Marjoram: properties, benefits, uses and contraindications

Marjoram, the thousand properties, uses and benefits in the kitchen and for beauty and when not to use it

Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous

Marjoram, the thousand properties, uses and benefits in the kitchen and for beauty and when not to use it





La marjoram (Origanum Majorana) is an aromatic plant native to north-eastern Africa and eastern Asia, territories where it grows spontaneously. In Europe, however, it cannot develop spontaneously, but it must necessarily be cultivated.

It belongs to the Labiate family, which also includes oregano, thyme, cumin, anise and fennel. With oregano, its close relative, marjoram also shares the genus it belongs to (Origanum), as well as beingherbssimilar in appearance and flavor. Compared to common oregano, however, marjoram has a more delicate taste.

The plant is characterized by a erect stem, reddish in color, which can reach 60-80 cm in height and small oval-shaped leaves covered with a light down. THE flowers, collected in ears, they are presented in shades of white and pink.

The plant gives off a intense aromatic scent and its leaves, fresh or dried, constitute one a very common spice in the Mediterranean culinary tradition.

Index

Marjoram, property

Marjoram is rich in minerals (iron, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium and potassium) e Vitamins (A, B, C and K). It also contains phytonutrients essential for the health of our body, including rosmarinic acid, tannins and flavonoids.

Le beneficial properties contained in the flowers and leaves make it a suitable plant for use in herbal, homeopathic, aromatherapy and cosmetic fields, as well as as a spice in the kitchen.

In particular, marjoram has the following properties:

  • inflammatory
  • antibacterial
  • digestive
  • antispastic
  • carminative (which promote the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines)
  • antispasmodic
  • emmenagogues (capable of promoting menstrual flow)
  • tonic
  • expectorants
  • sedative
  • balsamic
  • soothing

The benefits of marjoram

As seen, the action of marjoram is exercised at various levels. Therefore the benefits deriving from its use involve:



  • Skin
  • the digestive system
  • the nervous system
  • the osteoarticular tissue
  • the airways
  • the female genital system

Marjoram: properties, benefits, uses and contraindications

Uses of marjoram

Leaves of marjoram can be used, fresh or dried, to flavor our dishes.

The aerial parts of the plant can also be consumed in the form of brew.

Finally, the beneficial properties contained in the flowers and leaves of marjoram can be assimilated through essential oil or the use of the mother tincture, both used for both internal and external use.

Infusion of marjoram, its benefits and uses

In herbal medicine, marjoram can be consumed in the form of an infusion. Generally, it is recommended to take a 5% marjoram infusion, obtained by macerating 50 grams of drug in 1 liter of water.

Just crumble the marjoram inflorescences in boiling water, letting them rest for 10 minutes. The drink is filtered and drunk lukewarm. The infusion can be used to deal with various and annoying pathologies.

Against gastrointestinal disorders

The marjoram infusion is a very useful natural remedy against gastrointestinal affections, even those accompanied by diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. Counteracts stomach pain and promotes the production of gastric juices, facilitating digestion. It is recommended to drink it immediately after meals, 2 or 3 times a day.

Against cough and cold

By virtue of its anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and expectorant properties, the marjoram infusion is also a valid one natural remedy for coughs and colds. Its calming and sedative action, in fact, is able to counteract these annoying ailments. To exploit the benefits you can makefumigations, inhaling the vapors produced by the boiling infusion for at least 20 minutes.



Against sore throat

The infusion of marjoram can be used in the form of gargling to relieve inflammation of the throat and oral cavity.

I count stress and insomnia

Those suffering from stress or insomnia can benefit from drinking a warm infusion of marjoram every night before falling asleep. In fact, this herbal tea acts as a calming device for the nervous system, calming anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Against muscle pain:

Finally, the infusion can be added to the bath water, obtaining a toning and perfumed effect. It is advisable to immerse yourself for at least 10 minutes by performing a gentle massage on all the muscles of the body.

Marjoram, essential oil

The essential oil of marjoram is obtained from the dried flowers of the plant, through steam distillation. Of color light yellow, this oil is used in herbal medicine and homeopathy to treat the most diverse ailments. It is particularly effective:

  • against muscular and rheumatic pains: first of all, the essential oil of marjoram can be used topically to counteract muscular and rheumatic pains. Just dissolve 15-20 drops in a finger of alcohol and massage on the painful parts.
  • against skin spots: for external use, moreover, the essential oil of marjoram can be applied directly to the skin to combat skin spots. It is sufficient to apply a few drops on the affected part, carrying out a light friction.
  • against cough and cold: inhaled through fumes or aerosols, the essential oil of marjoram is a valid ally against seasonal ailments. A few drops are enough to cure colds, calm coughs, dissolve bronchial phlegm and clear a blocked nose.
  • to relieve headaches: it is very effective against headaches. 3 or 4 drops of essential oil dissolved in a teaspoon of sugar are enough to experience immediate benefits. Or you can gently massage your forehead with 1 or 2 drops of essential oil to nip a headache in the bud.
  • to relax the nervous system and promote sleep: to obtain a relaxing effect, you can add 15 drops of essential oil to the water of our bath. Marjoram essential oil will help relax the nerves and promote sleep.
  • against anxiety and agitation: those who suffer from anxiety or are easily agitated can experiment with this very simple remedy: pour one or 2 drops of marjoram essential oil on a handkerchief and inhale its aroma if necessary.
  • against insomnia: before going to bed, take 4-6 drops of essential oil, eventually dissolving them with a little sugar.
  • as an air purifier: a few drops of essential oil directly into the tray containing the water from the radiators performs an antiseptic and disinfectant action, helping to purify the home environment
  • in aromatherapy: marjoram oil is used to decongest the respiratory tract. By adding 6 to 15 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser, its aroma, diffused in the environment, relieves coughs and colds, freeing the respiratory tract.
  • in the food industry: Marjoram essential oil is used in the production of some spirits, including vermouth, but also in the preparation of soft drinks, cured meats, sauces and jellies.
  • in cosmetics: finally, it is used by the cosmetic industry in the production of soaps and in the formulation of numerous perfumes.

Mother tincture of marjoram

The mother tincture of marjoram is obtained through the alcoholic extraction of the components of the fresh plant. It has a function antispasmodic, antifungal and antibacterial.

It is recommended to take 40 drops three times a day.

It can be an excellent remedy:

  • against bloating and bad digestion: the mother tincture of marjoram produces a calming effect on the stomach walls.
  • against dysmenorrhea: its antispasmodic action is also exerted on the uterus, managing to soothe menstrual pains.
  • to rebalance the nervous system: the mother tincture is also used in homeopathy in the treatment of mood disorders and in case of excessive sexual arousal.
  • in the care of herpex simplex: finally, this preparation has proved very effective against herpes simplex, a disorder of viral origin linked to situations of stress and tension, which tends to be very relapsing. Just apply a few drops of mother tincture directly on the area to be treated, generally located around the lips.

Marjoram: properties, benefits, uses and contraindications

Marjoram in the kitchen

This spice since intense and at the same time delicate flavor it is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and coastal tradition.

It lends itself very well to accompany particularly tasty dishes based on meat or fish, but it is also excellent in combination with first courses, legumes, pizza, or foods with a strong taste such as mushrooms, nuts and cheeses.

In some regions it is used in alternative all'origano, on tomatoes or in the pizzaiola. It can be used both fresh and dried, but it is advisable to add it only at the end of cooking, to prevent the heat from diminishing its organoleptic properties.

Like all other spices, it can be useful to integrate it into the diet for reduce the consumption of salt. Furthermore, its low caloric intake (only 272 calories per 100 grams), combined with its natural calming and relaxing power, make it particularly suitable for people who want to lose weight.

Marjoram, contraindications

Like all plants and natural substances, marjoram can also have contraindications or cause side effects. Beyond particular cases of hypersensitivity to the active ingredients, which can provoke the appearance of allergies and skin reactions, the food consumption of marjoram leaves has no particular contraindications.

Instead, what about the infusion, the essential oil and the mother tincture, its use is not recommended:

  • in pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • to children under 12 years old

To learn more, you can also read:

ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST INSOMNIA: WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW TO USE THEM

SPICES AND AROMATIC HERBS TO PAIR WITH EACH VEGETABLE

Marjoram, curiosity

Marjoram is also known under the name of Amaracus majorana o Origanum amaracus. These denominations derive from the legendary origin of the plant, which has its roots in Greek mythology.

At the home of Ciniro, king of Cyprus, lived Amaraco, a young officer who had the task of guarding the perfumes of the palace. One day, unfortunately, a vase that contained a particularly precious fragrance broke. Amaraco was so sorry he let himself die.

The Gods, moved and pity by so much dedication, transformed it into a marjoram plant.

In the past, before the use of hops spread, marjoram was used as main ingredient in brewing beer.

During the two world wars, in times of extreme misery, marjoram was sometimes used as a substitute for smoking tobacco.

Angela Petrella

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