Marjoram
Marjoram is a plant that most people are probably familiar with as a spice. However, marjoram also has an interesting place in early Greek mythology. As the story goes, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, grew marjoram and as a result, marjoram has been used in numerous love potions ever since. The flowers, leaves and oil of marjoram are used to make medicine. A tea made from the leaves or flowers is used for runny noses and colds in children and infants, dry coughs, dry coughs, swollen noses, swollen throats and earaches. Marjoram tea is also used for various digestive problems, poor appetite, liver disorders, gallstones, flatulence and stomach cramps. Some women use marjoram tea to relieve symptoms of menopause, to treat mood swings associated with the menstrual period, to induce the menstrual period and to promote the flow of breast milk. Other uses include the treatment of diabetes, sleep problems, muscle cramps, headaches, sprains, bruises and back pain. Marjoram is also used as a "nerve tonic" and "heart tonic", as well as to promote better circulation. Marjoram oil is used for coughs, gallbladder complaints, stomach cramps and indigestion, depression, dizziness, migraines, nervous headaches, nerve pain, paralysis and runny nose, as well as a diuretic. Marjoram is used as a spice in food. The oil and oleoresin are used as flavorings in foods and drinks. In industrial production, marjoram oil is used as a fragrance for soap and cosmetics.
How does marjoram work?
There is not enough information available to say how marjoram might work as a medicine.
How effective is marjoram?
There is not enough scientific data to say how effective marjoram is for coughs, colds, runny nose, stomach cramps, colic, liver problems, gallstones, headaches, diabetes, menopausal symptoms, menstrual problems, nerve pain, muscle aches and sprains, as well as when used to promote milk flow, improve appetite and digestion and improve sleep.
Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of marjoram in these applications.
Safety and side effects
Marjoram is safe and harmless for most adults in food quantities and potentially safe and harmless when used in medicinal quantities for a short period of time. Skin contact with fresh marjoram should be avoided as it may cause swelling around the eyes and skin. Marjoram may not be safe for long-term use. There is evidence that marjoram may cause cancer.
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of marjoram in medicinal quantities is not safe during pregnancy. Marjoram could induce the menstrual period and thereby endanger pregnancy.
Not enough is known about the safety of using marjoram in medicinal quantities while breastfeeding, so it is best to refrain from using such quantities while breastfeeding.
Children: Marjoram should not be given to children in medicinal quantities, as such quantities may not be safe for children.
Allergies to basil, hyssop, lavender, mint, oregano and sage: Marjoram could cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to these plants and other members of the labiate family.
Interactions
Care should be taken when combining marjoram with the following medicines:
Lithium
Marjoram may have a dehydrating (diuretic) effect. The intake of marjoram can impair the body's excretion of lithium, which could result in increased lithium levels and serious side effects. For this reason, it is important to consult your doctor before using marjoram if you are taking lithium. The lithium dosage may need to be adjusted.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of marjoram depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for marjoram. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.
References
- Benito M, Jorro G, Morales C, et al. Labiatae allergy: systemic reactions due to ingestion of oregano and thyme. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1996;76:416-8.