Marjoram- nutrition, proven health benefits and recipes

The scientific name of marjoram is origanum majorana. Other names include marjolain  in French, marjoran in German, maggiorana in Italian, mejorana in Spanish, majoranka in Czech, marjolein in Dutch, matzourana in Greek, majoramu in Japanese, marwa in Hindi and Punjabi, maruvu in Tamil, maruva in Malayalam, Maruga or Kumaon bantulsi in Kannada, Murru, Deccan or Muruva in Bengali.

Marjoram is perennial herb with sweet pine and citrus flavors, which has numerous stems and small, velvety leaves with an oval shape. It is a culinary aromatic medicinal herb is known to possess various therapeutic properties.

Marjoram nutrition value and facts

Marjoram is low in Saturated Fat and Sodium, and very low in Cholesterol.

It is also a good source of Phosphorus and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper and Manganese.

Every two tablespoons of Marjoram contains Vitamin A: 6% Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), Calcium: 8% RDA, Vitamin C: 3.5% RDA and Iron: 18% RDA.

A tbsp or about 2gm of dried marjoram contains 4 calories.

Marjoram-nutrition-health-benefits-uses

Health benefits of marjoram

Depression and rheumatic arthritis 

Aromatherapy with marjoram essential oil has shown major effects on decreasing pain and depression levels.

In a study, 40 arthritic patients divided into 2 groups, one was treated with an essential oil blend of eucalyptus, rosemary and marjoram, which decreased pain and depression levels.

Natural remedy for painful menstrual cramps

A massage with marjoram essential oil is helpful in reducing menstrual pain. It has analgesic properties and useful in conditions like painful menstruation, typically involving abdominal cramps.

A double-blind clinical trial study was conducted with 48 outpatients diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea massaging a blend of lavender, clary sage and marjoram with significant relief and reduction of menstrual pain.

Neck pain

In a study, an essential oil cream made from marjoram, black pepper, lavender, peppermint was developed that has shown effective to improve neck pain.

Protect liver and kidney, detox lead toxicity

According to a study, marjoram has found effective in heavy metal lead detoxification. It is very useful herb for people suffering from lead poisoning as it helps to protect liver and kidney functions and genotoxicity induced by lead toxicity.

Antioxidants and Anti-Ulcer

Marjoram is rich in antioxidants that has ability to protect cells from miscellaneous damages. It has ulcer prevention potential and proven to significantly decrease the incidence of ulcers, basal gastric secretion and acid output.

In a study, marjoram has a protective effect on gastric mucosal injury.

Good for digestive system

Consumption of marjoram herb is useful for digestive system and can be extremely useful for people suffering from lack or absent of stomach acid. According to a study, marjoram contains some components that activate chief and parietal cells and increase basal acid and pepsin secretion.

Helpful for alcohol toxicity

Studies has found that extracts of protective plants like marjoram helps to minimize the hazard effects of alcohol or ethanol toxicity on male fertility, liver and brain tissues. The intake of herbs like marjoram helps to control the oxidative stress damage.

Anti-Bacterial

Marjoram exhibit antimicrobial effects that make it useful in treatment and prevention of various  infections.

study has shown that basil, clove, garlic, horseradish, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, and thyme exhibit antimicrobial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.

Anti-fungal

Marjoram has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity, with especially high toxicity against Aspergillus niger. Studies has found that marjoram herb can be used as an effective herbal protectant against different pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Good for heart health

Marjoram is good for heart health as it helps to platelet adhesion to the vessel wall, which is one of the most important factors that helps to prevent thrombosis and the incidence of various cardiovascular diseases.

A study has confirmed the use of tarragon, savory and marjoram for anti-coagulant activity, confirming their traditional role in Iranian folk medicine for cardiovascular and thrombotic disorders.

Marjoram recipe uses and ideas

Sprinkle fresh or dried marjoram to pasta, salads, fish or meat.

Add marjoram for seasoning soups, stews, dressings, and sauce.

Rub marjoram essential oil into the skin to relieve cramps, sprains, or other ailments.

Make marjoram tea with fresh or dried herb. Add marjoram to the boiling water and let it steep for 15 minutes. Sweeten the tea with honey. This tea have calming, antidepressive effect and digestive benefits.