Marjoram was already known and used in Ancient Egypt to relieve headaches. However, it was not until the 19th century that it was used as a natural remedy for digestive problems. Zoom on marjoram and its use in fresh, essential oil and elixir (with its recipe in bonus).
La marjolaine, un peu de botanique
The marjoram from its botanical name origanum majorana and also called "great oregano", or "shell marjoram". It is an annual plant of the Lamiaceae family native to Asia. It can measure between 20 and 40 cm in height. It is mainly cultivated for its condimentary qualities. Its stems bear small, round, grayish-green, opposite leaves. When rubbed between the fingers, it gives off an aromatic scent like thyme, rosemary, sage, mint or lavender can...
It is theflowers and leaves that are used in medicine.
Principaux constituants des feuilles et des sommités fleuries de la marjolaine
single phenols: arbutoside
phenol acids: caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid.
flavones: apigenol, luteol.
triterpenes: ursolic acid.
essential oils: monoterpene and terpenol.
Usage traditionnel en cuisine de la plante fraîche
Marjoram is primarily used as a condiment. Its properties act on the digestive sphere like many other aromatic plants such as rosemary or safflower.
It is indeed antispasmodic, it calms indigestion, colics and flatulence. You can thus include it in your daily cooking to prevent any digestive upset if you are sensitive to it.
De la marjolaine en infusion
To relieve a lazy digestion, you can make yourself an infusion with the fresh or dried plant. For an infusion to be effective, it is recommended that you drink at least 75cl per day.
In addition, its essential oil content gives it antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Thus, you can act in prevention or even accompany the episodes of gastroenteritis but also of flu state.
L'huile essentielle de marjolaine, une must have
Original shell marjoram essential oil (EO) is definitely one of the EOs to have in your natural medicine kit. Oregano EOH is reputed to be the most powerful antibacterial and antiviral EO. However, it is far too strong for fragile people and children. In this case, Marjoram EO will take over. Be careful though, for safe use, please refer to the advice of your natural health practitioner.
La marjolaine comme soutien émotionnel
In case of fluctuating humor, marjoram essential oil will bring balance. It regulates and stabilizes the ortho and parasympathetic nervous system. Feel free to do self-massages with 2 or 3 drops of marjoram EO diluted in a vegetable oil of your choice or apply 1 drop to each wrist and then breathe them in consciously.
Preparing a Marjoram elixir
Material and quantity for a 1l:.
Fresh Marjoram from your garden or balcony.
700 ml brandy or brandy.
300 ml spring water (from a nearby river or spring would be the ultimate luxury)
Tinted glass jar ideally (definitely not plastic! )
The marjoram can be sown or purchased at a garden center. Plant it and let it adapt to its environment for 4 full seasons. After a year, on a full moon morning or on St. John's Day (June 21), go pick a few frames of marjoram, making sure to thank the plant.
Put it in your glass jar with the spring water and alcohol mixture.
Remove gently.
Leave to macerate for a full moon away from light and heat with a quartz next to it.
Once the maceration is complete, you can filter your preparation and fill small bottles. This elixir will keep for 2 years.
Marjoram works on digesting emotions from the past and helps to regain inner balance. It is useful for accompanying people who feel they are losing their footing. Its message would be, "Stabilize yourself, straighten up and look far ahead. It is not yet time to move forward but to reunite."