Marjoram

Marjoram is essentially a cold sensitive perennial herb that is widely included as an ingredient in a number of recipes all over the world. Botanically marjoram is associated with the mint family of herbs and is primarily characterized by its spicy but pleasant odor. The flavor of the herb is one that is slightly sharp and bitter, but also fragrant and spicy. Marjoram is known differently in different parts of the world.  For instance:

  • In South Africa, it is known as marjolein
  • In France, it is known as marjolaine
  • In Germany, it is known as Majoran
  • In Italy, it is known as Maggiorana; and
  • In Spain, it is known as Majorana

It is also important to point out the fact that there are a number of different varieties of Majoram that will have subtle differences between them. One of the most common confusions that rise about Marjoram is that it is the same as Origanum. However, the origanum plants grow as hardy, tight bushes with dark green and oval shaped leaves and strong, greenish stems. The marjoram plants have much smaller leaves and are light green in hue. The plant is also seen to be much looser and more scraggly than the origanum plant.  The useful parts of the plant that are primarily used to make marjoram essential oils are the leaves.

The marjoram uses are varied and surprisingly substantial. For instance, there are a number of marjoram oil benefits that are widely used in the medical treatment of bruises, stiff and paralytic limbs as well as toothaches. Moreover, there is also the fact that when used as an infusion in the creation of teas, it helps as an expectorant and can be useful in the treatment of medical complications such as asthma hysteria and paralysis. Marjoram leaves are also widely used in the flavoring of a number of meats and preparation of foods. Soups, stews, polish sausages, liver, salads, vegetable dishes and fancy meat sausages are all known to be seasoned with the help of marjoram leaves in either fresh or dried form. The fresher leaves are more often than not employed as garnishing and widely used in salads while the aromatic seeds are used in confectionaries as well as French confitures.

There are a number of sources such as the internet and books on nutrition that list the various nutritional properties of marjoram. Understanding the nutritional make up of the herb will help you balance your diet and ensure that you consume a healthy diet that is full of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. The statistics read as protein percentage stanfing at 14.31%, while the volatile oil and fixed oil percentages stand at 1.72% and 5.60%, respectively. Amongst the many other uses of marjoram, the list also includes a number of instances in which it is included in a variety of beauty products such as skin creams, bath bars, shaving gel as well as body wash products. Quite possibly, the most commonly encountered instance of the oregano form of marjoram is the use of it as a garnishing on pizza toppings. With the increasing focus on herbal health care and holistic forms of medical treatment, the manufacture of herbal pillows is also known to include the use of marjoram in the seams.

With regards to marjoram side effects, some individuals are known to suffer from negative reactions on the area of the skin that comes in contact with fresh marjoram. While there is still no medical proof of the same, most experts suggest that you avoid exposing children to medicinal amounts of the substance in the event that any unknown reactions occur and affect the child’s development.