Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or under shrub with sweet pine and citrus flavors. In some Middle-Eastern countries, marjoram is synonymous with oregano and there the names sweet marjoram and knotted marjoram are used to distinguish it from other plants of the genus Origanum.

The name marjoram does not directly derive from the Latin word major. Marjoram is indigenous to Cyprus and southern Turkey, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.

Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for culinary purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade. It is often used in herb combinations such as herbs de Provence and za’atar’. The flowering leaves and tops of marjoram are steam-distilled to produce an essential oil that is yellowish in color (darkening to brown as it ages).

Uses: They are used for seasoning soups, stews, dressings and sauce. Marjoram herb has been used in the traditional Austrian medicine for treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and infections.

Marjoram oil has a warming action and calms emotions, relieves anxiety as well as stress and helps to calms hyperactive people. It has good muscle relaxant properties and the pain killing properties are useful for rheumatic pains as well as sprains, strains and spasms, as well as swollen joints and painful muscles.

It soothes the digestive system and helps with cramps, indigestion, constipation and flatulence and has a beneficial action on colds, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma.

As a general relaxant, marjoram oil is used for headaches, migraines and insomnia and although it can diminish sexual desire, it is great for treating delayed, painful or scanty monthly periods as well as menstrual cramps.

Marjoram oil has antispasmodic properties; it can assist those with asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, constipation or migraine headaches. It unquestionably has some very useful properties.

Tea made from the leaves or flowers is used for runny nose and colds in infants and toddlers, dry and irritating coughs, swollen nose and throat, and ear pain. Marjoram tea is also used for various digestion problems including poor appetite, liver disease, gallstones, intestinal gas and stomach cramp.

Some women use marjoram tea for relieving symptoms of menopause, treating mood swings related to menstrual periods, starting menstruation and promoting the flow of breast milk. Other uses include treating diabetes, sleep problems, muscle spasms, headaches, sprains, bruises and back pain. It is also used as a “nerve tonic” and a “heart tonic,” and to promote better blood circulation.

Marjoram oil is used for coughs, gall bladder complaints, stomach cramps and digestive disorders, depression, dizziness, migraines, nervous headaches, nerve pain, paralysis, coughs, runny nose; and as a “water pill.” In foods, marjoram is a culinary spice. The oil and oleoresin are used as flavor ingredients in foods and beverages.

Benefits: Marjoram oil reduces the pain associated with colds, fevers, inflammation, overexertion of muscles, toothaches, headaches and numerous other sources. Marjoram essential oil is helpful in curing nearly all types of spasms and related problems. It efficiently relieves spasm in the respiratory system and intestines and muscular spasms in the limbs. It also helps to cure convulsions, pulled muscles, cramps, and spasmodic cholera that are caused from uncontrollable spasms.

Marjoram essential oil helps to suppress or control sexual desires. This property is beneficial for those who are suffering from abnormal and extreme sexual urges.

The antiseptic properties of marjoram oil make it a good application for both external and internal wounds. It also functions well as an ingredient of antiseptic lotions and creams. This protects the wounds against becoming septic and developing tetanus.

Effective in curing infections from viruses and ailments associated with them, such as the common cold, influenza, mumps, measles and even pox.

Marjoram seeds have been in use as a remedy to facilitate digestion for many years. This digestive property of marjoram seeds comes from its essential oils. Marjoram oil promotes digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices like gastric juices, acids and bile in the stomach, while its aroma alone can stimulate the salivary glands and thus aid in the primary digestion of food in the mouth. Lastly, this oil stimulates the peristaltic movement of the intestines and helps the ingested food to advance through digestive tract, thereby facilitating digestion and regular bowel movements.

 

Marjoram oil is very good for the functioning of your brain. It keeps it healthy and active and does not let it get dull with advanced age, thereby relieving debilitating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This quality also relieves you of headaches.