What is Marjoram: Uses and Benefits
For the longest time, plants have played a role in health and wellbeing. They are used either raw or cooked for a variety of purposes which contribute to overall growth. Marjoram is a plant that is popularly known as a food spice but can also be traced to Greek mythology. It is alleged that the god of love, Aphrodite grew the plant and so people have accepted it in the making of love potions. Aphrodite loved the plant and meant for it to have her smell so that mortals could connect with her. It has a very enticing fragrance which gives your kitchen and garden an appealing feel. Newlyweds also wore the spice on their wedding night to attract a long and happy marriage.
The plant is commonly found in Cyprus and Turkey with other names like Knotted Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, and Pot Marjoram. A wrong Marjoram substitute is Oregano which is common in Sweden and Southern Europe. There is not much of a debate on Marjoram vs Oregano since the latter is just the wild version of the former. There is a lot you can do with the spice, and in this write-up, we will look at some of these uses.
Description and Cultivation
Marjoram has smooth, petiolated, simple, ovate to oblong-ovate leaves. The leaves are smooth because of the hairs on it. It is easy to grow and so are suitable for containers. Marjoram is a tender perennial, and so it survives yearly in warm climates but dies off in the cold. Because they can get injured in freezing temperatures it is best to plant them indoors where it is warm. Early spring or late winter is an excellent time to plant, and the seedlings can be brought outside when it is warm. Marjoram needs a lot of sunshine and well-drained soil, but at the same time they can be kept indoors as houseplants. Marjoram is a hardy plant in that it can take care of itself. It is resistant to drought, and so it is okay if you forget to water it. It also does not need fertilizer to grow. It is advisable to harvest the shoots before the Marjoram flowers open. This is a better option because you get the best flavor since the open flowers produce a better taste. To get the best out of the herb, hang the cuttings upside down in an area with proper ventilation. Stinging nettle is a great companion plant for Marjoram since it improves the herb’s performance by strengthening its essential oil. This also makes the Marjoram taste and scent more distinct.
What is Marjoram Used For?
The purpose of Marjoram in homes and medicine are endless. The plant is so versatile that its leaves and flowers can all be used for medicine. Both parts of the plant are used to make tea to cure runny nose in children and infants. The tea also cures colds, inflamed nose and throat, ear pain and irritating coughs. The tea is also useful for different digestive problems, including stomach cramps, gallstones, loss of appetite, and intestinal gas. For women, the plant solves issues related to reproductive health and lactation. Still in its tea form, it can be used in relieving menopause symptoms and the mood swings that come with the menstrual cycle. The beverage can also be used to induce the production of breast milk. Additional issues that Marjoram does well for include diabetes, bruises, back pain, muscle spasms, and sleep problems. The herb is instrumental in nerve and heart function by improving blood circulation. In food, the plant is a spice used to add some flavor to meals. The fragrance also makes it a useful ingredient in the manufacturing of soaps and cosmetics.
When Is It Unsafe To Use Marjoram?
The herb as earlier discussed can be used in medicinal amounts for some illnesses. Despite the benefits, Marjoram can be unsafe in some instances. This gap is because there is not enough evidence on the effectiveness of the plant. It is still not clear how the plant works in curing disease, but there have been records of improvement after it has been introduced. For example, in the treatment of asthma, research has shown that the herb in addition to lung medication might improve the condition with daily use. However, there are warnings and precautions to be taken in using the drug for medicinal purposes. It is considered unsafe for pregnant to consume Marjoram in specific amounts since it might induce blood flow and threaten the fetus. The plant is also known to potentially cause an allergic reaction in some people. The plant is also associated with slowing down heart rates which is not a good sign. Even in diabetes, if the right amount is not taken, the herb can lower sugar levels beyond the recommended amount. Marjoram is also associated with seizures and lung conditions. The best thing to do with this plant is either avoid or consult a professional to help you with dosages.
To Summarize
Plants are one of the best things to happen to humankind because they are very versatile. Marjoram is one of the adaptable plants on the planet and what makes them great is they are easy to grow. It does not need that much attention except that it requires warm climates for better growth. Sometimes it can be planted alongside other plants to get the best out of it. Being attached to a god makes the plant more desirable. People believe that having the plant around will make them happier and have better love lives due to its association with Aphrodite. All the parts of the plants can be used for one thing or the other, and they can be used in tea or oil form. The forms of Marjoram can be ingested or included in manufacturing. Some of the medicinal value of the plants are known but need more research to be able to get full benefits. However, there is not sufficient information on how the herb works in solving medical issues. The plant can be combined with other medication to cure some illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. It is, however, essential exercise caution when making the associations. Always consult your doctor if you need to use the plant in medicinal amounts.
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