The scientific name ofmarjoram isoriganum majorana. Othernames includemarjolain inFrench, marjoran inGerman, maggiorana inItalian, mejorana in Spanish, majoranka inCzech, marjolein inDutch, matzourana inGreek, majoramu inJapanese, marwa inHindi and Punjabi, maruvu in Tamil, maruva inMalayalam,Maruga or Kumaon bantulsi inKannada,Murru, Deccan or Muruva in Bengali.
Marjoram is perennial herb with sweet pine and citrus flavors, which has numerous stems and small, velvety leaves with an oval shape. It is a culinary aromatic medicinal herb is known to possess various therapeutic properties.
Marjoram nutrition value and facts
Marjoramis low in Saturated Fat and Sodium, and very low in Cholesterol.
It is also a good source of Phosphorus and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper and Manganese.
Every two tablespoons of Marjoram containsVitamin A: 6% Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA),Calcium: 8% RDA,Vitamin C: 3.5% RDA andIron: 18% RDA.
A tbsp or about 2gm of dried marjoram contains 4 calories.
- Read: Top 24 reasons to eat bitter gourd
- Read:5 easy and effective detox drink to make at home
Health benefits of marjoram
Depression andrheumatic arthritis
Aromatherapy with marjoram essential oil has shown major effects on decreasing pain and depression levels.
In a study, 40 arthritic patients divided into 2 groups, one was treated with an essential oil blend of eucalyptus, rosemary and marjoram, which decreased pain and depression levels.
- Read: Top 29 proven reasons to eat clove daily
Natural remedy for painful menstrual cramps
A massage with marjoram essential oil is helpful in reducing menstrual pain. It has analgesic properties and useful in conditions likepainful menstruation, typically involving abdominal cramps.
A double-blind clinical trial study was conducted with 48 outpatients diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea massaging a blend of lavender, clary sage and marjoram with significant relief and reduction of menstrual pain.
- Read: Health benefits and uses of sage
Neck pain
In a study, an essential oil cream made from marjoram, black pepper, lavender, peppermint was developed that has shown effective to improve neck pain.
- Read: Try meridian massage for past pain relief
Protect liver and kidney, detox lead toxicity
According to a study, marjoram has found effective in heavy metal lead detoxification. It is very useful herb for people suffering from lead poisoning as it helps to protectliver and kidney functions and genotoxicity induced by lead toxicity.
Antioxidants andAnti-Ulcer
Marjoram is rich in antioxidants that hasability to protect cells from miscellaneous damages. It has ulcer prevention potential and proven tosignificantly decrease the incidence of ulcers, basal gastric secretion and acid output.
In a study, marjoram has a protective effect on gastric mucosal injury.
Good for digestive system
Consumption of marjoram herb is useful for digestive system and can be extremely useful for people suffering from lack or absent of stomach acid. According to a study,marjoram contains some components that activate chief and parietal cells and increase basal acid and pepsin secretion.
Helpful for alcohol toxicity
Studies has found that extracts of protective plants like marjoram helps to minimize the hazard effects of alcohol or ethanol toxicity on male fertility, liver and brain tissues. The intake of herbs like marjoram helps to control the oxidative stress damage.
Anti-Bacterial
Marjoram exhibit antimicrobial effects that make it useful in treatment and prevention of various infections.
Astudy has shown that basil, clove, garlic, horseradish, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, and thyme exhibit antimicrobial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.
- Read: Discover 30 amazing health benefits and uses of Rosemary
Anti-fungal
Marjoram has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity, with especially high toxicity against Aspergillus niger. Studies has found that marjoram herbcan be used as an effective herbal protectant against different pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Good for heart health
Marjoram is good for heart health as it helps toplatelet adhesion to the vessel wall, whichis one of the most important factors that helps to prevent thrombosis and the incidence of various cardiovascular diseases.
A study has confirmed the use of tarragon, savory and marjoram foranti-coagulant activity, confirming their traditional role in Iranian folk medicine for cardiovascular and thrombotic disorders.
- Read: Know all about tarragon herb
Marjoram recipe uses and ideas
Sprinkle fresh or dried marjoram to pasta, salads, fish or meat.
Add marjoram for seasoning soups, stews, dressings, and sauce.
Rub marjoram essential oil into the skin to relieve cramps, sprains, or other ailments.
Make marjoram tea with fresh or dried herb. Add marjoram to the boiling water and let it steep for 15 minutes. Sweeten the tea with honey. This tea havecalming, antidepressive effect and digestive benefits.
