Marjoram - fantastic and unique herb

Marjoram has been grown widely in southern Italy and especially in Sicily, where a town is named after it - Marjoram. Here, it is believed that Marjoram raises the spirits and counteracts sorrow.

Marjoram is a plant from the mint family. The Latin name is Origanum hortensis. It is mainly known as a culinary herb, but it also has some value as a herbal supplement. It's essential oil is also used medicinally.

As a herb in cooking, Marjoram is much more flavoursome when used fresh; it loses a lot of its flavour once dried. It also loses its flavour quickly when heated, hence it should be added late to your cooking. This is opposite to the effect of Oregano, whose flavour tends to intensify as it cooks.

Although Marjoram is sweet and mild, it is also at the same time minty and has a hint of citrus. The biggest Marjoram exported in Egypt. Marjoram blends very well with Bay Leaves, pepper, and Juniper. While all vegetables can benefit from a hint of Marjoram, it seems to work best on adding and enhancing the flavor of cabbage and legumes.

Marjoram is the dried leaves from an herbal plant called the Origami hortensis. The name Marjoram is a Greek word that means "Joy of the Mountain." Ancient Greeks believed that if Marjoram grew on a grave they would experience enjoy eternal happiness. The taste of Marjoram is a bit sweeter than Oregano. Many people believe that Marjoram is related to Oregano. Marjoram is fairly easy to grow and is used traditionally in Italian, French, North African, Middle Eastern, and American cooking. It is often used to flavour sausages, various meats, tomato sauces, fish, salad dressings, breads, stuffing's, and salads.

Because marjoram is considered to have such a highly fragrant essential oil, it is widely used in aromatherapy and also in massage oils, where it helps to relieve aching muscles. As a herbal supplement, and in the oil form, it can help asthma and headaches and also help to soothe the stomach and digestive tract. A tea can be made by steeping a few sprigs of the herb for 10 minutes in a mug of water.

Many people find a great benefit from Marjoram in aromatherapy oils. Marjoram is said to have a soothing and warming effect with a spicy and warm scent. This explains why it is so popular with those who enjoy the many benefits of aromatherapy. Many times for aromatherapy oils it will be mixed with lavender, bergamot, and cedar wood. Beyond the great world of aromatherapy Marjoram has many other beneficial uses too as it is used as an analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and as a diuretic. The many uses of Marjoram include treatment for anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, bruises, colic, constipation, digestive problems, gas, insomnia, muscle aches and pain, PMS, Rheumatism, sinusitis, and sprains.

Quite often people use Marjoram as a herbal supplement. Throughout history it has been used throughout history for aiding digestion, and easing hay fever, congested sinuses, asthma, dizziness, coughs, colds, and nervous disorders.

When prepared in an ointment, Marjoram has been used to treat sprains and rheumatism. Others might make Marjoram into a paste and apply it to treat tooth and gum problems. 

It might be best to avoid Marjoram in therapeutic amounts during pregnancy; but it is fine to use in food at this time.

Marjoram is mainly known as a culinary herb; but it also has widespread indications as a herbal supplement, and has been used to treat nervous anxiety, asthma, rheumatic and arthritic problems, stomach and digestive problems, insomnia, as well as an antiseptic and analgesic (pain reliever. All in all, Marjoram has a great deal to offer.