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Sweet marjoram is
one of very popular herb especially in Mediterranean countries. It was used in
ancient times by the Greeks to make wreaths and garlands and was believed as a
symbol of peace, harmony and happiness.
The herb contains
many notable phyto-nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for
optimum health and wellness.
The herb parts
contain certain chemical constituents like eugenol sabinene, α -terpinene,
cymene, terpinolene, linalool, cis-sabinene hydrate, linalyl acetate,
terpinen-4-ol and terpineol. These compounds are known to have
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Fresh herb has
high levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid); provide 51.4 mcg or 86% of RDA per
100 g. Vitamin C is one of the powerful natural anti-oxidant help remove
harmful free radicals from the body. Ascorbic acid also has immune booster,
wound healing and anti-viral effects.
Marjoram herb
contains exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin A, cryptoxanthin,
lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenes, xanthones and lutein are powerful flavonoid
anti-oxidants. Together, these compounds help act as protective scavengers
against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that
play a role in aging and various disease process.
Vitamin A is
known to have antioxidant properties and is essential for vision. It is also
required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of
natural foods rich in vitamin A and carotenes are known to help body protect
from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Zeaxanthin, an
important dietary carotenoid, selectively absorbed into the retinal macula
lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective
light-filtering functions. It has proven beneficial action against age related
macular disease (ARMD) especially in the elderly.
Sweet marjoram is
one of the richest herbal sources for vitamin K; provides about 518% of
recommended daily intake. Vitamin-K has potential role in bone mass building by
promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in
the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
Marjoram herb has
good amount of minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc
and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids which
helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a
co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
Its leaves are an
excellent source of iron, contains 82.71 mg/100 g (about 1034% of RDA). Iron is
an important co-factor for cytochrome oxidase enzyme in the cellular
metabolism. In addition, being a component of haemoglobin inside the red blood
cells, it determines the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
Snoring: Marjoram like I mentioned before effectively prevents snoring.
To use marjoram as a home remedy for sleep, sniff marjoram essential oil right
before sleeping. Taking a sniff of marjoram oil is said to greatly reduce the
snoring. You can also try this blend of essential oil blend to make an
effective home remedy for snoring: Take around 10 drops of lavender essential
oil and 10 drops of marjoram essential oil in a small glass bottle. You can
either add it to essential oil vaporizer and place it in the bedroom an hour
before sleeping or simply sniff it before bed.
Headache Pain
Relief: Marjoram is very useful for easing the inflammation and can be
used to ease the pain of tooth infections, arthritis, headaches and other
pains. To use it for headache relief make marjoram tea by boiling the dried
leaves in water till it is reduced in half and sweeten it with honey. This tea
also relieves one of nervous headaches, cold and respiratory related problems.
As this herb is very aromatic, a little goes a long way.
High blood Pressure:
A study conducted on the effect of marjoram for high blood
pressure showed that blood pressure reduced significantly when marjoram was
used. The best way to use marjoram for blood pressure is to use it as a massage
oil. When using it as a massage oil, always use it with base oils and the best
base oils are cold pressed unrefined oils. Use around 15 drops of marjoram oil
for a cup of base oil. A good massage with this oil is the best way to
De-stress and no wonder the blood pressure comes down
sleep: The best way to use marjoram for sleep is by making sleep
pillows. Sleep pillows are very effective and is a fun project to do at home
that gives amazing results, these also make great gifts. To make the sleep
pillows shade dry the marjoram till completely dry and fill it in pure cotton
cloth bags preferably muslin bags as they let out the scent better. Stitch
small sachets out of pure cotton for making these sleep pillows or you can even
purchase it. If the herbs are dried completely, they really last a long time.
You can also use the marjoram and lavender essential oil blend mentioned before
too.
Skin: Marjoram can be used to treat skin disorders very effectively.
You can also make your own marjoram cream by boiling a cup of olive oil with a
bunch of fresh marjoram. Once the essence has completely steeped in, melt
around 2 tbsp of bees wax along with the marjoram steeped oil till the wax
melts. Let it cool and your homemade marjoram skin cream is ready! This cream can be applied for treating
stiffness, sprains, etc
Hair: Marjoram treats the infections of the scalp. Try making this
hair rinse, make a hair rinse by boiling a bunch of fresh marjoram in water and
use it as a hair rinse. You can also add a few drops of marjoram essential oil
to make it very effective. Of course lastly my favourite use, tie garlands with
marjoram and jasmine flowers for your hair to calm your senses and make you
feel really good!
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