Marjoram or sweet marjoram is an aromatic herb of the mint family which grows upto 30 to 60 cm high. Though perennial, it is treated as an annual herb under cultivation. It has small leaves hairy on either sides; tiny green, white flowers, forming small branched heads, which look like knots.
The dried leaves of marjoram with or without flowering tops in small proportions constitute the herb. It has a fragrant, spicy, slightly sharp, and bitter and camphoraceous flavor. The color of the dried herb is light green with a grayish tint.
Fractional distillation of the leaves and flowering heads yield a volatile oil, known as oil of sweet marjoram. However, the yield from the fresh herb is less than that from the dried herb. The oil is colorless or pale yellow to yellow-green, with a persistent odour reminiscent of nutmeg and mint.
Healing Power
Sweet marjoram is stimulant and tonic. Its flowers and seeds are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding.
Common Cold
The warmth accumulated by the herb from the sun helps to clear bad colds. Tea made from marjoram has the ability to stimulate the sweat glands. It helps to moisten taut, dry skin during influenza, if taken in small quantities.
Asthma
The herb helps expel and loosen phlegm of the mucous membranes of the nasal and bronchial passages.
Women's Ailments
Marjoram is useful in promoting and regulating menstruation if taken in the form of an infusion. Such an infusion helps in promoting the secretion and flow of milk in nursing mothers.
Digestive Disorders
Marjoram is beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders. It expels gas from the stomach and a top applied in the bags is helpful in colic. The oil of marjoram can be used beneficially as hot fomentation in acute diarrhea.
