What is marjoram and what is it for?

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a plant from the labiata family, a close relative of oregano.

It grows up to 50 cm high, and has small leavesoval and pointed in shape, with an almost non-existent petiole, very aromaticand tiny pink flowers.

Native to the Mediterranean shoreis frequently used as aromatic plant in French cuisine. It is used as a flavoring in recipes for soups, sauces or salads; provides a delicate flavor between oregano and thyme.

For medicinal purposes, the leaves are used and flowering tops, especially in infusion. Herbalists especially indicate it for alleviate digestive problemswith abdominal pain and to relieve gastrointestinal spasms and gas, especially when they are conditioned by a nervous state.

An essential oil is obtained from marjoram rich in terpinol, thymol and carvacrol, which gives it virtues such as sedative, digestive and antispasmodic plant.

Properties of marjoram

Marjoram, tonic and antispasmodic effect on the digestive systemrelieves stomach pain and heavy digestion.

But its main virtue is that acts on the nervous system. This was observed in the 16th century by the British botanist John Gerard, who stated that it acts on «cold diseases of the brain and head.» It is currently considered useful against anxiety and pain.

• Marjoram is indeed an excellent plant to calm the nerveswhich is recommended to reduce tension in episodes of anxiety and to combat insomnia and migraineespecially when it has a nervous origin or is motivated or aggravated by stress and muscular tension.
• It is also considered an effective tonic against pain, whether in the form of migraines or muscle discomfort and rheumatism. It has been recommended, in this case, as a valid resource to reduce the pain of fractures, contusions or bruises.
• In external use, the essential oil has been indicated to relieve inflammation in the joints.
• Marjoram infusion It is used as a repairing balm on skin wounds, herpes, various allergies, rhinitis and sinusitis in the form of washes, baths, lotion or gargles.

How to use marjoram

For stomach problems due to nervousness

In this case, the formula that combines marjoram with other equally digestive plants such as marjoram will be useful. chamomile, rock tea and pennyroyal, in equal parts.

How to prepare it: The contents of a level tablespoon per glass of water are infused, leaving it to rest for about 5 minutes, and a hot cup is taken after the main meals.

To relieve headache

The formula that combines equal parts marjoram with feverfew, lemon balm and passionflowerin the proportion of one level tablespoon per cup.

How to prepare it: Pour the herb, once mixed, into the boiling water and let it rest for 5 minutes. It is then filtered and a pinch of honey is added to enrich the flavor. It is recommended to drink a cup in the morning and another before dinner, to promote its effect.

to sleep

For those who find it difficult to disconnect at night due to excess nervous tension and worries, marjoram is revealed as an excellent support to facilitate sleep. In this case it is associated with other sedative plants, such as passionflower, poppy, valerian and hawthorn.

How to prepare it: Boil one level tablespoon per cup for 3 minutes and leave it to infuse for 10 more minutes, covered. Three cups are drunk a day, the last one before going to bed. Better to sweeten with honey to compensate for the unpleasant taste of valerian.

To relieve osteoarticular pain

It is prepared with 10 drops of marjoram essential oil alone, or combined with lavender and sweet almond essential oilmore tincture of viburnum.

How to prepare it: Mix a few drops of each ingredient and apply vigorous scrubs to the painful area daily before going to bed.

Precautions and contraindications of marjoram

The essential oil should not be ingested unless it is under strict medical control, nor use the plant in long periodsavoiding it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children under 6 years of age. In high or sustained doses it can produce headaches and muscle spasms.

Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”