Amazing Health Benefits Of Marjoram, uses and side effects

The marjoram plant (Origanum majorana) is an aromatic plant known in aromatherapy. She also has culinary uses.

Marjoram can be used as an essential oil for cooking or aromatherapy. Marjoram is known to offer many health benefits, depending on how it is used. We invite you to discover them all in this article.

What is marjoram?

The marjoram is a perennial shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It has an intense and pleasant aroma. It has been considered as a variety of oregano, but botanical studies have shown that despite their belonging to the same genus (origanum), it is a different species.

Origin of marjoram

The marjoram plant is native to the Mediterranean region and East Asia. Then it expanded especially in Spain.

The history of Marjoram

It is said that marjoram is a plant that the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks knew.

In Greek mythology, she is described as the favorite plant of Aphrodite, because she used it in her potions of love.

For the Greeks it represented happiness, so in the ceremonies they offered bouquets of marjoram.

This tradition has reached maturity because of the fact that the crowns were made with this plant and were given to future wives.

On the other hand, for the Egyptians marjoram perfumes and disinfects the environment.

Characteristics of marjoram

Among the main characteristics of the marjoram plant are:

It is a woody stem at the base and herbaceous at the end. Its leaves are oval whitish green. The flowers are small and grow in a bouquet, usually white sometimes with a tendency to be pink, and are very aromatic. The fruit is a quadrangular achene, which keeps the seeds inside (four for each fruit).

The marjoram plant is characterized by essential oils throughout the plant.

It has a very pleasant aroma, bitter and hot, in reference to the smell of pine and citrus. It can reach 60 centimeters in height.

Properties of the marjoram

Marjoram is a very versatile plant that contains various nutritional properties; however, these vary according to the time of harvest of the plant. The marjoram, in general, is recognized by:

• Contains carbohydrates, proteins, fiber and a low fat content.
• Contains minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium.
• Rich in vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D.

Chemical composition of marjoram

The marjoram plant contains tannins (astringents), flavonoids, phenolic acids, caffeine derivatives, derivatives apifenol, ursolic acid, minerals, beta-carotene and vitamin C. The main substance is aromatic essence, yellow color, composed of terpenes, terpinene and origanol (about 40%), sabinene and sesquiterpenes in small quantities.

Active ingredient of marjoram

As active ingredients, marjoram has in its compositions of essential oils rich in terpineol, abundant thymol, carvacrol and terpene hydrocarbons (which give an odor).

Uses and benefits of marjoram

Among the uses and benefits given to marjoram, it acts against bile and intestinal and gastric disorders to treat cases of anorexia, dyspepsia, diarrhea and flatulence, acting as an antispasmodic, as it reduces acid secretions of the stomach.

In topical use, it has been used for conditions such as dislocations, ulcers, clean wounds, relieving coughs and colds, antimicrobial and antiseptic that acts against the pimples of the skin.

As an infusion, it can be used to treat nervous disorders, chlorosis (decreased iron in red blood cells), gastric spasms, fevers, gingivitis and stomatitis.

In massages, marjoram relieves rheumatic pains. Due to its ursolic acid content (antitumor action), it is perfect for treating liver diseases.

Respiratory system

Since ancient times, the beneficial properties of marjoram have been used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, especially asthma. In addition, the plant is useful in the lack of air, including the allergy of the asthmatic. Marjoram can be used to treat lung disorders and severe cough: Take two or three cups a day infusion. This can be an effective sedative.

Genitourinary system

Marjoram has been traditionally used as a decoction to regulate menstruation, in baths to treat urinary tract infections and as an infusion to treat bladder inflammation.
The infusion of fresh marjoram leaves can be used to treat premenstrual syndrome and menstrual pain.

For the skin

Marjoram contains more than 22 antioxidant compounds as well as minerals, vitamins and aromatic compounds that help delay skin aging and improve appearance. Thanks to its rosmarinic acid content, it is used to lighten dark circles.

Against snoring

The marjoram by-product, like its oil, helps eliminate snoring, as it promotes the respiratory system and calms the larynx. The aroma penetrates the body and tones the airways.

For weight loss

The marjoram has digestive properties, which facilitates the digestion of food and eliminates gas and tone the stomach.

It is therefore an important supplement during weight loss diets.

Marjoram and cancer, how does it help?

One of the components of marjoram, ursolic acid, gives it anticancer effects through the metabolic pathway. It inhibits cyclooxygenase and leukocyte elastase present in humans; Its use is through sun creams.

However, it is said that long-term use of marjoram could affect cancer cells and create cancer. Therefore, it is not recommended to exceed the recommended indications (more than 15 days of use).

Marjoram and aromatherapy

The marjoram vegetable oil is widely used in aromatherapy by diffusers to produce a calming effect and control stress and help fight against various nervous disorders such as breathing difficulties, nervous asthma, tachycardia, insomnia, depression, irritability and even abdominal pain.

Cosmetic uses of marjoram

Among the properties of marjoram, it stands out as an antiseptic that helps prevent infection of wounds. It helps to eliminate pimples that appear on the skin and acts as a lightening of the skin in case of stains.

Medicinal uses of marjoram

Thanks to its properties, the medicinal uses of marjoram can be summarized as follows:

• Relieves muscle pain associated with fevers and headaches.
• Promotes the cardiovascular system, helps reduce blood pressure levels, prevents hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
• Acts against digestive problems, improves digestion, controls flatulence, diarrhea and constipation.
• Used in cough treatments, nasal congestion, ear and throat pain.
• Antidiabetic, because it helps to reduce the absorption of carbohydrates, thanks to the alpha-glucosidase enzyme.
• Help against urinary tract infections.

Other uses of marjoram

The marjoram was used during ancient times in the rituals of love.

They are attributed protective properties against evil. In love, she increases feelings and attraction towards this person.

She gives protection to the house, hanging a few branches in the door of the house.

It is used to treat depressions.

Marjoram in gastronomy

In addition to providing enormous health benefits, marjoram is a good companion in the gastronomy, among its uses are:

• The leaves and flowers are popular in meat dishes, soups, sauces, pasta and for flavoring oils and vinegars, in Greek and Italian cuisine.
• For its aroma similar to that of thyme, it can be rubbed in meat chops before roasting them to perfume them.
• It is an excellent herb to prepare pickles.
• Fresh or dried, it is an excellent ingredient for pizza and pasta.
• The fresh marjoram with basil is excellent for preparing the tomato salad.
• Fresh and cut leaves, added to garnishes and sausages, or dried, added to dumplings served with lamb.
• Butter with marjoram for chicken sandwiches, or with roasted potatoes.

Marjoram infusions

Marjoram infusions are beneficial for bronchial and respiratory problems. marjoram leaves and flowers are boiled in two parts of water for 5 minutes. Then let the mixture rest and place 2 tablespoons of honey. This infusion is taken twice a day.

Similarly, marjoram infusions are used to treat stress problems, insomnia, digestive problems or abdominal pain, as well as menstrual pain.

How is marjoram oil extracted?

Marjoram oil is obtained by the steam distillation process. With this technique it is sought to separate the insoluble and volatile substances which are in this case the oil, the nonvolatile, and thus obtain the substance in the pure state.

Precautions of majoram

Pregnancy and marjoram

During pregnancy, the use of marjoram is not recommended, as it has mucous properties and can cause bleeding, resulting in the loss of the baby.

Can it be used during breastfeeding?

There is no research that supports the benefits of marjoram during the lactation process. It is therefore recommended to avoid treatments with this plant during this period.

Marjoram and allergies

When the person has allergic diagnoses, the use of marjoram is not recommended because it could make the situation worse.

However, thanks to its anti-microbial properties, it helps fight against respiratory diseases, influenza, bronchitis, asthma and cough.

The marjoram for babies, what benefits them?

In the case of babies under 6, the use of marjoram is not recommended because its action is not proven.

For children over 6 years, it can be used to treat colic: Two marjoram leaves are crushed and mixed with a vegetable oil and smeared on the belly of the child to promote the necessary relief.

Side effects and contraindications of marjoram

People allergic to plants of the Lamiaceae family (thyme, rosemary, oregano) must avoid the use of marjoram because it can aggravate the disease.
It is not recommended during pregnancy as it can cause bleeding; nor during the lactation period.
Children under 12 years old should not use it as it may be allergic.
Patients with symptoms of ulcer, irritable bowel, gastritis should not use it due to an adverse reaction.
It can cause contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov : Sweet Marjoram
[2] https://www.organicfacts.net : 23 Surprising Benefits Of Marjoram Essential Oil
[3] https://healthyfocus.org : 8 Proven Benefits of Marjoram
[4] https://articles.mercola.com : Marjoram: A Versatile Herb for Cooking and Aromatherapy