uterine contractions or decrease milk supply.

Comparison of Daily Sage Tea Intake: Moderate vs. Excessive


Feature	Moderate Daily Consumption (1-3 cups)	Excessive Daily Consumption (>3-6 cups)
Thujone Levels	Low, well within safe limits.	High, risking neurotoxic effects.
Health Effects	Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; digestive aid.	Potential for seizures, liver/kidney damage.
Safety Profile	Generally considered safe for most healthy adults.	Potentially unsafe, especially for prolonged periods.
Who Can Drink?	Most healthy adults, with some precautions.	Not recommended for anyone due to toxicity risks.
Symptoms	Unlikely to cause adverse effects.	Nausea, dizziness, heart irregularities.

Conclusion: Navigating Daily Sage Tea Consumption

Drinking sage tea daily is generally acceptable in moderation (1 to 3 cups) for most healthy adults, allowing access to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive benefits. However, consider your personal health and any pre-existing conditions. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have seizure disorders, or are on certain medications should be extremely cautious or avoid it due to thujone content. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable before starting a daily regimen, particularly with chronic health issues. Responsible consumption ensures safe enjoyment of this herbal remedy.

How to Prepare Sage Tea

To make a safe cup of sage tea:

Ingredients: Use 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves or 1 tablespoon of fresh sage leaves per cup.
Boil Water: Heat water to boiling (around 212°F / 100°C).
Infuse: Pour hot water over the sage leaves.
Steep: Steep for 5 to 8 minutes; avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
Strain and Serve: Strain and enjoy. Sweeten with honey or add lemon if desired.

A Note on Sage Essential Oil

Sage essential oil should never be consumed orally due to its high concentration of thujone, which is toxic when ingested. Even small amounts can cause poisoning. Stick to brewing tea from dried or fresh leaves for safe consumption.

The Antioxidant Profile of Sage

Sage tea contains various beneficial compounds. A 2011 study showed sage tea effectively improves antioxidant defenses. Key compounds include:

Rosmarinic Acid: A strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Carnosol: A compound with potential anticancer properties.
Flavonoids: Such as luteolin and apigenin, which may help treat inflammation-related diseases.

Moderate sage tea consumption can support your body's natural antioxidant processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, consuming 1 to 3 cups of sage tea per day is considered safe. However, due to the thujone content, drinking more than 6 cups, or taking concentrated supplements for a long duration, is not recommended.

Sage tea should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with seizure disorders, those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, and people on specific medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, or sedation.

Yes, sage tea can interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes, anticonvulsants, and sedatives. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before drinking sage tea regularly if you are on medication.

Excessive consumption of sage tea can lead to side effects such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and, in severe cases, seizures and nervous system damage due to the thujone content.

No, sage tea is naturally caffeine-free as it is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the sage plant (Salvia officinalis), not the tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

In moderate amounts, sage tea can provide antioxidants, support cognitive function and memory, aid digestion, and help relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.

Yes, sage essential oil contains a much higher concentration of thujone and is toxic if ingested. Sage tea from leaves contains significantly lower levels of thujone, which are considered safe in moderation.