Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Spicy Stomach Settler

Family: Labiatae; (includes mints)

Genus and Species: Origanum Mejorana and other Origanum species

Also known as: Knotted Marjoram, Oregano

Parts used: Leaves and flower tops

Marioram is usually considered a culinary spice, not a Healing herb. This is unfortunate, because science has supported its value as a digestive aid and discovered it may help treat herpes.

The ancient Greeks believed marjoram was first cultivated by Aphrodite, goddess of love, whose touch produced its fragrant aroma. Greek couples wore marjoram wreaths at their weddings. The Greeks also believed that if a girl placed marjoram in her bed, Aphrodite would visit her dreams and reveal the identity of her future spouse. Today in parts of Europe, girls who want sweet marriages place marjoram sprigs in their hope chests. (For fresher-smelling sheets, hang a few sprigs in your linen closet.)

Roman Digestive Aid

Early Greek physicians used marjoram as an antidote for snakebite and a treatment for muscle and joint pains. But the herb did not become widely used in Healing until the Romans discovered it settled the stomach. Roman herbalists also believed it could heal bruises, alleviate menstrual cramps, promote menstruation, and treat pinkeye (conjunctivitis) and other eye problems.

By the 17th century, marjoram was widely used in herbal medicine. English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper called it “an excellent remedy for the brain … and stomach The decoction thereof … draweth forth much phlegm [and] helpeth all diseases of the chest. The oil thereof is comfortable to joints that are stiff. It helpeth griefs of the womb [menstrual cramps] … [and] provoketh women’s courses [menstruation].”

Early colonists introduced marjoram into North America and used it as both a kitchen and medicinal herb. America’s 19th-century Eclectics recommended it as a tonic stimulant and menstruation promoter. Folk healers also used marjoram to treat infant colic, arthritis, and some cancers.

Contemporary herbalists recommend marjoram as a digestive aid, tranquilizer, and cough remedy. Some say it helps relieve menstrual cramps without promoting menstruation. Others say it encourages menstruation. Various herbalists recommend marjoram tea for headaches, before bed to prevent insomnia, and before travel to prevent motion sickness.

Marjoram or Oregano?

Cookbooks often suggest replacing oregano with marjoram for sweeter, spicier sauce? But the fact is, the oregano on your spice rack might be marjoram. All marjoram species are also called oregano. But only a few of the 50 plants called oregano are ever called marjoram. Many palates cannot tell the difference between the two.