Most people have heard of oregano, but what about its less famous cousin, marjoram?
Greek marjoram is an aromatic herb that grows on the islands of beautiful Greece. It boasts a mild flowery and peppery aroma with hints of citrus, which makes it ideal for many Mediterranean dishes and beverages!
Although it’s part of the mint family along with oregano, marjoram has its own uses and health benefits. Learn more about why you should add marjoram to your diet today!
1. Supports digestive health
In some studies, marjoram extract supported digestion by fighting off illnesses and stomach ulcers in mice. [1] Further human studies are needed to understand this relationship, but the ethanol extract from marjoram may have a protective effect in the gut against injury.
2. Contains antioxidants that may prevent cell damage
Free radicals can cause oxidative stress over time, which may contribute to a variety of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
To combat this cell damage, marjoram contains powerful phenolic compounds like hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoids, ursolic acid, carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid. [2] The more marjoram you eat from your diet, the more antioxidants you’ll consume!
3. May protect and repair your vital organs
Marjoram may help protect the heart and liver through various mechanisms. [2] For instance, marjoram extract may help repair damage from past heart attacks, while promoting healthy activities in the heart.
4. May support women better regulate their menstrual cycles
In one randomized clinical trial in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sweet marjoram tea helped improve their hormone profiles, improved insulin sensitivity, and supported their overall PCOS treatment. [3]
5. May prevent blood clots
Some clotting is essential for repairing physical injury or wounds, but too much clotting can be dangerous for your body!
Marjoram might be able to help – methanol extract from sweet marjoram leaves alleviates harmful clotting. [4] Of course, make sure to check with your physician before using marjoram as a health supplement, especially if you’re on blood thinner medications.
6. Stops the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi
According to various studies, dried marjoram and its essential oil may help you fight off harmful yeasts, bacteria, and fungi. [2] If you’re looking for immunity support, marjoram may become your new favorite herb.
How to incorporate marjoram into your diet
There are many traditional Greek ways to add marjoram to your modern diet:
- In Kefalonian traditional cuisine, marjoram adds flowery and subtle spiciness to tomato, fish, and root vegetable recipes.
- In Lefkada, no lentil soup is complete without marjoram.
- Any dish where you would normally add oregano, try adding marjoram. Like oregano, it has a mild but delicious flavor.
- Add dried or fresh marjoram to hot boiling water for a sweet, peppery, and citrus-infused herbal tea. You can add lemon or honey to slightly sweeten tea as desired!
Make sure that you choose Greek marjoram for its unique flavor profile and highest quality. Marjoram grows all over the world and tastes different depending on the source!
The bottom line
Greek marjoram is a sweet, flowery, and peppery cousin of oregano. From a health perspective, it may support digestion, fight off cell damage, protect your organs, support women’s menstrual cycles, and prevent harmful blood clots. Try adding marjoram to your favorite recipes or drink it as an herbal tea!
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References
- Al-Howiriny T, Alsheikh A, Alqasoumi S, Al-Yahya M, ElTahir K, Rafatullah S. Protective Effect of Origanum majorana L. ‘Marjoram’ on various models of gastric mucosal injury in rats. Am J Chin Med. 2009;37(3):531-45. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X0900703X. PMID: 19606513.
- Bina F, Rahimi R. Sweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(1):175-185. doi:10.1177/2156587216650793
- Haj-Husein I, Tukan S, Alkazaleh F. The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2016 Feb;29(1):105-11. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12290. Epub 2015 Feb 9. PMID: 25662759.
- Yazdanparast R, Shahriyary L. Comparative effects of Artemisia dracunculus, Satureja hortensis and Origanum majorana on inhibition of blood platelet adhesion, aggregation and secretion. Vascul Pharmacol. 2008 Jan;48(1):32-7. doi: 10.1016/j.vph.2007.11.003. Epub 2007 Nov 17. PMID: 18069068.
About the author
Chrissy Arsenault, MBA, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and licensed dietitian based in Indianapolis. She obtained her bachelor of science in nutritional science at Cornell University and her MBA at Indiana University Kelley School of Business. She is the founder and CEO of a nutrition communications firm called Pink Pamplemousse LLC, where she creates engaging nutrition and wellness content for clients. She has also coached clients on various health conditions including heart disease, obesity, digestive issues and diabetes over the last seven years. Visit Chrissy’s website.
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