Including sweet or knotted marjoram is a small shrubby plant native to the Mediterranean region, Egypt and North Africa. It is now cultivated throughout the world and is a popular herb garden plant. The aerial parts of the plant are used for cooking and occasionally in herbal medicine. It should not be confused with Spanish Marjoram (Thymus mastichina), French Marjoram (Origanum onites or Marjorana onites), or the wild common marjoram or oregano (origanum vulgare) .

Medicinal Properties of Marjoram

It contains up to 3% volatile oil as well as flavanoids. It has trace quantities of miscellaneous compounds including various organic acids, phytosterols and vitamin C. It is anaphrodisiac, sedative, expectorant, emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), antiseptic, antioxidant, diuretic, gastro-intestinal stimulant, carminative (wind relieving) antispasmodic, diaphoretic (induces perspiration) and antiviral.

Marjoram Herbal Remedies

Historically Marjoram has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Anxiety
Colds and influenza
Coughs
Poor digestion
Sore throats
Tension headaches

Other Marjoram Information

It is related to the herb oregano (Origanam vulgare), but is sweeter and milder, and It can be bought fresh or dried, which can be infused and made into a herbal tea. Marjoram can also be chopped and sprinkled over food to add flavour and improve presentation, it is available as an essential oil.

Side Effects of Marjoram

Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied.

As aromatherapy oil for topical application it is contra-indicated.

At the time of writing there are no other well known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.

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