MARJORAM Overview Information
Marjoram is a plant. You probably recognize it as a common cooking spice. But it also has an interesting place in early Greek mythology. As the story goes, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, grew marjoram, and, as a result, marjoram has been used ever since in various love potions.
People make medicine from marjoram’s flowers, leaves, and oil.
Tea made from the leaves or flowers is used for runny nose and colds in infants and toddlers, dry and irritating coughs, swollen nose and throat, and ear pain.
Marjoram tea is also used for various digestion problems including poor appetite, liver disease, gallstones, intestinal gas, and stomach cramps.
Some women use marjoram tea for relieving symptoms of menopause, treating mood swings related to menstrual periods, starting menstruation, and promoting the flow of breast milk.
Other uses include treating diabetes, sleep problems, muscle spasms, headaches, sprains, bruises and back pain. It is also used as a “nerve tonic” and a “heart tonic,” and to promote better blood circulation.
Marjoram oil is used for coughs, gall bladder complaints, stomach cramps and digestive disorders, depression, dizziness, migraines, nervous headaches, nerve pain, paralysis, coughs, runny nose; and as a “water pill.”
In foods, marjoram is a culinary spice. The oil and oleoresin are used as flavor ingredients in foods and beverages.
In manufacturing, the oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.
Don’t confuse marjoram with winter marjoram or oregano (Origanum vulgare), which is also referred to as wild marjoram.
How does it work?
There isn't enough information to know how marjoram might work.
MARJORAM Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Coughs.
- Colds.
- Runny nose.
- Stomach cramps.
- Colic.
- Liver problems.
- Gallstones.
- Headache.
- Diabetes.
- Menopause symptoms.
- Menstrual problems.
- Nerve pain.
- Muscle pain.
- Sprains.
- Promoting breast milk.
- Improving appetite and digestion.
- Improving sleep.
- Other conditions.
MARJORAM Side Effects & Safety
Marjoram is safe in food amounts and POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when used in medicinal amounts for short periods of time. Avoid skin contact with fresh marjoram. It can cause eye and skin swelling.
Marjoram might be UNSAFE when used long-term. There is some evidence that it could cause cancer.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is UNSAFE to use marjoram in medicinal amounts if you are pregnant. It might start your period, and that could threaten the pregnancy.Not enough is known about the safety of using marjoram in medicinal amounts if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Do not give marjoram to children in medicinal amounts. It might be UNSAFE for them.
Allergy to basil, hyssop, lavender, mint, oregano, and sage: Marjoram can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to these plants and other members of the Lamiaceae family of plants.
MARJORAM Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with MARJORAM
Marjoram might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking marjoram might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
MARJORAM Dosing
The appropriate dose of marjoram depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for marjoram. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
