Which herb uses leaves, contains thujone and essential oils, and is indicated for sore throat and menopausal symptoms?

• A. Usnea barbata
• B. Tanacetum vulgare
• C. Salvia officinalis
• D. Prunus africana

Answer: (C)

Sage (Salvia officinalis) uses the leaves as the medicinal part and contains essential oils that include thujone. Its leaves are traditionally prepared as teas or gargles to soothe sore throats due to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while its essential oil constituents contribute to astringent and estrogen-like actions that can help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating. The combination of leaf use, thujone-containing essential oils, and the noted indications makes sage the best fit. Other options either don’t revolve around leaf use with thujone-containing oils or aren’t indicated for both sore throat and menopausal symptoms.