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.

The Romans were probably right about marjoram soothing the stomach. .

Digestive Aid - Marjoram appears to soothe the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic). Marjoram’s stomach-settling activity may also explain its use in preventing motion sickness, which typically involves gastrointestinal symptoms.

Women’s Health - Antispasmodics soothe not only the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract but other smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well. This possibly accounts for the herb’s use in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

In recommended medicinal amounts, marjoram is unlikely to stimulate menstruation, even though it has a reputation for doing so and has been used this way for centuries. Pregnant women should not use more than culinary amounts. Other women might try it to trigger menstruation. It might be helpful on rare occasions.

Herpes - Test-tube studies show marjoram inhibits the growth of Herpes simplex, the virus that causes genital herpes and cold sores. If you have recurrent herpes, try sprinkling some powdered herb or using a few drops of tincture on cold sores or genital herpes. It may be of some help, although there is no evidence that it has any clinical effect against herpes at this time.

Myth - Marjoram has never been shown to relieve joint stiffness.

Rx for Marjoram

Take marjoram as an infusion or tincture to take advantage of its stomach-soothing potential or to try to bring on menstruation. For a sweet, pleasantly spicy infusion, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and flower tops per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

In a tincture, use ½ to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. Sprinkle some dried powdered herb on cold sores or genital herpes sores.

Low-strength marjoram preparations may be given cautiously to children under age 2 for colic. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

The medical literature contains no reports of harm from marjoram.

Marjoram is included in the Food and Drug Administration’s list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, marjoram is considered safe in amounts typically recommended.

Marjoram should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If marjoram causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

A Spicy Favorite

In its native Spain, Portugal. and North Africa, O. Majorana is a perennial. But it’s grown as an annual in North America.

Marjoram is a hairy plant with square purplish stems. The leaves are small and oval. Its white, pink, or lavender flowers bloom in late summer and cluster close together in knots, hence the name knotted marjoram.

Once marjoram’s tiny, slow-germinating seeds sprout, the plant grows easily. For best results, germinate it indoors, then transplant it outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Arrange seedlings in groups of three spaced every 8 inches. Five clumps (15 plants) satisfy most families’ cooking needs.

Marjoram grows best under full sun in rich, well-drained soil. Weed frequently until the plants have become established. Pinch the flower buds back to increase bushiness and leaf yield.

Harvest leaves anytime after flower buds form. In autumn harvest the entire plant to 1 inch aboveground. Marjoram dries easily. Store it in airtight containers.