- The oils and tannins in Sage have astringent, cleansing, and irritant properties. It is therefore an important herb in health products for mouth sores, mouth irritations, and sore throat health products (make teas and use as a mouth rinse - try a tea with equal parts Chamomile and Sage). For sore throats, try mixing a Sage tea with apple cider vinegar and salt for gargling. Sage is reported to have moisture-drying properties, and can be used as an antiperspirant. It can also be used as a compres