If you’re not familiar with marjoram, you likely know its close cousin — oregano. What is marjoram? It’s a perennial herb originating from the Mediterranean region and a highly concentrated source of health-promoting bioactive compounds. 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.” So wild marjoram is actually oregano — the confusion continues! However, marjoram has a very specific history of culinary and medicinal use. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was a huge fan of this herb, which led to it being used to make love potions. For centuries in kitchens around the world, its uses have been and continue to be wide-ranging. Whether we’re talking about the fresh or dried version, it can be added to meat and vegetable dishes, salad dressings, and stews. Marjoram can also be taken orally in a more concentrated medicinal form or used topically and in aromatherapy as an essential oil. The inhalation of marjoram essential oil actually has been shown to calm the nervous system and, in turn, positively impact your cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. It’s been used to treat coughs, runny noses, gallbladder issues, digestive problems, depression, dizziness, migraines, nervous headaches, nerve pain and paralysis as well.
Digestive Aid
Including marjoram 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. The oil continues 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.
Women’s Issues/Hormonal Balance
Marjoram is known in traditional medicine for its ability to restore hormonal balance and regulate the menstrual cycle. lIf you’re a woman, it could be the herb that finally helps you get your hormones in proper balance because it’s been shown to balance hormones naturally. 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 considered 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. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility (often resulting from PCOS) are other significant hormonal imbalance issues that this herb has been shown to improve. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics evaluated the effects of marjoram tea on the hormonal profile of women with PCOS in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The study’s results revealed the positive effects of the tea on the hormonal profile of PCOS women. 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.
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