Sweet Marjoram Herb Health Benefits

Sweet marjoram herb, majorana hortensis or origanum majorana is an aromatic plant. According to legend, marjoram leaves symbolize joy and love and they were used in wedding ceremonies. The leaves, oil and flowers were also used as medicine and perfume.

Fresh scented marjoram leaves are used in salads and in dishes such as pizza. Sweet marjoram is also used as a substitute for wild marjoram or oregano in dishes such as eggplant parmesan. Marjoram or also known as garden marjoram retains some of its aroma even when dried. The dried marjoram is used as a spice and condiments.

Besides its use in culinary, marjoram essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops through steam distillation. Marjoram oil contains natural compounds and nutrients such as beta sitosterol, carvacrol, niacin, vitamin C, zinc, rosmarinic acid and tannins. And according to data obtained from the USDA National Nutrient Database, dried marjoram contains many nutrients such as calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin K, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Drinking marjoram tea or inhaling the vapors of marjoram oil may help relieve pains and spasms because of its sedative and anti-spasmodic properties. It is helpful when used as a remedy for stomach cramps, anxiety headaches, migraine, dry cough, nasal congestion and indigestion.

Taking a bath or soak with marjoram oil may help relieve muscle pains and joint stiffness as well as help calm the nerves and relieve stress.

Because of the presence of phenolic compounds, marjoram herb has antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. A report published in the World Journal of Dairy & Food Sciences in 2007 states that marjoram extract was able to fight against food borne strains of bacteria and fungi.

When used as poultice, marjoram may help treat bruises and sprains. And because of its antiseptic properties, it helps prevent bacterial infection.

Drinking marjoram herb tea may also stimulate menstruation and relieve menstrual cramps and period pains. Even though there is no scientific evidence that marjoram is an emmenagogue or herb that stimulates blood flow, pregnant women should try avoid it.

To use it as massage oil, it's best to blend marjoram oil with lavender, patchouli oil, mandarin, geranium oil and chamomile oil. It will help you feel relaxed and ease physical exhaustion.

If you want to have fresh marjoram herb, buy the seeds and it is best to plant it in a container outdoor. Besides using it in your cooking, make your own marjoram tea by steeping the fresh leaves in hot water for 5 minutes. You can also use the dried marjoram leaves.

To make a poultice with fresh marjoram leaves, simmer them for 2 minutes, dip a cloth in the herbal solution and place it on your skin inflammation, bruise or joint pain. If you wish to use dried marjoram, grind the leaves with mortar and pestle and then make a paste by adding some water. Apply it on the affected area, wrap and fasten it so that it won't spill and soil your clothes or sheets.

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