Salvia and "sage" are derived from the Latin salvere (to save), referring to the healing properties long attributed to the various Salvia species. In Greek it is called "faskomilo". In Ikaria, sage has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. As herbal tea there are studies indicating positive effect for respiratory ailments and to aid digestion. It has a savoury, slightly peppery flavor.

Botanicals like herbs, flowers, berries and greens in Ikaria, are greatly appreciated and -as well as honey, have been part of the Ikarians daily diet for years. They are mostly grown and collected in the wild. A recent study (PhD thesis) from the agricultural school of the university of Athens, has shown that some species of the aromatic and medicinal plant material originated from Ikaria, have a significant greater value in their properties than others species of the same family, in the rest of the Mediterranean.