Marjoram

     Also known as: Marjorana hortensis, Origan des Jardins, Gartenmajoran, Marubaka, Origanum Majorana

     Aromatic plant, used commonly as a flavor ingredient in cooking, Marjoram is a plant considered to have healing and protective magical attributes. Legend says that Marjoram was sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and was used for love potions in Greek mythology. Often planted in gardens, Marjoram is believed to protect from evil. Considered to bring happiness to a depressed or grieving person, Marjoram is recommended in sleep problems, for soothing nervousness and for coping with anxiety.

     Less studied pharmacodynamically (as a medicine), Marjoram can be a great help in incipient phases of cold and flu. When drinking the hot Marjoran infusion, the temperature of the body will rapidly increase, favoring sweat and allowing the immune system to act efficiently. Having diuretic and diaphoretic properties, Marjoram can be a safe remedy for weight problems,  preventing water retention and improving digestion. Still, Marjoran will not be used by hypertensive persons or in cases of high fever (over 38 degrees C).

     Recommended first of all to persons sensitive to cold temperatures, Marjoram stimulates local blood circulation, warming cold extremities. Women can benefit from the use of Marjoram tea for treating premenstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms, for encouraging menstruation and the flow of breast milk.

     Warm baths with aromatic Marjoram oil ease muscle spasms, relieve fatigue and improve overall mood, while its antioxidant properties reduce skin aging. In manufacturing, Marjoram extracts and oils are used in various cosmetics and soaps.