Marjoram – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, July 21, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Marjoram is one of the best known herbs commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. According to an article posted on ValueFood.info, the perennial herb is native to Asia Minor, mainly in Southern Turkey and Cyprus. The herb is characterized by its sweet and slightly pungent flavor. Marjoram belongs to the same plant family as other popular herbs such as anise, fennel, cumin and dill.

List of known nutrients

An entry in health and wellness website Nutrition and You lists the many important nutrients found in marjoram, which include:

Beta-Carotene
Beta-Cryptoxanthin
Calcium
Copper
Folates
Iron
Lutein
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zeaxanthin
Zinc

Medicinal uses for marjoram

Marjoram is best known for its positive effects on the digestive system. In fact, the herb’s scent alone can already stimulate the salivary glands and facilitate the digestive process. The essential oils extracted from marjoram are also known to activate movement in the digestive tract. Aside from this, marjoram helps promote the flow of bile, gastric juices and acids in the stomach, thereby inhibiting excess acid production that adversely affects the stomach lining.

Marjoram, in combination with other herbs such as rosemary and oregano, is notably effective in improving insulin tolerance and managing blood sugar levels. This makes the flavorful herb an ideal food fare for patients with type-2 diabetes. On the other hand, marjoram is found to lower the odds of developing gastric ulcers. Aside from this, marjoram is also touted to alleviate a number of digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and indigestion as well as cramping and nausea.

In addition, marjoram is greatly valued for its immune-boosting effects. The herb contains powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties that fends of bacteria and viruses. Hence, marjoram is known to combat food poisoning, wound infections, and staph infections. Marjoram is also touted to keep fungal skin diseases, dysentery, and bloody diarrhea at bay. Besides this, the herb is found to promote respiratory health and relieve congestion of the nasal tract, larynx and pharynx, bronchi, and lungs.

Moreover, the herb is a popular remedy to muscle pain, muscle spasms, and headaches. Marjoram is also touted for its beneficial effects on the nervous system. In fact, the superfood is remarkably effective in alleviating stress and anxiety. Aside from this, the high antioxidant content in marjoram is found to protect the heart against various diseases. Marjoram is also known to contain vasodilating properties that relax the blood vessels and reduce high blood pressure.

Furthermore, the herb is a potent diuretic that improves the volume and frequency of urination. As a result, it helps maintain a healthy urinary system by flushing out excess water, sodium and uric acid as well as bile salts and other toxins from the body. Marjoram is also known to relieve menstrual symptoms — such as mood swings, abdominal pain and headache — by stimulating blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus.

Body systems supported by marjoram

Marjoram is beneficial to the digestive, immune, and respiratory systems. Likewise, it benefits the muscular, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. The herb also supports the urinary and female reproductive system.

Ways to use marjoram

Marjoram’s flavor and aroma is an ideal staple in seasonings, dressings and spreads. The herb can also be incorporated in wide array of pasta and salad recipes. Likewise, marjoram can be added to various meat and poultry dishes, vegetable recipes and baked goods.