Wild Marjoram Health Benefits

Wild marjoram is very similar to marjoram, though, unlike the latter, it grows wild, as its name points out. Wild marjoram is native to the Middle East and was introduced in Europe in the 16^th century.

Wild Marjoram Scientific Facts

1. Other names: Mountain mint, oregano.
2. French: Marjolaine sauvage, origan.
3. Spanish: Oregano.
4. Environment: Spread all over Europe, wild marjoram grows in sunny, dry, rocky soils at a medium altitude. It has been naturalized to America.
5. Description: Vivacious plant of the Labiatae family, whose upright stem usually grows up to 60 cm high. It has small leaves growing on every stem knot and opposite one another. Its flowers are small and purple-pink.
6. Parts of the plant used medicinally: The flower clusters.

Healing Properties and Indications

The whole plant is rich in an essential oil that contains thymol and carvacrol, with sedative, antispasmodic, and carminative properties. Wild marjoram also contains flavonic substances and ursolic acid, which have antirheumatic properties. Its use is recommended for:

1. Digestive disorders: dyspepsia (bad digestion) of nervous causes, flatulence, spasm, or colic of the digestive organs. Because of its carminative (combats intestinal gas) properties, it is a good seasoning in legume dishes and pizza and soups.
2. Respiratory afflictions with dry or irritating cough, such as laryngitis (throat irritation) or whooping cough. Wild marjoram also has expectorant, bechic, and antitussive properties, both internally and externally used.
3. Muscular aches, stiff neck, and lumbago, externally applied as poultices and in skin massages.

How to use Wild Marjoram

1. Seasoning: Dry leaves of wild marjoram are used in diverse cuisine recipes.
2. Infusion with 15-20g per liter of water. Drink one cup after each meal.
3. Essence: The recommended dose is three intakes daily, of 4-6 drops each.
4. Steam inhalations, for respiratory afflictions, with a handful of the plant into the boiling water.
5. Poultices: The mashed plant is heated in a bowl, then applied wrapped in a cloth on the aching or inflamed area.
6. Massage: With some drops of essence directly applied to the affected area or with essence dissolved into alcohol.

REFERENCES

George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 464. Print.