To the ancients, including the Arabians, Sage (Salvia officinalis) was associated with longevity and was highly prized. The genus name ferives 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 oftenused 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 fkavored with a squeeze of orange, lemon or a dash of cinnamon.