Sage Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 2,034 found this helpful
Sage
1

Sage is confirmed non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official toxicology datasets

2

Chronic high human intake may cause gastrointestinal irritation and associated symptoms

3

All parts of the plant contain low levels of potentially irritant compounds including thujone and camphor

FAQ

Is Sage toxic to Humans?

Chronic excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal mucosa irritation, increased salivation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (Low)

Is Sage toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms reported from standard exposure (Non-toxic)

Is Sage toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms reported from standard exposure (Non-toxic)

Is Sage toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms reported from standard exposure (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Low

Chronic excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal mucosa irritation, increased salivation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea

Cats
Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms reported from standard exposure

Dogs
Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms reported from standard exposure

Horses
Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms reported from standard exposure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant
Exposure RouteIngestion (primary exposure route), dermal contact (rare mild irritation for sensitive individuals)
Toxic CompoundsThujone; Camphor; 1,8-Cineol; Pikrosalvin; Hydroxyoyleanon; Acetoxyoyleanon; Salvin; Methylsalvin; Plant essential oils

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • If large amounts are ingested by humans, rinse the mouth thoroughly and drink 1-2 glasses of water to dilute irritant compounds
  • • Wash affected areas with mild soap and cool water immediately if skin irritation occurs after contact
  • • Monitor for onset of gastrointestinal symptoms for 2 to 4 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • Persistent vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy occurs after ingestion of extremely large quantities of sage
  • • Your pet has pre-existing gastrointestinal or liver conditions prior to exposure
  • • Symptoms do not resolve spontaneously within 24 hours

Prevention

  • • Avoid long-term excessive consumption of concentrated sage supplements or essential oil by humans
  • • Keep concentrated sage essential oil out of reach of small children and pets
  • • Accurately identify sage before use to avoid confusion with toxic related Salvia species

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Supportive care including fluid replacement and gastrointestinal symptom management for severe excess intake cases
  • • No specific antidote exists, care is targeted to presenting symptoms
  • • Monitor liver and kidney function in cases of extreme chronic overconsumption
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSalvia officinalis
AliasesCommon Sage、Garden Sage
Toxicity Grade
HumansLow
CatsNon-toxic
DogsNon-toxic
HorsesNon-toxic
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractMucous membranes
Mechanism of Action

• Essential oil compounds including thujone and camphor irritate the gastrointestinal mucosal lining with repeated high exposure

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle and sheep: Chronic high intake of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal distress similar to symptoms seen in humans
Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No significant toxicity reported from typical foraging amounts, but concentrated sage oil may cause mucosal irritation
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Diviner's Sage Salvia divinorum
Member of the same Salvia genus, contains psychoactive compounds toxic to humans and animals. It is distinguishable by larger, softer rounded leaves and pale white/purple flowers, compared to common sage's small gray-green fuzzy leaves and bright purple/pink blooms
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Data Sources

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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