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To know marjoram is to love it. This tender perennial from the mint family is a joy to behold in the garden, a reliable friend in the kitchen, and a must-have among medicinal herbs. But the delights of fresh marjoram don’t need to be confined to the summer months. Marjoram makes a good potted herb for a sunny window, where its intoxicating fragrance can easily dispel the winter blues.
Marjoram plant
As a subspecies of oregano, marjoram is similar to — yet more delicate than — this more-common herb. Like oregano, it grows in low mounding clumps of wiry stems bearing an abundance of fragrant, fuzzy leaves.
Unlike oregano’s somewhat coarse pubescence, however, marjoram’s leaves are velvety-soft; while oregano has a pungent, spicy aroma, marjoram is gentle, sweet and inviting; and although oregano is hardy through most winters, marjoram needs protection in USDA hardiness zones below 7.
Like most aromatic herbs, marjoram does best in sunny, dry conditions. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian Peninsula (Southsest Asia), and has been cultivated since ancient times for its marvelous medicinal and culinary qualities.
Cultivation and use of marjoram in the US has only become common since World War II. The bulk of our imported marjoram comes from Egypt, the world’s leading producer.
Its bright, earthy flavor has hints of citrus and pine, making it a favorite among chefs, while its heavenly aroma has earned it symbolic significance, and its shocking array of organic compounds provides valuable natural medicine.
Traditional uses
Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians recognized the therapeutic qualities of marjoram, attributing the herb with an ability to enhance feelings of happiness and love, and to protect against evil and disease. It was used extensively as a seasoning and as a medicine, as well as for symbolic purposes in rituals.
Seasoning
Marjoram is a versatile herb traditionally used to season cheese, meats, stews, soups, sauces, sausages and vegetables. Medieval Italians made pesto with marjoram, parmesan, pine nuts and walnuts.
Medicinal
Marjoram and marjoram oil have long been used to treat a variety of conditions. Infusions or tinctures could be used for everything from cancer, colds, congestion, convulsions, coughing and cramps, to digestive issues, dropsy (fluid retention) and poisoning.
Marjoram poultices and essential oil were applied to ease the pain of arthritis, depression, earaches, headaches, inflammation, and sore muscles.
The fresh, sweet scent was also used to mask less-pleasant odors during the Middle Ages, serving as a disinfectant at the same time.
Symbolic
Ancient Egyptians used marjoram in the embalming process, with the belief that it had protective qualities.
To the ancient Greeks and Romans, marjoram was a symbol of happiness. The bridal couple in Greek weddings often wore crowns of marjoram to symbolize love. In the Victorian Era’s flower language, marjoram also represented joy and happiness.
Medicinal properties
Marjoram’s impressive nutritional profile ranks it among the “superfoods,” which help promote and maintain wellness, while its powerful organic compounds make it useful in healing and treating various conditions. The light, uplifting aroma of marjoram can only be said to enhance its effectiveness.
Nutritionally, marjoram is a good source of antioxidants; vitamins A, B6, C, and K; essential minerals like copper, potassium, magnesium and manganese; and essential fats like omega 3 and omega 6.
Active medicinal compounds found in marjoram include:
- phenol carvacrol (antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial)
- hesperetin (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, commonly applied to improve blood vessel health)
- Camphene (relaxing or calming)
- β-Myrcene (analgesic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and sedative)
- α- and β-Pinenes (antibiotic resistance modulation, anticoagulant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-Leishmania, and analgesic)
- α- and c-Terpinenes (antifungal, antioxidant and sedative)
- α-Terpinolene (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral)
- Terpenyl-acetate (aromatic antimicrobial and antioxidant)
- Linalool (aromatic sedative)
- cis-Sabinene (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal)
- β-Caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer and anti-anxiety)
- α-Terpineol (aromatic sedative)
- Spathulenol (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-mycobacterial)
- Terpinen-4-ol (anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive, and cardioprotective)
Growing marjoram
Marjoram seeds can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost. Sow the tiny seeds ¼ inch deep, in small containers of moist, light potting soil. Maintain humid conditions by covering with plastic or glass, and maintain a steady temperature between 60° and 70°F. They may take two to three weeks to germinate.
After germination, remove the cover and water lightly whenever the soil surface is dry. After they have developed a couple sets of true leaves, thin the seedlings to one or two per cell. Once all danger of frost is over in the spring, they can be planted (12 inches apart) in a warm, sunny location with good drainage.
Any marjoram that you plan to bring in for the winter should be transplanted into a medium pot for the growing season. Marjoram has few pest and disease problems to worry about, but it will not tolerate cold, wet soil. Avoid over-watering, and give it as much sun as possible, and your marjoram will serve you well.
Marjoram can also be sown directly in warm, well-drained soil outdoors, started from cuttings, or divided from the main plant.
Begin harvesting marjoram once the stems reach six inches. Pinching the stems will slow flowering and promote branching with additional foliage.
Although marjoram is perennial in warm climates, it will not survive temperatures much below freezing. If you live in a borderline zone, you can protect your plants by providing winter covering, or simply bring some plants indoors and start a new bed from cuttings in the spring.
Home remedies with marjoram
The benefits of marjoram can be obtained from fresh, dried, or infused plant material. The most convenient way to get your daily dose of marjoram is to start cooking with it.
Make an infused vinegar or oil for salad dressings; sprinkle it on your pizza, soups, and roasted vegetables; and marinate meat, poultry and fish with marjoram. If using fresh marjoram, add the herb at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor.
For a relaxing marjoram tea, steep one teaspoon of dried marjoram in one cup of boiled water for 3-10 minutes and strain.
To make a marjoram infused oil (great for culinary and medicinal use), pack a clean, glass jar with dried marjoram. Add enough olive oil to cover the herb. Place in a warm area out of direct light for about five weeks, giving it a shake every now and then. Strain into a clean, dark bottle for storage and use whenever you crave the wonderful aroma of marjoram.
This oil can also be used to make a soothing marjoram salve with antibacterial and healing properties. Simply heat one cup oil with a quarter cup beeswax over a double boiler until the wax is melted. Enhance with up to one teaspoon total of essential oils like chamomile, lavender, rosemary or marjoram, and pour into small containers before it sets.
To make a marjoram infused vinegar, you can use fresh or dried marjoram. Pack the leaves into a clean jar and cover with your choice of vinegar. After about 18 days, strain into a clean bottle for storage, and use it in dressings and marinades.
Application
Marjoram can be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions.
- Ingested as a tea or whole herb, marjoram can help strengthen the immune system, relieve symptoms of anxiety, colds, flu, gastrointestinal issues, and food poisoning, promote heart health, and regulate the menstrual cycle.
- Marjoram essential oil can be applied topically to treat acne and other inflammatory skin conditions, fungal infections like athletes foot and dandruff, or aching joints and muscles. Please note: Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying directly to the skin.
- The essential oil can also be used in aromatherapy to help clear respiratory congestion and calm the nerves.
- As a balm or salve, marjoram helps heal and disinfect cuts, scrapes and minor wounds.
Original article: https://www.visiontimes.com/2025/01/28/marjoram-medicinal-herb.html
