To the ancients, including the Arabians, Sage (salvia officinalis) was associated with longevity and was highly prized. The genus name derives from the Latin for salvation . In early Dutch trading days, the Chinese preferred Sage tea to their own native tea, and gave traders up to four times the quantity of their choicest tea in exchange. The American Indians used it both topically and internally for its health benefits. Sage is often used today as a spice for flavoring vegetables, chicken, meats, fish, and eggs. Sage is a heartening brew, if not made too strong. It can be sweetened with maple syrup, brown sugar or honey, or flavored with a squeeze of orange, lemon or a dash of cinnamon.