Marjoram spice is a herb that might not be the most popular, but it’s one of the most prized in Mediterranean cooking.

Its sweet, floral, and pine flavors with citrus hints and warm personality make it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.

Marjoram spice is native to the entire Mediterranean Basin and Arabic Peninsula, with Egypt being the largest producing country.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, uses, and benefits of this fascinating herb.

What is marjoram spice?

Marjoram spice from Healing Greens is an aromatic plant that perfumes every food it touches with its aromatic scent, and you can use it as a healing store along with its teas.

It has dark green leaves and is milder and lighter than thyme.

Although it is compared to thyme, it has nothing to do with it.

The Germans used thyme and marjoram spice in sausages.

When the meaning of the word is examined, it means Persian – the joy of the mountain, the pleasure of the mountain.

We understand that it brings joy and delight to the mountains with its aromatic scent.

Marjoram spice is rich in vitamins and minerals.

When you consume 2 teaspoons a day, it supports the vitamins A and C the body needs.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, is very fond of the enormous scent of marjoram spice and expresses this fragrance as a symbol of happiness.

It is said that if marjoram spice flowers have bloomed on a person’s grave, it is a sign that the soul of the deceased will be happy and peaceful forever.

Wild marjoram spice is also a species of this plant with a harsher, sharper taste.

Marjoram spice nutritional values and health benefits:

Nutritional values:

Dried marjoram spice is low in calories, around 270 calories per 100 grams (5 calories/tablespoon), mainly due to its fiber content, which accounts for around 40% of its dry weight.

Although not a good source of protein and fat, it does contain minimal amounts of both, around 13% and 7% of dry weight respectively.

It is also rich in vitamins C and B (niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, folic acid, and pantothenic acid).

It also contains good doses of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and K.

Marjoram spice is also an excellent source of:

• Magnesium
• Iron
• Sodium.
• Other minerals such as potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

It is also rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A), beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, as well as flavonoids, terpenes, and tannins, which are responsible for its aromatic and medicinal properties.

Health benefits:

In traditional medicine, it is often used to stimulate digestion and relieve menopausal symptoms.

Although many argue that it has other benefits, there is no evidence to date that it is a first-line treatment for any disease.

As a result, it should not replace any drug treatment, and should not be used exclusively for health problems.

If you do fall ill, the first and best thing to do is to see a doctor.

With that clarified, let’s take a look at its main uses.

Helps the digestive system:

In natural medicine, marjoram spice is known for its many health benefits.

According to a study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, this plant has anti-ulcer properties, perhaps due to its content of volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, and other substances.

Similarly, a multi-plant study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology revealed that marjoram spice helps to combat food-borne illnesses.

In particular, it can combat pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens.

Regulates menstruation:

Marjoram spice is a health ally for women, especially those experiencing changes in their menstrual cycle.

Its extract and tea have been shown to have a positive effect on restoring hormonal balance.

The results of a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics highlight that marjoram spice tea is beneficial in PCOS sufferers.

It appears to help regulate hormonal activity and insulin sensitivity.

Promotes relaxation:

Marjoram spice is a plant with relaxing and sedative properties.

It acts on the nervous system by regulating levels of adrenalin and serotonin, hormones that control mood and the sleep-wake cycle.

The presence of magnesium in marjoram spice promotes the transmission of impulses between neural cells.

An infusion of marjoram spice is therefore useful for reducing:

• stress
• episodes of insomnia.
• nervousness
• anxiety

Promotes fertility:

According to one study, taking marjoram spice infusions increased fertility in women with PCOS.

Levels of certain hormones (usually elevated) were restored to normal, including DHEA-S, a precursor of androgens and estrogens, LH (luteinizing hormone), a regulator of ovarian development, testosterone, an androgenic hormone, and insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar metabolism.

Helps prevent sicknesses:

Many of Marjoram spice’s benefits are attributed to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Thanks to these, its extract can help prevent and treat certain infections.

In a study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine, marjoram spice helped combat bacterial proliferation in the small intestine.

Its diluted essential oil also had an interesting effect on fungal infections of the skin.

So far, we don’t have enough evidence to confirm these uses, but doctors consider it safe for most healthy adults.

Other health benefits of marjoram spice:

• Eases breathing and relaxes bronchial tubes thanks to its powerful constituents.
• Has calming properties for conditions that directly affect mental health, such as depression.
• Effective in relieving muscular pain and preventing muscle spasms.
• Provides fast relief from pain such as sinusitis.
• Often used for its relaxing and euphoric properties.
• Antiseptic properties prevent the growth of viruses and bacteria.
• Lowers blood pressure and positively affects cardiovascular health.
• Recommended as a tea for fatigue and weakness.
• Highly effective for digestive problems such as constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, and bloating.
• Relieves the pain of bee stings and insect bites.
• For oral health, frequent gargling with marjoram spice juice is recommended.
• Has appetizing properties.
• Promotes cell regeneration.
• Helps increase breast milk production.
• Has positive effects on mood during menopause.
• Effective for menstrual pain.
• Marjoram spice prevents stomach cramps in a very short time.
• Increases libido.

Precautions before you consume marjoram spice:

Even the foods you consider the best can be hazardous to your health if not used correctly.

Everyone knows this stereotype.

For this reason, it’s better to control your nutrition by following research and your doctor’s recommendations rather than rumors.

This will yield better results for you.

If you think marjoram spice is harmless, you’re wrong.

Excessive consumption can upset your stomach.

When you consume too much, it can damage your health in the form of diarrhea and nausea.

The recommended intake is 2 cups, including one medium cup.

If you suffer from a chronic illness or are taking medication, we recommend that you ask your doctor about drinking marjoram spice tea.

During sensitive and serious periods such as pregnancy, it’s best to obtain information from a doctor before drinking tea for healthier results.

Marjoram spice is generally regarded as a reliable plant.

However, it is important to note that certain side effects may occur in some cases.

Therefore, caution is advised when taking supplements.

If you have exceptional conditions or illnesses, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

During pregnancy:

Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid taking marjoram spice supplements.

Due to various reproductive hormones and their effect on menstruation, this herb can trigger negative side effects during pregnancy.

So it’s important to stay in touch with your doctor for accurate, clear results.

Prevents natural blood clotting:

Marjoram spice supplements can prevent blood clotting.

A study that analyzed 20 plants determined that marjoram spice inhibits the formation of platelets, an important factor in blood clotting.

This may be particularly true for anyone taking anticoagulants.

Interacts with medicines:

Marjoram spice can interact with certain drugs, such as anticoagulants and blood thinners, to increase your risk of bleeding.

It can also interact with certain diabetes medications by lowering blood sugar levels, causing potentially dangerously low levels.

If you suffer from diabetes, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider before taking marjoram spice.

Using marjoram spice:

Why not add the joy of the mountains to your food and your beauty?

• When you use a pinch of marjoram spice in your meats and salads as a spice, you’ll be amazed at the flavor it imparts.
• You can also use it in tomato sauces, soups, fish and meat dishes, and salads.
• Because of its digestive effect, it is used as a spice in red meats and game meats.
  You can also use a pinch to marinate grilled meats.
• For those who like winter teas, it’s a very popular plant, like lime blossom.
  You could say it’s the warm cure for the cold.
• When you want to decorate your breakfast, you can use it in an omelet or on tomatoes.
• It’s also a good choice for those who like spices in pizza, making your pizzas even more delicious.
• Just as you add basil, thyme, and mint to pasta, dried marjoram spice will continue to decorate your pasta. It is carefully advertised to pasta lovers :)”

Several brands produce fragrant spice essences.

Marjoram spice oil is also used in shampoos, soaps, and creams with its lovely scent.

Adding variety to perfumes and colognes shows just how beautiful it smells. Even in a smelly room, we now see marjoram spice.

Stuffed Beef Roll with marjoram spice:

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces of ground beef.
• 3 slices bread, approx. 50 g each.
• 40 g grated Parmesan cheese.
• ½ cup of vegetable broth..
• 1/4 clove garlic.
• 1 tablespoon EVO oil.
• marjoram.
• chives.
• thyme.
• Rosemary.
• sage.
• salt.
• Pepper.

Preparation:

• To prepare the stuffed beef rolls, first, soften the bread in water, then press and place in a bowl.
  Add Parmesan, a piece of garlic, finely chopped herbs, ground beef, salt, and pepper. Knead to a uniform consistency.
• Take each slice and fill it with the bread and Parmesan filling, then roll it up to form the roll.
• Seal with kitchen string or toothpicks. In a hot frying pan, brown the rolls evenly, turning frequently.
• Add vegetable broth and continue cooking, covering, and turning the rolls from time to time.
• Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, then remove from the heat and leave to rest for a minute before serving sliced.

Light meatloaf with carrot sauce:

Ingredients:

• 400 g minced meat.
• 35 g bread, approx. 4 slices.
• 20 g grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
• 5 g breadcrumbs.
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.
• 1/2 vegetable broth.
• 1 carrot.
• 1/2 celery stalk.
• 1/2 clove garlic.
• 1/2 onion.
• fresh parsley to taste.
• marjoram to taste (or other spices to taste).
• salt to taste.
• pepper to taste.

Preparation:

• Start by finely chopping the carrot and onion, as well as the berry stalk. If you prefer, you can blend them in a mixer until finely chopped.
• Next, soften the bread slices in water, squeeze them thoroughly, and crumble them.
• In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, crumbled bread, chopped parsley and marjoram, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic.
• Knead with your hands for at least 10 minutes until smooth. Form a meatloaf with your hands and coat in breadcrumbs.
• Heat the oil in a frying pan and brown the meatloaf evenly, turning gently.
• Once browned, mix with vegetable broth and add the mixture of chopped onion, carrot, and celery.
• Season with salt and cook over low heat with the lid on for about 30 minutes. Stir in the cooking stock to obtain a creamy sauce. Serve the meatloaf with sauce.

Storing marjoram spice:

The best-recommended method for preserving marjoram is drying.

Simply place the marjoram sprigs in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

In this way, marjoram spice retains its green color and doesn’t turn brown.

After a few days, the leaves will be dry and dark green.

All that remains is to remove the stems and crumble the leaves before storing them in a glass jar at room temperature.