Herbs of the Fields - Marjoram
Marjoram is known as Sweet marjoram or knotted marjoram and an aromatic herb thought to symbolizes happiness. Marjoram is known as a cultivated culinary herb. Marjoram is used in many Greek and Mediterranean dishes, garnishing, soups, sauces, and dressings. Many plant Marjoram around flower beds and in edible gardens.
Dried Marjoram is used in potpourris, pillows, and in other aromatherapy products. Marjoram has been known to help strengthen the heart. Marjoram has been used traditionally for herbal medicine. Marjoram has stimulant antispasmodic properties as well as it is a good antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, and stomachic. Taking Marjoram internally can help to relieve anxiety, tension headaches, insomnia, respiratory and digestive complaints. Externally it can be used to alleviate stiff muscles, joint pains, sprains, and arthritis. It can be used to cleaning and sanitizing wounds which help to prevent wounds from becoming infected. Marjoram helps women with menopause and other menstrual problems. Dried Marjoram can be hung in the home to promote a soothing environment. This helps stimulate mentally calmness by calming the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Some of the other uses of marjoram include use for high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, respiratory problems, stress and anxiety, joint and muscle pains, rheumatism, toothache and mouth sores, boosting immunity and probing hair growth.
Identification: Leaves are gray-silver to green, smooth, simple, and ovate; arranged oppositely on stem. They are covered with tiny hairs and are 1 to 3 inches longer. Flowers are edible and fragrant, pale pink, white, with two-lipped, tubular. Seeds are tiny, produced by each flower. Stems are square, erect with fine hairs. The color of the stem can be green, red, or burgundy.
Harvesting: Best time, before flowers open, this provides best flavor. After flower has bloomed, has slight bitter taste. Cut stem off, bundle together, hang upside down in dark area to dry. When dry, remove leaves/flowers and store in dry container. Crush/grind dried leaves when ready to use.
Usage: Use as a decoction, infusion, tea and poultice. The dried flowering tops are used in sachets and potpourris. Also can be taken as a tincture, essential oil, capsules or tablets. Can be found in herbal stores as a food supplement.
Cautions: Safe to take but some may have adverse effects due to allergies. Some herbs interact with prescription medications.