Marjoram - useful properties and contraindications

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

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

History reference

The ancient Greeks had an interesting legend. She said that marjoram has its flavor is not just. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, allegedly touched the plant itself.

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

Many nations of the world love this spice and are actively used during cooking. Without it, it is 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, the soldiers from ancient Greece, he added a militant attitude and courage. Sly women added it to wine to their gentlemen to strengthen love. And our narrow-minded ancestors knew about the antiseptic, tonic, sedative, expectorant and anti-catarrh features of marjoram. Dry leaves of this plant can replace snuff, but they will not harm the body at all.

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 spasms;
• arousal appetite;
• improve digestion;
• improvement of the liver and gallbladder.

This herb occupies a special place in traditional medicine:

1. Diseases of the respiratory system, depression, insomnia, asthma, headache - for the treatment of this list of diseases, you can use marjoram.
2. It is also a very effective antiscorbetic, choleretic and gastric remedy.
3. Marjoram boosts immunity and hemoglobin level in the blood.
4. With it, the inflammatory processes in the oral cavity go away, and the bleeding of the gums disappears.
5. For kidney disease, doctors recommend a salt-free diet, in which you just can not do without marjoram.
6. This spice is very useful for those who have recently had a heart attack or are suffering from diabetes.
7. Will help marjoram and 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 magician or healer always had a marjoram with him.

There is a belief that if you put a branch of marjoram in each room, then no evil forces can sneak into your home. Superstitious people infusion of plants sprinkle their things to protect themselves from the evil eye and bad influence.

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, evoking feelings.

Marjoram boasts a high level of phytoncides in its composition. These elements are known to be fighters against bacteria. Herb marjoram infusions will be a good protector even against the infection that causes malaria.

Probably each of us would like to keep a sober mind to the deepest old age. It is hard to believe, but the same marjoram is capable of making such a wish come true. This herb is able to maintain mental activity at a high level and prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Marjoram is also useful for people who suffer from high blood pressure.The fact is that it helps to increase the amount of urination and remove excess fluid from the body in a natural way. At the same time, it does not have such a negative effect on the body as drugs that perform this function. However, in this case it is worth warning that infusions from marjoram should not be abused so as not to provoke dehydration.

Marjoram in cooking

If you are a fan of heavy food, that is, pork, fried chicken legs, various sausages and sausages, there should always be marjoram stocks in your kitchen. The fact is that this spice greatly facilitates the digestion of these dishes. Marjoram performs 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 is not always combined with other spices. It is worth mixing it with rosemary, basil and thyme.

In what cases is marjoram contraindicated?

In reasonable doses, this plant never causes harm to the human body.However, if you consume marjoram, not knowing the measures, you can face certain problems, in particular, there may be a weakness and a slight headache. Do not get involved in marjoram oil for pregnant women and children under 5 years old. Not the fact that there will be some disturbing symptoms, but better not risk the health of the future offspring. Do not add marjoram to your child’s food, despite its beneficial properties, the reaction of an immature organism can be unpredictable.

Individual sensitivity is also possible, although it does not occur often. It’s pretty easy to find out if you are allergic to marjoram. We take a fresh leaf of this plant and rub it with an elbow fold. Check the reaction in half an hour. If there is a rash or any irritation, then marjoram is contraindicated to you. Also, they are not advised 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 both dry marjoram and its fresh raw materials in this recipe.For 300 milliliters of water you need about 20 grams of leaves. Boil them with boiling water and leave the liquid to infuse under the lid for a few minutes. Abuse such tea is not worth it. Drink it no more than 1-2 times a week.
2. Ointment from marjoram. For the preparation we need only wine alcohol, butter and fresh crushed marjoram. The ratio of all ingredients - one to one. Mix marjoram and alcohol. Now add some quality butter and put the container in the water bath. Literally in 15 minutes you will have an excellent healing remedy for burns and other kinds of wounds. It should be stored in the refrigerator.
3. Hypertension and insomnia. Three drops of marjoram oil are added to a teaspoon of honey. We drink three times a day. This recipe is also suitable for those suffering from stomach cramps.
4. Cold. Often, viral diseases are accompanied by coughing. Marjoram is actively used in inhalation, because it provokes a good sputum discharge. Many people cured them even chronic bronchitis. Add a few drops of marjoram oil to a deep bowl with hot water and breathe in 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 herb and grind it to a state of powder. Fill with 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, smear the nose inside and out with it.
6. Corns. 5 drops of marjoram oil mix with 3 drops of almond oil. It is this mixture and will be applied to the corn. After their softening, the ointment is removed, but this should be done carefully.
7. Diarrhea and intestinal cramps. Pour one tablespoon of marjoram herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for some time. Drink several times a day. This infusion can be used even by children.
8. Prevention of cancer and immunity. A quarter of a liter of boiling water pour a tablespoon of marjoram herb. Insist 5 minutes, tsed. 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.Fill them with a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse. The resulting decoction should be taken before meals several times a day. It relaxes the abdominal muscles 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. Marjoram tincture on alcohol. This recipe is useful for people who complain of back pain. Of course, the marjoram cannot fully cure your spine, an integrated approach is needed here, but 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. In it, we first put our marjoram, and then pour it with 500 grams of alcohol. Let us brew for a week. During this time, marjoram leaves should swell properly. 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 with gastritis. It is not always possible to cure this unpleasant disease with the help of medicines, sometimes you still have to resort to popular methods. Marjoram has shown itself to be a fairly good tool in the fight against gastritis.For this, a special infusion is prepared. Make it easy. We take one tablespoon of dried marjoram leaves and 250 milliliters of water. We boil it, and then add marjoram. Give brew at least five minutes. We drink twice a day.

Video: universal properties of marjoram seasoning