Nutrition Facts Condiments, Pantry Staples, and More The Health Benefits of Marjoram Preliminary studies link marjoram to menstrual relief By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 13, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Melissa Rifkin, MS, RD, CDN Medically reviewed by Melissa Rifkin, MS, RD, CDN Melissa Rifkin is a Connecticut-based registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience working in the clinical setting. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Benefits Nutrition Select/Prep/Store Side Effects Marjoram (Origanum majorana), also called wild oregano or sweet marjoram is an herb that is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. Although closely associated with oregano, marjoram and oregano are two different herbs. Both are commonly used in Greek and Mediterranean recipes, but marjoram has a lighter, sweeter, more floral flavor than oregano. Marjoram also provides certain wellness and nutritional benefits. Health Benefits Consumed in large amounts marjoram can significantly boost your micronutrient intake and provide health benefits. But you are not likely to consume enough marjoram to take advantage of them. Most recipes require a tablespoon or two of the herb. That amount won't significantly change the nutritional benefits you get from your food. Sweet marjoram is used in folklore medicine in different forms: as dried leaves, leaves extract, and essential oil. According to natural medicine sources, people may use marjoram products to treat: CoughsColdsStomach crampsLiver problemsGallstonesHeadacheDiabetesMenopause symptomsNerve painMuscle painSprainsImproving appetite and digestionImproving sleep You should note that there is not enough evidence to support the use of marjoram for these benefits. One preliminary study indicated that marjoram oil may help improve lung function in people with asthma. However, the statistical analysis of the study has been questioned and further research is needed to understand this effect. Another study investigated that role that an essential oil containing marjoram might play in women experiencing painful periods. The oil which combined lavender, clary sage, and marjoram essential oils did help reduce the duration of menstrual pain when applied topically to the lower abdomen, but since the cream was a combination of several ingredients, it is unclear how much marjoram oil had an effect. Marjoram tea may help women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a pilot study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. But study authors note that more studies are needed to fully understand the effect. Nutrition When you cook with marjoram, you're likely to use the dried variety of the herb. You're also likely to use a relatively small amount. A generous 1-tablespoon serving of marjoram provides just 5 calories, according to USDA data. Most of those calories come from carbohydrate—in the form of fiber and naturally occurring sugar, but marjoram is not a significant source of carbs, sugar, or fiber. A typical 1-tablespoon serving of marjoram is also not likely to provide significant micronutrients. But you will get a small amount of vitamin K (9.3 mcg or 12 percent of your daily recommended intake). You'll also get a small boost in your intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6. Minerals in marjoram include calcium, iron, and manganese. Selection, Preparation, and Storage Marjoram has a flavor that is often described as minty, sweet, or woodsy. Since many cooks use dried marjoram, you are likely to find this herb in the spice aisle. You can also purchase dried, bulk, marjoram online. Ground marjoram is also an option. Like all dried herbs and spices, store your marjoram in an airtight container in a cool dark space. Properly stored, it is likely to stay good for three to four years. You can also find fresh marjoram in some markets. However, many cooks say that marjoram is one of the rare herbs that tastes better dried. When adding to recipes, use one teaspoon dried marjoram for each tablespoon of fresh marjoram. Example Recipes Marjoram pairs well with roasted meats, tomato, and vegetable dishes. Marjoram is often used when making pizza and is often combined with other herbs in spice blends. All-Purpose Allergy-Safe Vegetable Broth Za'atar Spiced Halibut With Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Barley Simple Grilled Vegetables Oreganata Some people also make marjoram tea, using the dried herb, honey, and hot water. Possible Side Effects When used in typical amounts to flavor food, marjoram is likely safe for most people. It is also possibly safe when used medicinally for a short period of time. According to some sources, marjoram may be unsafe when used long-term. "There is some concern that marjoram could harm the liver and kidneys or cause cancer if used long-term." Certain people should get advice from a healthcare provider before using marjoram as medicine. These include pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, people with bleeding disorders, and those about to undergo surgery. People who have allergies to basil, hyssop, lavender, mint, oregano, and sage or any other plants in the mint family may experience an allergic reaction to marjoram. Common Questions Since they are closely related, is oregano the best substitute for marjoram in recipes?The answer to this question is debated among cooks. Some say that the flavor profile is close enough that oregano can be used instead of marjoram. However, many others disagree saying that oregano is too strong. Those cooks recommend sage, thyme, summer savory, or basil. Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Marjoram. Full Professional Monograph. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8/16/2018. Bina, F., & Rahimi, R. (2016). Sweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(1), 175-185. DOI: 10.1177/2156587216650793. Haj-Husein, I., Tukan, S., & Alkazaleh, F. (2015). The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 29(1), 105–111. DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12290. Haj-Husein, I., Tukan, S., & Alkazaleh, F. (2015). The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 29(1), 105–111. DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12290. Mohamed MS, Saad HH, and Abd El Khalek MG. Daily consumption of marjoram oil improve the health status of patients with asthma. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 2008;7(2):312-316. Ou, M.-C., Hsu, T.-F., Lai, A. C., Lin, Y.-T., & Lin, C.-C. (2012). Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 38(5), 817–822. DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01802.x. By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit