Marjoram is a perennial herb originating from the Mediterranean region and a highly concentrated source of health-promoting bioactive compounds. The ancient Greeks called marjoram “joy of the mountain,” and they commonly used it to create wreaths and garlands for both weddings and funerals. In ancient Egypt, it was used medicinally for healing and disinfecting. It was also used for food preservation. During the Middle Ages, European women used the herb in nosegays (small flower bouquets, typically given as gifts). Sweet marjoram was also a popular culinary herb in Europe during the Middle Ages when it was used in cakes, puddings and porridge. In Spain and Italy, its culinary use dates back to the 1300s. During the Renaissance (1300–1600), it was typically used to flavor eggs, rice, meat and fish. In the 16th century, it was commonly used fresh in salads. For centuries, both marjoram and oregano have been used to make teas. Oregano is a common marjoram substitute and vice versa because of their likeness, but marjoram has a finer texture and a milder flavor profile. What we call oregano also goes by “wild marjoram,” and what we call marjoram is commonly called “sweet marjoram.” As for marjoram essential oil, it’s exactly what it sounds like: the oil from the herb.
Benefits
- Digestive Aid
Including marjoram spice in you diet may help to improve your digestion. The scent of it alone can stimulate the salivary glands, which helps the primary digestion of food that takes place in your mouth. Research shows that its compounds have gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. The herb’s extracts continue to help you digest your meals by stimulating the peristaltic movement of the intestines and encouraging elimination. If you suffer from digestive problems like nausea, flatulence, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation, a cup or two of marjoram tea can help alleviate your symptoms. You can also try adding the fresh or dried herb to your next meal for digestive comfort or use marjoram essential oil in a diffuser.
- Women’s Issues/Hormonal Balance
Marjoram is known in traditional medicine for its ability to restore hormonal balance and regulate the menstrual cycle. For women dealing with hormone imbalance, this herb may finally help you maintain normal and healthy hormone levels. Whether you’re dealing with the unwanted monthly symptoms of PMS or menopause, this herb can provide relief for women of all ages. It’s been shown to act as an emmenagogue, which means it can be used to help start menstruation. It’s also been used traditionally by nursing moms to promote breast milk production. The tea improved insulin sensitivity and reduced the levels of adrenal androgens in these women. This is very significant since an excess of androgens is at the root of hormone imbalance for many women of reproductive age.
- Type 2 Diabetes Management
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in 10 Americans has diabetes, and the number only continues to rise. The good news is that a healthy diet, along with a healthy overall lifestyle, is one of the best ways that you can prevent and manage diabetes, especially type 2. Studies have shown that marjoram is a plant that belongs in your anti-diabetes arsenal and something you should definitely include in your diabetic diet plan. Specifically, researchers found that commercial dried varieties of this plant, along with Mexican oregano and rosemary, act as a superior inhibitor of the enzyme known as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). In addition, greenhouse-grown marjoram, Mexican oregano and rosemary extracts were the best inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). This is an awesome finding since the reduction or elimination of PTP1B and DPP-IV helps improve insulin signaling and tolerance. Both fresh and dried marjoram can help improve the body’s ability to properly manage blood sugar.
- Cardiovascular Health
Marjoram can be a helpful natural remedy for people at high risk or suffering from high blood pressure symptoms and heart problems. It’s naturally high in antioxidants, making it excellent for the cardiovascular system as well as the whole body. It’s also an effective vasodilator, which means that it can help widen and relax the blood vessels. This eases the flow of blood and reduces blood pressure. The inhalation of marjoram essential oil has actually been shown to lower sympathetic nervous system activity and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in vasodilatation to reduce cardiac strain and decrease blood pressure. By simply smelling the plant, you can decrease your fight-or-flight response (sympathetic nervous system) and increase your “rest and digest system” (parasympathetic nervous system), which lessens the strain on your entire cardiovascular system, not to mention your whole body.
- Pain Relief
This herb can help reduce the pain that often comes with muscle tightness or muscle spasms, as well as tension headaches. Massage therapists often include the extract in their massage oil or lotion for this very reason. Marjoram essential oil is very effective at relieving tension, and the anti-inflammatory and calming properties of it can be felt in both body and mind. For relaxation purposes, you can try diffusing it in your home and using it in your homemade massage oil or lotion recipe. Amazing but true: Just the inhalation of marjoram can calm the nervous system and lower blood pressure.
- Gastric Ulcer Prevention
Additionally, the extract actually replenished the depleted gastric wall mucus, which is key to healing ulcer symptoms. Marjoram not only prevented and treated ulcers, but it was also proved to have a large margin of safety. The aerial (above ground) parts of marjoram were also shown to contain volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and/or triterpenes.
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Post time: Apr-15-2023