Marjoram: general characteristics
The marjoram plant, whose scientific name Origanum Majorana, it is perennial aromatic herb that is part of the Labiatae family, which also includes the fennel, cumin, anise and other plants. Its taste is slightly bitter and has a more intense flavor than oregano. Marjoram is one of the most popular herbs in the Mediterranean, and its use dates back to ancient Greece where it was used to create garlands and wreaths as a symbol of peace. In medieval herb marjoram it was precious and it is also attributed magical properties and for that was then used to ward off evil spirits. The plant is known in many parts of Italy even with Persia name since it is thought that this plant is a native of that country.
The marjoram plant grows up to an altitude of 1,000 meters, it prefers warm climate and not resistant to low temperatures near zero. Its height can reach up to 80/90 cm and features the pink-white flowers. Its flowering occurs in early summer and the best time for the collection of aerial part, that branches and leaves, is before the flowering of the plant, generally between July and August. A dried the leaves turn, they can be kept in an airtight glass vessels for 1 or 2 years. Marjoram can be used fresh or dried: in the first case retains its special flavor while the latter loses a bit 'of its aromatic characteristics. From the dried flowers of marjoram is obtained through steam distillation, the essential oil.
Marjoram: properties and benefits
The marjoram has many healing properties and is composed primarily of water, fiber, sugars, protein, fat, ash, beta-carotene, folate, tannins, flavonoids and terpenes, but also that from minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, copper, sodium and zinc, and a number of vitamins, such as a, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, K and J.
Marjoram has antispasmodic properties, given by the content of vitamin C making it suitable for colds and coughs. It has sedative properties and calming and fights effectively the states of anxiety, insomnia and headache. In case of nervousness caused by stress, it just takes a solution obtained with a teaspoon of dry leaves left to infuse in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and soon regains calm and serenity. The essential oil of marjoram has analgesic and reduces pain caused by inflammation, toothache, fever and muscle aches. Marjoram also has bactericidal and antiseptic proper regard to this aspect, its essential oil is also ideal for combating bloating and flatulence.
Powerful are also the properties of marjoram antioxidants, and thanks to the presence of vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and carotenes acts effectively fighting free radicals, stopping the aging process and preventing disease. Remarkable anticancer properties of marjoram, confirmed by some studies conducted in vitro and in vivo that have highlighted the ability ethanol extract of marjoram to inhibit tumor growth in metastatic breast.
The marjoram plant, thanks to its therapeutic properties, brings significant benefits to our health. For starters, it is effective against headaches and disorders caused by insomnia, and you just take four drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of sugar to get immediate benefits. And 'digestive and, when taken in the form of infusion, promotes the production of gastric juices and is therefore useful for promoting the digestive process. It 'also a powerful sedative in the presence of cough, colds, asthma and brings substantial benefits due to its expectorant, fungicidal, bactericidal and tonic. Even in case of flatulence and meteorism, this plant is very useful and effective for reducing noise. Moreover, thanks to the high content of vitamin A is beneficial even in the eyes and skin, playing an important role both for the view and for healthy skin. Zeaxanthin performing acts of UVA rays and preventing macular degeneration filtering action, a typical old age disease.
Marjoram is also one of the herbs most rich in vitamin K, and through in-depth studies, scientific research has been able to establish its positive role in the treatment of Alzheimer's: it seems that the marjoram is able to limit neuronal damage in the brain. Marjoram is also an excellent diuretic and is beneficial to the body as it increases the frequency of urination and the amount of urine, favoring in this way the elimination of excess fluid in the body. This action helps to lower blood pressure and is also effective for cleansing the kidneys.
Marjoram: nutritional values and calories
100 g of dried marjoram contain 271 k cal.
Nutritional values expressed per 100 grams of product:
Protein 12.66 g
Carbohydrates 60.56 g
Sugars 4.09 g
7.04 g fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
40.3 g dietary fiber
Sodium 77 mg
Potassium 1,522 mg
Calcium 1990 mg
Phosphorus 306 mg
Iron 82 mg
Magnesium 346 mg
Zinc 3.6 mg
Copper 1.133 mg
Manganese 5.433 mg
Vitamin A 8068 IU
0289 mg vitamin B1
Vitamin B3 12.4 mg
Vitamin B6 1.19 mg
Vitamin C 51 mg
Vitamin E 1.69 mg
Vitamin K 621 mcg
Vitamin J 43 mg
Marjoram: all uses
Marjoram is well known for its culinary use as a spice in the kitchen and can be used fresh or dried. To let her keep its aromatic and organoleptic properties is usually recommended to add raw or only in the last minute of cooking. Marjoram is the perfect topping for pizzas, salads, vinegars and spices, early summer dishes, soups, eggs and meat or dishes that require intense and delicate aroma.
This plant is also used for the preparation of liquors herbal and to get the famous Vermouth. In folk medicine, marjoram and its essential oil they are used for the treatment of various disorders, such as gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, cramps, depression, migraine, neurasthenia, colds, and are also used in the homoeopathic field, where it is easily available in the form of granules and mother tincture.
In this plant homeopathic medicine is used in the presence of mood disorders, excessive sexual charge and in cases of nymphomania. As homeopathic remedy the dose to be taken may vary between different individuals, also depending on the type of disorder to be treated. Useful for outdoor use, marjoram is used to frictions and massages in the presence of muscular and rheumatic pains, but to give more relief to the muscles can be added to the bath 10 drops of marjoram oil, or an infusion obtained with two handfuls of herb in a quart of water. Soak for 10 minutes, massaging the muscles.
In the form of infusions and decoctions, marjoram is one of the plants used by singers to protect his voice. It can also be used to treat fresh and sanitize your mouth. In this case it is necessary to chew the leaves for some minutes, taking care to make them circulate in every area of the mouth. Chopped leaves can be spit out or even eat without contraindications.
Marjoram: contraindications and side effects
The marjoram has no particular contraindications or side effects, but it is appropriate to avoid the assumption in the case of known hypersensitivity to one or more components of the plant. It 'also not recommended to take it for babies and small children.
