Marjoram
Marjoram is the dried leaves from
an herbal plant called the Origanium hortensis. The name Marjoram is
a Greek word that means "Joy of the Mountain." Marjoram is grown in
the Mediterranean area and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a
symbol of happiness. The taste of Marjoram is a bit sweeter than
that of Oregano. Many people believe that Marjoram is, in part, a
species of Oregano. One big difference between Oregano and Marjoram
is that Oregano tends to get stronger in taste the longer it simmers
in a sauce or stew, Mmarjoram is the opposite and should be added
into the dish as late as possible. Marjoram is an herb that is used
quite traditionally in Italian, French, North African, Middle
Eastern, and American cuisine. Marjoram compliments sausages,
various meats, fish, tomato sauces, salad dressings, breads,
stuffings and salads.
Marjoram is a relative to the mint family. Fresh Marjoram leaves are
more flavorful than dried, so to get the same effect twice as much
dried should be used in cooking. Although Marjoram is sweet and
mild, it also taste like mint and has a hint of citrus. Egypt is the
largest producer of good Marjoram. 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.
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. In aromatherapy oils
Marjoram can also be mixed with lavender, bergamot, and cedar wood.
Beyond aromatherapy Marjoram has many other beneficial uses like 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.
Throughout history Marjoram can be used on a daily basis in various
forms. Some prefer it as a tea which has been used for easing such
ailments as hay fever, indigestion, sinus congestion, asthma,
stomach upset, headache, dizziness, coughs, colds, and disorders
associated with the nervous system. Some even use the tea as a
mouthwash. One or two cups of marjoram tea per day have proven to be
extremely therapeutic. Marjoram can be made into an ointment or
salve by crushing the dried herbs into a paste, adding just a tiny
bit of water. This is a common way to treat sprains and Rheumatism.
Even still, some will mix the Marjoram into a paste and then into an
oil to use for tooth pain or gum issues.
Marjoram should not be ingested internally in a medicinal or herbal
form during pregnancy but can be eaten as an herb that is added to
food. As you can see, Marjoram is a very essential and beneficial
herb that was used in ancient times and is commonly still used
today.
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