Marjoram - useful properties and contraindications

At almost every step, we are surrounded by miraculous plants, the possibilities of which people do not even suspect. But they are able to save us from a number of health problems. Among these plants can safely be attributed marjoram. Probably, many have heard of him who are at least a little interested in cooking. However, marjoram is not a simple seasoning; it has a number of amazing properties.

The name of this plant comes from the Latin "major", which means "large" in translation. However, in this case we are not talking about size at all, but about the unique ability of marjoram to extend human life.

Historical reference

The ancient Greeks had an interesting legend. She said that marjoram has its own flavor for a reason. The goddess of love Aphrodite herself allegedly touched the plant.

The first written mention of marjoram is dated 1550 BC. Egyptian medical papyri contains hundreds of recipes using this plant. It was even used for embalming. Marjoram came to Europe much later, but already in the 17th century it grew in almost every yard throughout England.

Many peoples of the world love this spice and actively use it during cooking. Without it, it’s generally difficult to imagine the famous Mediterranean cuisine. Since ancient times, marjoram was added to various dishes and resorted to its healing properties. For example, he added warlike spirit and courage to the soldiers from Ancient Greece. Tricky women added it to their cavaliers in wine to strengthen love. And our close ancestors knew about the antiseptic, tonic, sedative, expectorant and anti-catarrhal features of marjoram. Dry leaves of this plant can replace snuff, but at the same time they will not harm the body at all.

The list of useful properties of marjoram

In cooking marjoram is used as a spice for a reason. In addition to the amazing aroma that it gives us, marjoram performs other functions, such as:

• elimination of intestinal cramps;
• arousal of appetite;
• digestion improvement;
• improvement of the liver and gall bladder.

This herb occupies a special place in folk medicine:

1. Respiratory diseases, depression, insomnia, asthma, headache - marjoram can be used to treat this entire list of diseases.
2. It is also a very effective anti-zingotic, choleretic and gastric agent.
3. Marjoram increases immunity and hemoglobin in the blood.
4. With it, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity go away, and bleeding of the gums disappears.
5. With kidney disease, doctors recommend a salt-free diet, which simply can not do without marjoram.
6. This spice is very useful for those who have recently had a heart attack or suffer from diabetes.
7. Marjoram will also help with inflammatory processes in the bladder.

Those who are interested in mysticism should have heard about the magical properties of this plant. Few rituals did without marjoram in pagan times. It was used as a gift to the gods and burned on the sacrificial altar. Any mage or healer always had a marjoram with him.

There is a belief that if you put a sprig of marjoram in each room, then no evil forces will be able to get into your home. Superstitious people sprinkle their things with the infusion from the plant in order to protect themselves from the evil eye and evil influences.

Fact! The aroma of marjoram has a special effect on humans. It helps to find peace and eliminates energy stagnation.

The Egyptians gave bouquets of marjoram to show their admiration and love to relatives, friends, colleagues. The Romans knew that this is a powerful aphrodisiac, awakening feelings.

Marjoram boasts a high level of volatile production in its composition. These elements are known to be bacteria fighters. Infusions of marjoram grass will be a good protector even from the infection that causes malaria.

Probably, each of us would like to keep a sober mind until the very old age. It is difficult to believe, but the same marjoram is able to realize such a desire. This herb is able to maintain high mental activity and inhibits the development of Alzheimer's disease.

It is useful for marjoram and people who suffer from high blood pressure. The fact is that it helps to increase the number of urinations and remove excess fluid from the body naturally. Moreover, it does not have such a negative effect on the body as medicines that perform this function. However, in this case, it is worth warning that infusions of marjoram should not be abused so as not to provoke dehydration of the body.

Marjoram in cooking

If you are a fan of heavy food, that is, pork, fried legs, all kinds of sausages and sausages, there should always be supplies of marjoram in your kitchen. The fact is that this spice greatly facilitates the digestion of the mentioned dishes. Marjoram works very well in various sauces as a seasoning for fried potatoes, stewed beans or cabbage. Some gourmets even add it to compote and jelly.

In order not to spoil your dish, you need to remember that marjoram with other spices is not always combined. Only mix it with rosemary, basil and thyme.

When is marjoram contraindicated?

In reasonable doses, this plant never causes harm to the human body. However, if you consume marjoram without knowing the measures, you may encounter certain problems, in particular, weakness and a mild headache may occur. Do not get carried away with marjoram oil for pregnant women and children under 5 years old. It is not a fact that some disturbing symptoms will appear, but it is better not to risk the health of the future offspring. For babies, it is better not to add marjoram to food, despite the beneficial properties, the reaction of a fragile organism can be unpredictable.

Individual sensitivity is also possible, although it is not often manifested. Finding out if you are allergic to marjoram is pretty easy. We take a fresh leaf of this plant and rub it with the bend of the elbow. We check the reaction after half an hour. If a rash or any irritation appears, then marjoram is contraindicated for you. Also do not advise them to abuse people who suffer from low blood pressure.

Recipes

1. Tea from marjoram. This spicy drink is very easy to prepare, and the child will cope with this task. You can use dry marjoram and fresh raw materials in this recipe. For 300 milliliters of water you need about 20 grams of leaves. Brew them with boiling water and leave the liquid to stand under the lid for a few minutes. You should not abuse such tea. Drink it no more than 1-2 times a week.
2. Marjoram ointment. For cooking, we need only wine alcohol, butter and fresh chopped marjoram. The ratio of all ingredients is one to one. Mix marjoram and alcohol. Now add some of the quality butter and put the container in a water bath. Literally in 15 minutes you will get an excellent healing agent against burns and other types of wounds. It should be stored in the refrigerator.
3. Hypertension and insomnia. Add three drops of marjoram oil to a teaspoon of honey. We drink three times a day. This recipe is also suitable for those who suffer from stomach cramps.
4. Cold. Often, viral diseases are accompanied by a cough. Marjoram is actively used in inhalations, because it provokes a good discharge of sputum. Many people even cured them of chronic bronchitis. Add a few drops of marjoram oil to a deep bowl with hot water and breathe steam for about five minutes. If you have a nebulizer, then this method will be even more effective.
5. Runny nose. Another unpleasant symptom of viral diseases. To get rid of it, take 1 teaspoon of marjoram grass and grind it to a powder. Pour 1 teaspoon of wine alcohol and add the same amount of butter. The resulting mixture is sent for 10 minutes in a water bath. We filter, cool, put a nose on it inside and out.
6. Corns. 5 drops of marjoram oil are mixed with 3 drops of almond oil. This mixture will be applied to corns. After softening, the ointment is removed, but this must be done carefully.
7. Diarrhea and intestinal cramps. Pour one tablespoon of marjoram herb with a glass of boiling water and insist for a while. Drink several times a day. Such an infusion can be used even by children.
8. Prevention of cancer and strengthening immunity. A quarter liter of boiling water pour a tablespoon of marjoram herb. We insist 5 minutes, we set. The resulting liquid should be drunk slowly. The recommended dose is 1-2 cups per day.
9. Increased gas formation. In this case, we will need marjoram seeds in the amount of 2 tablespoons. Pour them with a glass of boiling water and let it brew. The resulting broth should be taken several times a day before meals. It relaxes the muscles of the abdominal cavity of a person and thus prevents the formation of an excessive amount of gas bubbles. Such a decoction is very good for bloating, nausea, indigestion.
10. Tincture of marjoram on alcohol. This recipe is useful to people who complain of back pain. Of course, marjoram is not able to completely cure your spine, an integrated approach is needed here, however, this tincture can significantly alleviate your suffering. For its preparation we need only two ingredients - a liter of alcohol and 200 grams of marjoram. It is also necessary to find a tight-fitting container. We first place our marjoram in it, and then fill it with 500 grams of alcohol. Let us brew for a week. During this time, the leaves of marjoram should thoroughly swell. Add another 500 grams of alcohol and again insist a week. The resulting fluid is recommended to rub the spine three times a day.
11. Marjoram for gastritis. It is far from always possible to cure this unpleasant disease with the help of medicines, sometimes you still have to resort to alternative methods. Marjoram proved to be a fairly good remedy in the fight against gastritis. For this, a special infusion is being prepared. Make it easy. Take one tablespoon of dried marjoram leaves and 250 milliliters of water. We boil it, and then add marjoram. Let us brew for at least five minutes. We drink twice a day.

Video: universal marjoram seasoning properties