Marjoram Flakes 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Marjoram Flakes  100 g ($11.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Benefits:
Nutrients and Compounds  Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a perennial herb that comes from the leaves of the plant that belong to the genus Origanum, which is a member of the mint family.

One tablespoon of dried marjoram contains about:

• 4 calories
• 0.9 gram carbohydrates
• 0.2 gram protein
• 0.1 gram fat
• 0.6 gram fiber
• 9.3 micrograms vitamin K (12 percent DV)
• 1.2 milligrams iron (7 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligram manganese (4 percent DV)
• 29.9 milligrams calcium (3 percent DV)
• 121 international units vitamin A (2 percent DV)

Dried marjoram is pretty impressive, but the fresh version typically has even higher levels of vitamins and minerals.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory  Antioxidants help prevent cell damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Several compounds in marjoram, such as carvacrol, have been shown to have antioxidant effects (1, 2).

In particular, they may help reduce inflammation in your body (2, 3). While inflammation is a normal bodily response, chronic inflammation can increase your risk of certain diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Thus, reducing inflammation may lower your risk (4, 5).

Antimicrobial  Marjoram has also demonstrated antimicrobial properties. Common uses include applying its diluted essential oil to your skin to treat fungal infections, as well as taking supplements to help treat overgrowth of gut bacteria (6, 7, 8). However, more research is needed on these particular uses. What’s more, this herb is utilized as a natural pesticide for various food crops (9).

Digestion  Marjoram has historically been used to prevent digestive issues like stomach ulcers and certain foodborne illnesses (10, 11). A study of six herbs revealed that marjoram fought against Clostridium perfringens, a common foodborne pathogen (11). In addition, a rat study noted that its extract protected against stomach ulcers (10). Human studies are needed.

Including marjoram spice in your diet may help to improve your digestion. The scent of it alone can stimulate the salivary glands, which helps the primary digestion of food that takes place in your mouth. Research shows that its compounds have gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. The herb continues to help you digest your meals by stimulating the peristaltic movement of the intestines and encouraging elimination.

If you suffer from digestive problems like nausea, flatulence, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation, marjoram can help alleviate your symptoms. You can add the fresh or dried herb to your next meal for digestive comfort or use marjoram essential oil in a diffuser. As both a culinary and healing herb, marjoram benefits digestion when it is used in cooking, made into tea or used in its most common therapeutic form, as an essential oil. Marjoram tea can help to improve the appetite and increase production of digestive enzymes that help to break food down. It can also alleviate flatulence, stomach cramps and constipation.

Marjoram essential oil (often referred to as “Sweet Marjoram”), can be diluted in a pure carrier oil and massaged into the abdomen. Just the scent of this sweet, herbaceous essential oil can stimulate the salivary glands, initiate the digestive process, and stimulate the peristaltic movement of the intestines whilst soothing the digestive tract.

Marjoram has also been researched to evaluate its ability to prevent and heal gastric ulcers. It was found that extracts of 250mg – 500mg per kilogram of bodyweight significantly decreased the incidence of ulcers. Furthermore, the extract was found to replenish depleted mucus of the gastric wall, which plays a key part in the healing of ulcers.

Gastric Ulcer Prevention  A 2009 animal study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine evaluated marjoram’s ability to prevent and treat gastric ulcers. The study found that at doses of 250 and 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, it significantly decreased the incidence of ulcers, basal gastric secretion and acid output. Additionally, it actually replenished the depleted gastric wall mucus, which is key to healing ulcer symptoms.

Marjoram not only prevented and treated ulcers, but it was also proved to have a large margin of safety. The aerial (above ground) parts of marjoram were also shown to contain volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and/or triterpenes.

Menstrual Cycle, Hormones, PCOS  Marjoram has been shown to stimulate menstrual flow. It may help regulate your menstrual cycle, as well as restore hormone balance in non-pregnant women with an irregular cycle (12). It may also help treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder with symptoms like irregular periods and acne. A study in 25 women with PCOS found that marjoram tea improved their hormonal profiles and insulin sensitivity (13). To avoid risks, check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements to aid menstruation.

Marjoram is known in traditional medicine for its ability to restore hormonal balance and regulate the menstrual cycle. For women dealing with hormone imbalance, this herb may finally help you maintain normal and healthy hormone levels. Whether you’re dealing with the unwanted monthly symptoms of PMS or menopause, this herb can provide relief for women of all ages. It’s been shown to act as an emmenagogue, which means it can be used to help start menstruation. It’s also been used traditionally by nursing moms to promote breast milk production.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility (often resulting from PCOS) are other significant hormonal imbalance issues that this herb has been shown to improve. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics evaluated the effects of marjoram tea on the hormonal profile of women with PCOS in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The study’s results revealed the positive effects of the tea on the hormonal profile of PCOS women. It improved insulin sensitivity and reduced the levels of adrenal androgens in these women. This is very significant since an excess of androgens is at the root of hormone imbalance for many women of reproductive age.

Heart Health – Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Atherosclerosis   High blood pressure (hypertension) is known to cause extra strain on the heart and if not kept in check can lead to a variety of heart related problems. As a natural vasodilator, Marjoram helps to widen and relax the blood vessels, easing the flow of blood which takes strain off the heart and reduces blood pressure. Simply inhaling marjoram can lower stress levels and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. When the body is in a relaxed and restful state, any strain on the cardiovascular system is greatly lessened and blood pressure is naturally reduced. Marjoram also reduces the risk of hardened arteries by preventing cholesterol build up.

Marjoram can be a helpful natural remedy for people at high risk or suffering from high blood pressure symptoms and heart problems. It’s naturally high in antioxidants, making it excellent for the cardiovascular system as well as the whole body. It’s also an effective vasodilator, which means that it can help widen and relax the blood vessels. This eases the flow of blood and reduces blood pressure.

An animal study published in Cardiovascular Toxicology found that sweet marjoram worked as an antioxidant and inhibited the production of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation in myocardial infarcted (heart attack) rats. By simply smelling the plant, you can decrease your fight-or-flight response (sympathetic nervous system) and increase your “rest and digest system” (parasympathetic nervous system), which lessens the strain on your entire cardiovascular system, not to mention your whole body.

Anxiety/Stress/Insomnia  Marjoram is classed as a “nervine”, a herb that strengthens the nervous system and helps to combat anxiety and stress. Marjoram has an extremely calming effect on the body and can actually promote feelings of happiness – this is why it is a great herb to use for grief, shock and PTSD. With strong sedative qualities, the essential oil can be diffused in the bedroom to create a warming, nurturing atmosphere that is conducive to a good night’s sleep. If muscular soreness and tension is preventing you from sleeping, a night time massage or bath using the essential oil can soothe away aches and pains whilst promoting a relaxed state of mind. Author Robbi Zeck is a pioneer in the field of the psychological benefits of essential oils and how they affect the integration of emotional experiences. With regards to Marjoram essential oil she has this to say, “Marjoram’s warm herbal aroma will strengthen your nervous system, rebuild your reserve, fortify your spirit and reduce obsessive thinking.”

Respiratory   Diffusing Sweet Marjoram essential oil can be particularly effective at reducing chronic coughing and helps to clear excess phlegm and mucus from the throat, chest and sinuses. It is naturally decongestant and can also be diluted with a pure carrier oil and used as a chest rub or dabbed into the temples to help clear stuffy sinuses.

Type 2 Diabetes   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in 10 Americans has diabetes, and the number only continues to rise. The good news is that a healthy diet, along with a healthy overall lifestyle, is one of the best ways that you can prevent and manage diabetes, especially type 2.

Studies have shown that marjoram is a plant that belongs in your anti-diabetes arsenal and something you should definitely include in your diabetic diet plan. Specifically, researchers found that commercial dried varieties of this plant, along with Mexican oregano and rosemary, act as a superior inhibitor of the enzyme known as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). In addition, greenhouse-grown marjoram, Mexican oregano and rosemary were the best inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). This is an awesome finding since the reduction or elimination of PTP1B and DPP-IV helps improve insulin signaling and tolerance. Both fresh and dried marjoram can help improve the body’s ability to properly manage blood sugar.

Pain Relief  This herb can help reduce the pain that often comes with muscle tightness or muscle spasms, as well as tension headaches. Massage therapists often include the extract in their massage oil or lotion for this very reason.

A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine indicates that when sweet marjoram aromatherapy was used by nurses as part of patient care, it was able to reduce pain and anxiety.

Marjoram is very effective at relieving tension, and the anti-inflammatory and calming properties of it can be felt in both body and mind. For relaxation purposes, you can try diffusing it in your home and using it in your homemade massage oil or lotion recipe. Amazing but true: Just the inhalation of marjoram can calm the nervous system and lower blood pressure.

Botanical Name: Origanum majorana
English: Marjoram
Also, known as: Diptam, Amaraque, Mejorana, Mirzan gush, Kame phatusa, Marjolein, Mah yeuk laahn, Marjolaine, Majoran, Matzourana, Maggiorana, Majoramu, Manjerona, Amaraco, Maruae Santhraa Jangali Maruaa, marua, Thai Basil
Ayurvedic: Sukhaatmaka, Marubaka, Phanijjaka.
Unani: Marzanjosh
Origin Spain
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:
Fresh leaves are small, oval in shape and minutely hairy, with a pleasant sweet and spicy smell and a slightly bitter, aromatic and camphor like flavor. A perennial herb grows up to 1 to 15 feet height with tiny white or pale purple flowers borne in terminal rounded clusters formed by overlapping bracts. Marjoram is closely related to oregano or wild marjoram and za’atar also known as “biblical hyssop, but it has a milder flavor. Pot marjoram or Turkish oregano is sometimes used as a substitute. The quality is considered to be inferior. It has cone-like flower spikes arranged in false corymbs and the calyces are one lipped. Before the discovery of hops, marjoram was said to be used as an essential ingredient in the brewing of beer.

Marjoram is especially popular in Britain, Germany, France, Hungary, northern Italy, Spain and the United States. It is used in a wide variety of dishes, including salads, fish dishes, omelets, fried potatoes, sauces, gravies. It is very suitable for leafy and vegetable food and stuffing.

In Mediterranean region, Marjoram is one of the most important culinary herbs of Europe, tradition that dates back to the time of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Marjoram is easily propagated from seeds. cuttings or by division and grows well in full sun in almost any soil. It is commonly seen in herb and kitchen gardens European singers drink marjoram tea to maintain their voices.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1-2 tsp marjoram leaves (2-4 g)/use up to 2 times/day. This can be added to food or to make tea.