Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb of the labiates family. It is often confused with the more pungent-tasting oregano because of the generic name Origanum.
Occurrence and cultivation of marjoram
The ancient Greeks already revered marjoram and wove wreaths and garlands of marjoram for bridal couples or funeral ceremonies. Marjoram grows in an upright, compact bush with a woody main shoot about 20 – 40 cm high. Leaves are oblong-ovate, soft and dull green with a sweet, spicy odor. The flowers are small, whitish or purple, arranged in clusters. Marjoram originates from Southern Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. It is now cultivated throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region, as well as in North and South Africa. The ancient Greeks already revered marjoram and wove wreaths and garlands of marjoram for bridal couples or funeral ceremonies. It was believed that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, had created marjoram as a gentle symbol of happiness. Currently, Egypt is developing as the largest growing area of marjoram.
Use and application
In its many preparations as an essential oil, in the form of fresh or dried leaves, and as a powder, marjoram has many uses. As a seasoning, it is commonly used to lift the flavor of soups, sauces, salads and meat dishes. In cosmetics, marjoram is used in skin creams, body lotions, shaving gel or soaps. The herb has an oil content of up to 3.5%, depending on climate, season and soil, and is highest shortly after flowering begins. In aromatherapy, the oil is said to have a warming, calming and restorative effect. Marjoram essential oil is obtained by steam distillation and has both antimicrobial and nematicidal (worm eliminating) properties. The chemical-aromatic components are about the same as those of camphor and pine. The leaves can be dried or frozen for culinary use, and marjoram retains its fragrance after drying better than any other plant. Dried marjoram is very significant in industrial food processing and is used with thyme in spice blends for making sausages. Besides the rather high protein content of 14.3%, the leaves contain tannins, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and glycosides. Ten grams of the fresh herb cover 20% of the daily requirement of calcium, 46% of the requirement of iron as well as 16% of required vitamin A. For industrial preparation, the leaves are either briefly immersed in boiling water, exposed to steam or blanched with microwave radiation. The dried flower tips are used for sachets or potpourris and are an effective insect repellent, while the aromatic seeds are added to confectionery or jams. Oleoresins (flavorings) filtered from the oil are used as additives in foods and beverages.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention
Marjoram has medicinal uses from ancient times. The Greeks already used it extensively as a remedy for narcotic poisons, cramps and dropsy. Over the years, marjoram has proven to be an active ingredient in aiding digestion. Marjoram tea improves various digestive problems including loss of appetite, liver problems, gallstones, flatulence and stomach cramps. It is also a reliable remedy for treating colds and flus in infants and young children to relieve dry cough, swollen mucous membranes and earache. Quite famous is marjoram ointment, which is spread under the nose and is very easy to make for home use. The extracted oil has also proven to be very effective for treating sprains and bruises. The dried leaves can also be used externally, stuffed into sachets, as hot packs for painful swellings and rheumatism, and for colic or headaches. In home medicine, steam solutions are used to clear sinuses and relieve laryngitis. A few drops of oil drizzled on absorbent cotton and placed in the hollow of an aching tooth often relieves pain. Since marjoram has a special effect on the female sexual organs and nervous system, it is used in gynecology as a tea to relieve menopausal symptoms, treat mood swings associated with menstruation, or promote milk flow.In homeopathy, D4 or D6 potencies of Origanum Majorana are used to strengthen female sexuality.
