Marjoram – Anti Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties

Marjoram is an herb and is known by a number of names like Sweet Marjoram and is used for its sweet flavor. The leaves are also used in culinary purpose. The leaves are freshly plucked and used or dried and powdered and used. Marjoram adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the food it is added to. It is a member of the oregano family and it finds widespread use in French, North African, Middle Eastern, and American cuisine. Marjoram is believed to originated in the Mediterranean region and spread to other parts of the Globe.

The aroma of Marjoram depends upon the climate, season and soil and it also decides the oil content of Marjorim. The intense aroma is produced by cis-sabinene hydrate, bicyclic monoterpene alcohol, 1,8-cineol, a-terpinene, a-terpineol, 4-terpineol, etc. The valuable essential oil is extracted by steam distillation. It is used for application for musculoskeletal ailments and orally for hypertension, flatulence, colic, coughing, sprains and rheumatism.

Marjoram is highly regarded for its medicinal value like other members of the mint family. The leaves extract are considered a carminative, digestive and expectorant. The leaves extract is also known for its astringent action. The plant aerial extracts are also used as a galactogogue, emmenagogue, stimulant, and surorific. It is also recommended in asthma, hysteria and paralysis.

As mentioned before, Marjoram is grown primarily in the Mediterranean regions, especially Italy and Sicily. There is even a city in Sicily named Marjoram. Since Marjoram has the most fragrant oil it is used primarily in aroma therapy. The oils can be used as massage oil because of its light counterirritant action which gives relief from muscular ache. It also soothes the stomach after a bout of typhoid or gastritis.

The leaf extract can also be used to loosen the phlegm. It helps to expel the mucus by its expectorant action. It is very effective and provides instant relief from asthma bronchitis, sinusitis, and whooping cough. Marjoram oil can also be used as a massage for pain due to neuritis and Fibromyalgia.

Since it contains many ingredients which exhibits potent anti-inflammatory action. It can be used as an analgesic anointment. A few drops provide instant relief in toothaches. It can be used with confidence in all forms of muscular and musculoskeletal ailments like arthritis, sprains, bursitis or Rheumatic pain. Internally it also relieves abdominal pain caused by flatulence or colic pain. Since it stimulates perspiration it can be used for bringing down fever as an external anti-pyretic agent.