Friday Herb Fun Day - Marjoram

Marjoram: A “Major” Health Benefit

Native to the Mediterranean region, marjoram grows primarily in Sicily, and one of its cities, Marjoram, is named after it. The residents of Marjoram hold the belief that marjoram had the power to banish sorrow. In addition, marjoram has sacred associations in the Hindu religion and was found to be of considerable use in the middle Ages, especially to preserve and disinfect meat that was less than fresh.

Because marjoram is considered to have the most fragrant essential oil among all herbs, it is widely used in aromatherapy, and also as a warming and soothing message oil to provide relief for muscular ache. Its healing properties include: fighting asthma; headaches; and soothing the stomach and digestive tract. This soothing herbal flavor can be enjoyed as a tea by sprinkling water over a few sprigs of marjoram.

In addition, the leaf of the marjoram has been used to loosen phlegm. It acts as a decongestant and useful in bronchitis, sinusitis and sinus headaches. Used as a tonic for the nervous system, marjoram is believed to be more calming than oregano, as it is used to soothe the nerves, reduce tension and stress; especially environmental. One of the components in marjoram is the flavonoids which have sedation qualities which help to relieve insomnia, tension headaches and migraines.

Promoting healthy digestion and treating simple gastrointestinal disorders, such as loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea and flatulence is another benefit in using marjoram. Much like the herb peppermint, it is said to soothe minor digestive upsets and colic. The flavonoids may also promote healthy arteries and heart by preventing cholesterol buildup and improving blood circulation. It is also thought to help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Containing anti-inflammatory properties, marjoram can be used internally or externally. It alleviates aches and pains and when used externally, aids in the reduction of toothaches, muscular pain, bruises, arthritis, sprains and stiff joints. Used internally, it eases severe stomach cramps, spasms and painful menstruation. Marjoram stimulates perspiration, which also helps to rid the body of toxins through the skin. Moreover, this quality helps in the reduction of fevers, and helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

On the culinary side, marjoram makes excellent stuffing for chicken and turkey roasts. It makes an attractive garnish for bean and pea soups, and enhances the flavor of carrot and squash when cooked with it. It also works well with cheese and egg dishes. Marjoram is considered to be one of the rare herbs whose flavor intensifies when dried. It is also used in homemade sausages and meats that are to be cured or smoked. Marjoram also works well in combination with other herbs in spice blends. Marjoram is most definitely a major health benefit.

Friday Herb Fun Day!

It's Friday again and time for Friday Herb Fun Day.

Turmeric: How This Cousin of Ginger Benefits Health

If you’ve never heard or used turmeric, it is a tropical root that has powerful health benefits. Native to India, it is very similar to its cousin ginger. It has been used in Indian and Chinese cultures for centuries. What medicinal properties does turmeric contain?

To begin with, its main compound, curcumin, has the power to prevent cancer; and improve heart health. Used primarily in curry mixes, curcumin, which is a plant pigment, is responsible for turmeric’s yellowish color. Derived from the Latin, it means earth-merit. Interesting! Turmeric has large leaves, similar to ginger. The stems of turmeric are spicy, and the extract taken and processed is where its properties incur the most benefits.

Turmeric is widely known as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal herb, which also lowers cholesterol. Helpful in the treatment of jaundice, the extract also has been known to benefit the liver. In fact, historically, this extract was utilized in treating liver and gallbladder disorders by helping in the flow of bile from the liver.

Another benefit in using turmeric is the recommendation for use in skin care which, by the way, has been utilized for delivering positive and effective glowing skin for centuries. As a possible treatment against cancer, turmeric is being studied for this and other potential treatments as well. One study reports that turmeric shuts down a protein active in the spread of breast cancer. It should also be mentioned that another study revealed that the incidence of leukemia is very low in countries where the people consume a lot of turmeric in their daily diet.

Because curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent, it is said to relieve the aches and pains associated with arthritis; improves cardiovascular conditions; has shown to decrease symptoms of skin cancers and reduced the incidence of chemically caused breast cancer in lab animals; and its oil functions as an external antibiotic, preventing bacterial infection in wounds. Curcumin also reduces an active number of genes which is linked to heart disease, colon cancer and Alzheimer's.

Occasionally shredded and used fresh, turmeric is more often dried and powdered for use. Turmeric extract and turmeric have been used by humans as a food for a very long time, and is believed to have little or no toxicity at all when taken in moderate doses. If consumed in recommended amounts, turmeric extract is generally safe. It has been used in large quantities as a condiment and cooking ingredient with no side effects.

Physicians discourage the consumption of Turmeric Extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it might cause uterine contraction. Turmeric Extract should not be used by people with gallstones or obstruction of bile passages without consulting their doctor.

As always, consult your physician before taking turmeric or any dietary supplement.

Friday Herb Fun Day : Rosemary

Rosemary: What’s In A Name

Derived from the Latin meaning sea dew, rosemary is a small evergreen shrub. With needle-like leaves that are dark green, rosemary is notable for its use in a variety of dishes. The leaf of the plant, however, is used for medicinal purposes. Here are some healthful advantages in using this herb.

Rosemary may improve memory, relieve muscle pain, and stimulate the nervous system. It is used for digestive problems, circulatory problems, pain, neuralgia, spasms, wounds, eczema, rheumatism, and depression. As an antispasmodic herb, it is used to increase urine production. Another fact about rosemary is that used in combination with St. John’s Wort and ginkgo biloba, it may improve disorders associated with brain inflammation.

In addition to calming the nerves, rosemary relaxes muscles, eases pain, and reduces tension and anxiety throughout the body. Thus it has been very helpful in treating headaches, migraines caused by stress, depression, nervous exhaustion and apathy. As a circulatory and nerve stimulant, rosemary activates the flow of digestive juices. While traditionally rosemary has been used by herbalists to improve memory, it also aids in the treatment of headaches and poor circulation, and embodies an effective stimulant producing increased memory function. The components in rosemary enhance a stronger blood flow. It not only improves brain function, as mentioned earlier, but has also been used to treat disorders characterized by circulatory weakness such as: high and low blood pressure; varicose veins; bruises; and sprains.

Rosemary is said to be fight bad cells and has shown anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity. Because it possesses strong antioxidants, it may prevent cancer-causing chemicals invading cells, most notably in the liver and bronchial areas. Described as potent enough to kill bacterial infection, it should be stated it cannot totally expunge bacteria from the digestive tract. However, rosemary has been shown to treat toxic shock syndrome.

Because rosemary stimulates and improves circulation throughout the body, it increases the blood supply to the skin, which is thought to help restore a youthful glow. Another benefit is if your hair is dull from product buildup, you can try a rosemary tea rinse. Rosemary cleans hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Use it once a week to obtain a thick, clean hair and scalp.

Along with sage and thyme, rosemary is yet another culinary herb which also embodies medicinal benefits. If you have an herbal garden, or wish to plant one, you may prefer to begin with adding these three herbs as your starting point. At least you will be off to a healthy start!