Marjoram

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.

Nutrition Information

When used regularly, Marjoram is a great addition to a healthy diet. Two tablespoons of Marjoram is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients. 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 in a variety of ways:

• 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, greatley reducing the risk of hypertension and resultant heart problems.
• Greatly preventing the build up of cholesterol, reducing risk of hardened arteries
• Aiding in improved blood circulation by dialating 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

Applied topically, it also has been known to relieve:

• Painful joints
• Sore muscles
• Sprains
• Back ache
• Toothaches.

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.

Other Health Benefits

There are a variety of other health benefits as well, such as:

• Reduction of phlegm
• Warding off fungal infections
• Regulating the menstrual cycle in women
• Relieving pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Lessening bruising.

Some Suggestions for Use:

• Marjoram Tea: Grind marjoram leaves into a paste and add hot water or tea. Use one teaspoon of ground Marjoram per 7 ounces of water. Boil the mixture for 15 minutes. Drink two to four cups of this tea over the span of two hours for digestive benefits.
• Stronger Marjoram Tea: Add two teaspoons of Marjoram to a cup of 7 ounces of cold water. Let it soak for 24 hours and add honey to it. An even stronger tea may be made by adding 6 teaspoons Marjoram to 7 ounces of water. It has a calming, antidepressive effect.
• Marjoram Essential Oil: The oil may be rubbed into the sking to relieve cramps, sprains, toothache, or other ailments.