Sage

Source=Leaves of the sage plant, Salvia officinalis
Flavor=Musty, slightly bitter
Best used=Fresh or dried
Cooking use=Beef, fish dishes, stews, stuffings; common sausage flavoring

For centuries in Greece sage was believed to have medicinal value. As a tea it was thought to slow menstrual bleeding, while mixed with wine it was thought to stimulate menstruation. Throughout history sage has also been used as a muscle relaxant, an antiperspirant and a treatment for sore throats, diarrhea, venereal disease and a host of other conditions. It was also applied to wounds and insect bites.
Because of its antiseptic qualities, sage does have merit as a gargle for sore throat, says Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University School of Pharmacy in West Lafayette, Indiana, and author of The Honest Herbal. In fact, it's used extensively for that purpose in Germany.
There's also compelling new research indicating that sage may be of value to people with diabetes. In Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes, the hormone insulin does not work as efficiently as it should. Insulin has the job of helping the body's cells use glucose -- the simple sugar your body uses as fuel. Laboratory studies indicate that sage may boost insulin's action, says Richard Anderson, Ph.D., lead scientist in vitamin and mineral nutrition at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland. Sage was among 24 herbs tested that were found to boost insulin activity two- to fivefold or more, says Dr. Anderson.
For sore throat, allow the tea to cool till warm, then gargle as needed.