Sage vs mountain tea: what is the difference?
In many parts of Anatolia mountain tea is also called “adaçayı” (sage), so the two are often confused. They are plants of different genera: sage is Salvia, mountain tea is Sideritis.
Side by side
| Greek sage | Mountain tea | |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Salvia fruticosa | Sideritis türleri |
| Family | Lamiaceae | Lamiaceae |
| Region | Anatolia and the Mediterranean | Anatolia and the Mediterranean |
| Part used | Leaves | Flowering aerial parts |
| Use | Healing, Food | Healing, Food |
| Scientific evidence | Limited | Traditional |
| Safety | Caution | Generally safe |
| Legal status in Türkiye | No specific restriction | No specific restriction |
Key differences
- Sage leaves are grey-green and velvety with a sharp smell. Mountain tea is dried with its flowering stems and yellowish flower spikes.
- Because sage contains thujone, it should not be drunk for long periods or in large amounts, and is not recommended in pregnancy, breastfeeding or epilepsy. Mountain tea is generally considered safe as a tea.
- The European Medicines Agency recognises sage for mouth and throat inflammation, and mountain tea for cough from colds and mild stomach complaints, both as traditional uses.
- Some mountain tea species are endemic and over-harvested in the wild; cultivated plants should be preferred.
Which one, when?
A gargle for the throat is sage’s job. For a tea to drink every day through winter, thujone-free mountain tea is the better fit.
Details
The full evidence, safety notes, drug interactions and sources are on each plant’s own page: