Marjoram:
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 it was always said to be used in love potions.
Growing Marjoram:
Marjoram is a low-growing perennial herb related to Oregano and is of the mint family, first discovered in the Mediterranean, and known for its fragrant leaves. It’s also beautiful as a groundcover.
Plant sweet marjoram in the spring once there is no longer threat of frost. Sweet marjoram is slow-growing, so you will want to start with young plants instead of seed. Plant them 12 inches apart in full sun in rich, well-drained soil.
Harvesting Marjoram:
Pick fresh marjoram leaves as needed, beginning 4 to 6 weeks after planting.
Bonney Plants says, “In order to dry marjoram, pick the leaves just after flower buds appear but before they open, removing no more than a third of the plant’s leaves in a single harvest. Once the leaves have dried, strip them from the stem. You may harvest again when flower buds reappear later in the season.”
Medicinal Use:
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 a 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.”
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult with your physician before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
Medicinal Herb Garden Series:
Below is a list of posts we’ve compiled on common herbs found in historic medicinal gardens. Each post contains information of the herb’s medicinal uses, growing tips, and more.
Medicinal Herb Gardens Series
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Medicinal Herbs: Yarrow
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Medicinal Herbs: Spearmint
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Medicinal Herbs: Marjoram
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Medicinal Herbs: Peppermint
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Medicinal Herbs: Golden Oregano
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Medicinal Herbs: Valerian Root
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Medicinal Herb Series: Sage
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Preserving Summer’s Bounty … Herbs
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