A popular herb in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, marjoram is a perennial herb, botanically known as Origanum majorana. A high level of antioxidants combined with its sweet, pine flavors make this herb an absolute must have in the kitchen. But there are more uses of this herb than just for cooking.
Marjoram is low lying, about 30-70 cm in height with bright green, oval leaves that have a pine like citrusy scent. In summers tiny white, pink or purple flowers are produced. There are basically three types of this herb:
It is mostly the sweet marjoram used for cooking purposes. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, with the fresh as well as the dried having a slightly different concentration of flavor. Except for desserts, its leaves and flowers are used to flavor dishes. It works particularly well with meat and fish foods, as this herb can flavor them without overpowering the meat's taste. They can be added to vegetables while cooking. Fresh aromatic leaves can be added as a garnish to salads, stews, soups and meat stuffing.
Health Benefits of Marjoram
The herb has expectorant and restorative properties. As an excellent expectorant, a steam inhalation with fresh marjoram leaves can help clear the mucus from the lungs and treat a sore throat. Gargling with warm water seeped with fresh leaves can also help speed up healing for thrush and inflamed gums. The use of marjoram tea is a recommended home remedy for bronchitis and sinus.
It aids in digestion by not stimulating the appetite but providing relief from gas, flatulence and abdominal cramps. Being a stimulant it works like a tonic to help one overcome the feeling of tiredness. The leaves and flowers are used to extract essential oils. Being analgesic and antiseptic, its essential oil is used to treat bruises and cuts. The oil is also used in a wide range of skin care products such as skin cream and lotions, body washes and soap bars.
How to Use Marjoram
Fresh leaves can be crushed with hand or chopped and added to a variety of meals. The dried leaves can also be used in the same way. For making herbal tea or for inhalation purposes, seep leaves into hot water. Add a few drops of marjoram essential oil into your cream or body wash.
If you are keen to know how to grow and use marjoram, you can use fresh leaves or home stored ones, it is simple. One can start this herb with seeds, softwood cuttings as well as division of root balls in spring. Prepare soil maintaining the pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The soil should be mixed with organic compost and must be well draining. Grow them either in full sun or in partial shade. With leaves right at hand enjoy all the uses of this beneficial herb.
Marjoram is low lying, about 30-70 cm in height with bright green, oval leaves that have a pine like citrusy scent. In summers tiny white, pink or purple flowers are produced. There are basically three types of this herb:
- Sweet marjoram, botanically known as Origanum majorana
- Wild marjoram, botanically known as Origanum vulgare
- Pot marjoram, botanically known as Origanum onites
It is mostly the sweet marjoram used for cooking purposes. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, with the fresh as well as the dried having a slightly different concentration of flavor. Except for desserts, its leaves and flowers are used to flavor dishes. It works particularly well with meat and fish foods, as this herb can flavor them without overpowering the meat's taste. They can be added to vegetables while cooking. Fresh aromatic leaves can be added as a garnish to salads, stews, soups and meat stuffing.
Health Benefits of Marjoram
The herb has expectorant and restorative properties. As an excellent expectorant, a steam inhalation with fresh marjoram leaves can help clear the mucus from the lungs and treat a sore throat. Gargling with warm water seeped with fresh leaves can also help speed up healing for thrush and inflamed gums. The use of marjoram tea is a recommended home remedy for bronchitis and sinus.
It aids in digestion by not stimulating the appetite but providing relief from gas, flatulence and abdominal cramps. Being a stimulant it works like a tonic to help one overcome the feeling of tiredness. The leaves and flowers are used to extract essential oils. Being analgesic and antiseptic, its essential oil is used to treat bruises and cuts. The oil is also used in a wide range of skin care products such as skin cream and lotions, body washes and soap bars.
How to Use Marjoram
Fresh leaves can be crushed with hand or chopped and added to a variety of meals. The dried leaves can also be used in the same way. For making herbal tea or for inhalation purposes, seep leaves into hot water. Add a few drops of marjoram essential oil into your cream or body wash.
If you are keen to know how to grow and use marjoram, you can use fresh leaves or home stored ones, it is simple. One can start this herb with seeds, softwood cuttings as well as division of root balls in spring. Prepare soil maintaining the pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The soil should be mixed with organic compost and must be well draining. Grow them either in full sun or in partial shade. With leaves right at hand enjoy all the uses of this beneficial herb.
No comments:
Post a Comment