Marjoram

Marjoram is a cold sensitive angiosperm with a sweet citrus flavour. It is believed to have originated from Cyprus and southern parts of Turkey usually grown for its leaves which have a pleasant aroma useful for culinary purposes. Ancient Greeks believed marjoram provided happiness in marriage while Romans saw it as a symbol of general bliss.

Marjoram grows very fast and produces flowering leaves which are steam distilled to produce yellowish oil which turns to brown as it ages. The essential oil produced from marjoram contains lots of chemical components like pinene, camphor and borneol. The leaves can also be dried and used for preparing tea.

Benefits

1. to the body

·         Marjoram contains lots of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are useful in the general health of a human being

·         Marjoram contains chemical compounds like cynene and Eugene sabinene which have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it useful in alleviating muscular pain.

·         With high levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin c), marjoram is a powerful anti-oxidant which boosts immunity and help in healing wounds

·         Marjoram tea contains sedative elements which can be used to calm hyperactive kids and relieve premenstrual stress in women

·         Marjoram oil can be used to reduce chest congestion. This is achieved by dropping a few drops in hot water and the steam produced being inhaled.

·         It also contains vitamin A which improves eyesight and helps in protecting the body against oral cavity and lung cancers.

·         Vitamin k a major component of marjoram is useful in bone building when daily recommended intake is partaken

·         The marjoram leaves contain iron. Iron is used in cell metabolism and is also a component of haemoglobin which carries oxygen in the red blood cells. Marjoram therefore improves increases the amount of oxygen carried by blood.

·         The sweet smell of marjoram helps in relaxing the body and mind. It is therefore useful in aromatherapy, an alternative means of treatment that uses relaxation to heal the body.

·         Components of marjoram help in maintaining good conditions for the kidney. This is through flushing out the toxins found in the body (detoxification)

2. to the skin

·         Marjoram oil has antiseptic properties that can be used to clean wounds and bruises. This enables it to treat the minor injuries thereby preventing infection and the possible development of tetanus

·         A few drop of marjoram oil in water can be effective in softening of hard skin especially on the soles of the feet.

·         Marjoram essential oil can be used to treat certain skin diseases and itchy skin

3. to the hair

·         Marjoram oil can be used in softening the hair. This is done by dropping a few drops in warm water and washing the hair with it.

Mixtures

     Marjoram leaves can be used to prepare tea in the ratio one teaspoon of herb to 200ml of water. For external use it is usually appropriate to use a few drops mixed with water.

Precaution

     One should always consider using recommended doses of marjoram since uncontrolled use dulls the senses and delays responses.