Marjoram: what is it for and how to make tea

English marjoram, or simply marjoram , is a perennial and aromatic herb, related to oregano , which has several therapeutic applications confirmed by various scientific data.

Just so you can have a little idea of ​​the power of this plant: the tea made with the leaves of Origanum majorana helps to treat bad digestion , controls blood cholesterol levels and even reduces stress and anxiety .

All this 100% natural. So, do you want to know more about her? So keep reading because we’ve separated 8 uses of this plant , how to make tea and also tips on how to grow it at home!

What is marjoram tea for?

Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

The first use of this list for the marjoram tea comes from the ability to control the levels of fat and sugar in the blood , preventing cardiovascular problems, and improve circulation .

This reaction is derived from substances such as phenolic compounds, tannins and flavonoids, which prevent the oxidation (degradation) of ingested fats, a process that causes this cholesterol to “stick” in the tissues and accumulate in the body.

These same components can also inhibit the release of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme released by the liver and responsible for breaking down carbohydrate molecules and turning them into sugar, which contributes to the control of diabetes, which is also a risk factor for problems cardiac.

The plant also has properties that prevent the aggregation of platelets, cells responsible for blood clotting and that are responsible for preventing bleeding. But that in excess causes circulatory problems, such as thrombosis.

Marjoram has phytochemicals that act to inhibit the release of an enzyme known as thrombin, which is responsible for the formation of this grouping of platelets.

For these reasons, the infusion serves as an aid in combating the risk factors of various diseases, such as heart attack, thrombosis, arteriosclerosis and many others, as long as its consumption is done in conjunction with a change in eating habits and physical exercise .

Treat diarrhea

Marjoram tea also serves to treat diarrhea , reducing the frequency of going to the bathroom and also relieving abdominal pain.

This is because of the tannins found in the herb. These compounds act by decreasing the contractions (spasms) of the intestine , which is what makes a person with diarrhea go to the bathroom so often and causes pain.

What’s more, tannins also inhibit the production of a type of mucus that makes your stool liquid-like, as the body understands it needs to get rid of everything that’s hurting the gut.

Stimulate digestion

Do you ever feel bloated, like you can’t digest your food, after that heavy weekend lunch? Well know that the consumption of marjoram tea also helps to end this indigestion .

That’s right, the herb’s phytochemicals stimulate the production of gastric secretions , which are responsible for breaking the food into smaller pieces and reducing this stuffing, which makes the infusion a great option to consume after meals.

Decrease everyday anxiety and stress

A cup of marjoram tea can help you relax after a super stressful day or ease the anxiety that hits you before an important event.

The herb is a potent natural anxiolytic , remedy that decreases central nervous system (CNS) excitation , producing a calming effect similar to diazepam, which is a synthetic medication.

This effect is due to the flavonoids found in the plant that act on receptors that inhibit this excitation in the CNS, which ends up producing the aforementioned effects.

Treat infections

One more use of this aromatic herb is in the treatment of infections caused by fungi or bacteria , since it has effects that prevent the proliferation and eliminates many of these harmful micro-organisms.

Marjoram extract can inhibit the proliferation of more than 20 different types of bacteria , including some that cause respiratory and intestinal problems.

It also prevents fungal species, such as those of the Candida genus , from spreading.

This tea is really effective in treating many types of infections. But it must be used with caution and always under medical supervision to avoid complications.

Decrease Symptoms of Inflammatory Problems

Marjoram is also rich in substances that inhibit the release of prostaglandins. “Okay, but what does that mean?” you might be wondering. This means that it reduces the symptoms of inflammation . Amazing, isn’t it?

This process happens because these substances are vasodilators and come into action when the body realizes that something is wrong and sends more blood and, consequently, antibodies to the place where it noticed the problem.

This “flood” of blood and defense cells causes swelling, redness and pain characteristic of the site that becomes inflamed and inhibiting the prostaglandins the process is stopped and the symptoms disappear.

Relieve muscle pain

Want another reason to start using marjoram for medicinal purposes? So know that the infusion made with the leaves are great allies in combating muscle pain .

This action comes thanks to the herb’s analgesic property , which blocks pain signals before they can reach the brain, promoting quick relief.

Regular or menstrual cycle

Another good news is that those who suffer from an unregulated menstrual cycle can also find benefits in consuming the infusion of marjoram leaves, because the herb has the ability to reduce the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a type of male hormone, in the blood.

This hormone, when produced in large amounts by women, disrupts the menstrual cycle and can indicate more serious problems, such as polycystic ovary , a problem that can also be minimized with the therapeutic use of tea.

How to make marjoram tea

To prepare marjoram tea you just need to put two tablespoons of the herb in a liter of filtered water and let it boil for 10 minutes. Then just strain and drink throughout the day, without sweetening.

Other forms of consumption

The herb, which is described as having a sweet and spicy taste, can be used both dry and dehydrated and goes well as a seasoning in sauces, especially tomatoes, white meats such as fish and chicken, and also in leafy salads. which gives a special touch to the dish.

Are there any contraindications?

The only contraindication for marjoram tea is for pregnant and lactating women (women who are breastfeeding), as the infusion concentrates good amounts of the essential oil found in the leaves and it is not yet known for sure what effects they may have on the baby. under development.

But women at this stage of life can consume the herb as a spice, as long as it is in moderate amounts.

In addition, even if you do not have indications on maximum amounts for consumption of tea, avoid drinking more than three cups a day, as this is enough to absorb the medicinal properties of the herb.

Tips on how to grow potted grass

After seeing all these uses of marjoram did you feel like having this amazing herb in your home? Rest assured that it does not require extravagant care in cultivation and grows even indoors.

It just needs a clayey, well-drained soil and a warm, dry climate to grow healthy, it can be planted through seedlings or seeds and it grows very fast.

Furthermore, the plant needs to be in direct contact with the sun or at most in semi-shade, when cultivated inside houses and apartments. Watering should be done often enough to keep the soil moist. But be careful not to overwater and soak the roots.

The leaves have a greater amount of essential oil when they are not blooming and to avoid losing their therapeutic properties you can prune the buds that are emerging. By following these tips you will always have fresh grass in your home.