Marjoram – Best Herb for Digestion and Menstrual Cramps

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Marjoram scientific name is Origanum Marjorana, other common names are murwa, sathra, sweet marjoram, Marwa, marzanjosh. Marjoram or sweet marjoram is an aromatic herb of the mint family. It is a perennial and treated as an annual herb under cultivation. It has small leaves hairy on either side, tiny green, white flowers which look like knots. The dried leaves of marjoram with or without flowering tops, in small proportions, constitute the herb. It has a fragrant, spicy slightly sharp, bitter and camphoraceous flavor.

The fractional distillation of the leaves and flowering heads yield a volatile oil known as oil of sweet marjoram. However, the yield from the fresh herb is less than that from the dried herb. The oil is colorless or pale yellow-green, with a persistent odor reminiscent of nutmeg and mint.

2. Habitat

Marjoram is native to Europe and Britain, sweet marjoram is commonly grown in India and distributed widely in temperate belt of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitude from 500-1200m.

3. Ayurvedic Properties of Origanum Marjorana

1. Rasa (Taste): It has pungent (Katu), bitter (Tikta), and sweet (Madhura) tastes.

2. Virya (Potency): It is hot in nature (Ushna).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is pungent (Katu).

4. Health Benefits and Uses 

Marjoram is used to make a tea to help with stomach aches, digestion and menstrual cramps. It helps to give relief from pain due to rheumatism or arthritis by stimulating blood flow to the affected areas. It has antibacterial properties that work against colds and flu viruses. Sweet marjoram is a stimulant and a tonic, its flowers and seeds are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding.

It is also a popular spice and can be added to many dishes that include other herbs, like pasta sauce, flavoring foods and beverages. It can also be used as a fresh herb in teas or salves. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Here are some health benefits and uses of Marjoram.

Asthma

The herb helps expel and loosen phlegm of the mucous membranes of the nasal and bronchial passage.

Common Cold

The warmth accumulated by the herb from the sun helps to clear bad cold, tea made from marjoram has the ability to stimulate the sweet glands. If taken in small quantities it helps to moisten taut, dry skin during influenza.

Digestive Disorders

Marjoram is beneficial in treating digestive disorders, it expels gas from the stomach. Hot fomentations of the dried leaves and tops filled in a cloth bag and applied on the abdomen is helpful in colic. The oil of marjoram can be used beneficially as a hot fomentation in acute diarrhea.

Skin Disorders

The oil of marjoram is useful in skin disorders and can be applied locally in case of sprains, bruises, stiff and paralytic limbs. It also allays toothache.

Women Ailments

Infusion of marjoram is useful in promoting and regulating menstruation, infusion helps in promoting secretion and flow of milk in nursing mothers.

For Relaxing

Marjoram is known to have a relaxing effect on the body, which is why it's often used during meditation and yoga sessions. If you're looking for new ways to unwind after a long day, try adding marjoram to your tea or enjoying it in place of other herbs like oregano or basil in dishes.