Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is an aromatic herb in the mint family which originated in Egypt and Arabia. It is also widely referred to as Oregano. Today, it is commonly found in the Mediterranean region or grown in gardens around the world. In its varied forms of: marjoram essential oil, fresh or dried marjoram leaves, or marjoram powder (ground up marjoram), it has many uses. As a culinary additive, it is commonly used to flavor soups, sauces, salads, and meat dishes. Cosmetically, marjoram is used in skin cream, body lotion, shaving gel, and bath soaps. Whether used as an essential oil, powder, fresh leaves, or dried leaves, marjoram has many uses with numerous health benefits. Marjoram synonyms are: majorana hortensis, moench and majorana.

Marjoram has a very ancient medical reputation. The Greeks used it extensively, both internally and externally for fomentation's. It was a remedy for narcotic poisons, convulsions and dropsy. Among the Greeks, if Marjoram grew on a grave, it augured the happiness of the departed, and among both the Greeks and Romans, it was the custom to crown young couples with Marjoram.

Marjoram leaves are smooth, simple, petiolated, ovate to oblong-ovate, (0.5 - 1.5 cm) long, (0.2 - 0.8 cm) wide, with obtuse apex, entire margin, symmetrical but tapering base, and reticulate venation. The texture is extremely smooth due to the presence of numerous hairs.

Medicinal Benefits

Marjoram is packed with vitamins and minerals. The herb contains the following chemicals – Volatile oil, Flavonoids, hydroquinone glycosides, Caffeic acid derivatives, Water soluble polysaccharides, and Triterpenes such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid.

All the above constituents give Marjoram the following health related properties – anti-microbial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti-depressant, emmenagogue and anti-viral.

The herb helps in improving the appetite as it increases the efficiency of digestive enzymes and saliva. Digestive problems such as nausea, flatulence, stomach cramps, spasms, diarrhea and constipation can be kept at bay if the herbal tea is taken every two hours at the onslaught of the problem.

It is also widely believed that marjoram tea helps in treating runny nose and cold symptoms in children. It also helps in solving issues of persistent cough, ear pain and swollen throat during cold infection. Apart from cold, the herb is also associated with the following health related issues – influenza, typhoid, malaria, mumps, measles and tetanus infection, and even can help in cases of minor food infection.

Some also associate marjoram supplements with the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It is said that the herb helps in lowering elevated blood pressure levels and thereby prevents hypertension and cardiovascular issues. Regular drinking of marjoram tea also helps in reducing cholesterol built-up and hardening of arteries.

Marjoram also helps in reducing pain associated with fever, muscle spasms, headaches and migraine. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing symptoms of asthma and headaches.

Marjoram is also applied topically to the skin to treat the following skin related conditions – muscle spasms, sprains, bruises, tooth aches and even back pain.

Marjoram is also considered mild sedative in nature and can help in treating neurological problems such as insomnia, anxiety and stress.

Marjoram is also used by women to reduce their menopausal symptoms, to relieve pre-menstrual syndrome and to regulate irregular menstrual cycles. Some women use the herb to increase the flow of breast milk.

The herb is also associated with the following health related benefits – reducing phlegm, preventing fungal infection, solving gall bladder complaints, increasing libido and improving blood circulation. It is also used as a water pill due to its diuretic effects.

Methods of Use

Essential oil.

As salve.

As a tea.

Smoked with rolling papers, pipe, or vaporizer.

Effects

Marjoram is a lovely aromatic, warming and relaxing remedy. It raises agni, clears ama and is an excellent herb for the digestion as well as fighting off infection. Taken hot it reduces fevers and acts as an effective decongestant. It improves the circulation and helps relieve nervous problems such as anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, depression as well as stress-related symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, indigestion and muscular pain. It is a wonderful rasayana for vata stage of life and medhya herb for increasing memory and concentration and resilience to stress. The antioxidants help to protect the body from the impact of the ageing process.

Side Effects

Marjoram can cause stomach upsets in some people. In addition, those who are allergic to plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family (such as including basil, lavender, mint, and sage) should be cautious, as they may also develop an allergic reaction to Marjoram.

Where to buy Marjoram?

Marjoram is available on Amazon, and eBay. You can always find great deals on these sites.