Medicinal Herbs: Marjoram

Medicinal Uses: cold symptoms, cough, digestive ailments, lack of appetite, gas, and menopausal symptoms.

Marjoram is one of my favored culinary herbs. Its complimentary to most things that I cook and works well with other more fragrant herbs. While it may be more subtly flavored than other herbs, Marjoram takes a leading role for medicinal uses. It also has a long and varied history, including a spicy role in Greek Mythology where is was always said to be used in love potions.

Marjoram is a perennial herb related to Oregano and is of the mint family, first discovered in the Mediterranean, and known for its fragrant leaves.

There isn’t a lot of scientific study on this herb’s effectiveness. However, WebMD describes Marjoram as an herb that is especially beneficial when made into a tea. “Tea made from the leaves or flowers is used for runny nose and colds in infants and toddlers, dry and irritating coughs, swollen nose and throat, and ear pain.”

WebMD also says, “Marjoram tea is also used for various digestion problems including poor appetite, liver disease, gallstones, intestinal gas, and stomach cramps. Other uses include treating diabetes, sleep problems, muscle spasms, headaches, sprains, bruises and back pain. It is also used as a ‘nerve tonic’ and a ‘heart tonic,’ and to promote better blood circulation.”

Read more: Medicinal Herb series