The Benefits And Contraindications Of Marjoram

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is an herb known in Mediterranean cuisine for its aromatic nature. The plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has also become popular all over the world due to its medicinal uses. Have you heard about the benefits and contraindications of marjoram?

As described in an article published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, people grow the herb in countries such as Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Germany and France.

In general, people use it for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, gastroprotective and antioxidant properties. In this article we tell you what it is used for and when not to use it.

Science-Backed Benefits of Marjoram

When it comes to cooking, you can use marjoram to give a good aroma to soups, salads and meat dishes. Meanwhile, in traditional medicine, people often use it to stimulate digestion and soothe the symptoms of menstruation. People even claim that it has other benefits as well.

However, to date there is no solid evidence to consider it a first-line treatment for disease. So it should not be a substitute for medical treatments, nor is it good to use it as the only option for health problems.

If you become ill, it is always best to consult a professional. Now that this is clear, let’s take a look at the main uses of Marjolein below.

It helps to calm digestive problems

In naturopathy, one of the most prominent benefits of marjoram has to do with digestive health. According to research published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, this plant has anti-ulcerogenic properties, possibly due to its content of volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins and other substances.

Similarly, a study on several herbs published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology found that marjoram is helpful against foodborne illness. In particular, it could help fight the pathogen known as Clostridium perfringens.

It helps regulate the menstrual cycle

Marjoram is an ally for women’s health, especially when it comes to changes in the menstrual cycle. Both in extract and tea form , it has shown positive effects in restoring hormonal balance.

In fact, the results of a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics emphasize that marjoram tea is beneficial for patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. It appears to help regulate hormonal activity and insulin sensitivity.

It helps prevent infections

Many of the benefits of marjoram are attributed to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This allows the extracts to help prevent and treat certain types of infections.

In a study shared in Global Advances in Health and Medicine, marjoram was helpful against bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

The diluted essential oil has also shown interesting effects on fungal infections of the skin. For now, we need more evidence to verify this use, but doctors consider it a safe remedy for most healthy adults.

The contraindications of marjoram

One of the contraindications of marjoram is its use during pregnancy. We have already described the main benefits of marjoram. Now it is important to clarify some side effects and possible interactions that the plant may have. If in doubt about its use, it is best to consult your doctor.

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid marjoram supplements or teas. According to a publication in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, it can be harmful in these cases because of its influence on hormonal activity.
• Supplements of this plant can interfere with blood clotting. Doctors therefore advise against it if you are being treated with anticoagulants or if you have related conditions.
• The plant and its extracts interact with diabetes drugs by lowering blood glucose levels. It is therefore best not to use it in these cases unless authorized by your doctor.

How do you reap the benefits of marjoram?

If marjoram is not contraindicated for you, then you can include it in small amounts in various recipes. You can even combine it with a tablespoon of cooking oil to add to things like:

• soups
• stews
• salads
• Vegetables
• Recipes with meat

Now, if you are taking it as a supplement or tea, we recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for consumption. If possible, it is better to consult your doctor before taking anything regularly.