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.
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.
Every two tablespoons of marjoram contains:
Vitamin A: 6% Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
Calcium: 8% RDA
Vitamin C: 3.5% RDA
Iron: 18% RDA
Digestive benefits
To enhance the digestive system’s performance, 2-4 cups of marjoram tea may be ingested in 2 hours. Drinking the tea will help digestion by:
- Increasing the efficiency of digestion by increasing digestive enzymes and saliva
- Calming the stomach and digestive system.
- Improving appetite
- Relieving nausea
- Eliminating flatulence
- Curing or preventing basic intestinal infections
- Soothing painful stomach cramps or spasms
- Relieving diarrhea
- Relieving constipation
Protection against common illnesses
Marjoram is a great antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. As a result, it fights against a variety of common illnesses:
Food poisoning, Staph infection, Tetanous infection in wounds, Typhoid, Malaria, Influenza, Common cold, Mumps, Measles
Improved cardiovascular health
Another benefit of marjoram is the enhancement of the cardiovascular and circulatory system. It helps by eliminating common risks associated with cardiovascular disease. Some ways it helps include:
- Lowering the blood pressure, greatly reducing the risk of hypertension and resultant heart problems.
- Greatly preventing the buildup of cholesterol, reducing risk of hardened arteries
- Aiding in improved blood circulation by dilating the arteries as necessary.
Studies show that lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels are linked to a reduced rate of heart disease and heart attack.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Marjoram is also an anti-inflammatory herb. Taken internally, it is great at relieving a variety of problems caused by inflammation, including:
Asthma, Muscle spasms, Sinus headaches, Migraines, Fever, Body aches
Emotional and Neurological Benefits
With sedative and antidepressant qualities marjoram has a variety of psychological and neurological benefits. It aids in:
Relieving insomnia, Reducing stress, Calming anxiety, Minimizing emotional reactions, Increasing control of sexual desire
When taken in larger doses, it even exhibits mild antidepressant qualities.
