AKA Is It Okay To Smoke Marjoram?

As more and more people try to remove tobacco from their smoking habits, there still remains a lot of questions regarding what herbs can be smoked. In this article we’ll be doing a deep dive into one of the most frequently smoked natural herb, Marjoram. We’ll be looking at historical context, properties, dosages and of course, how to make a herbal smoking blend! 

Let’s dive in, shall we?

GENERAL CONTEXT

Marjoram, commonly known as wild marjoram, comes from a mint family plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It has a milder taste than oregano and is frequently used to decorate vegetables, stews, and meat courses. It’s a popular culinary spice, so you’re undoubtedly familiar with it. It does, however, have a role in early Greek legend. According to legend, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, cultivated marjoram, and it is being used in many potions in the modern-day ever since. 

The flowers, leaves, and oil of marjoram are used to create medication. Tea prepared from the leaves or blossoms is used to treat runny noses, colds, dry and irritating coughs, swelling nose and throat, and ear discomfort in babies and toddlers. Marjoram tea is also used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including indigestion, liver illness, gallstones, gas in the intestines, and stomach cramps.

Besides so many methods to consume this herb, people also smoke it after it is dried. The characteristics of marjoram as an analgesic, antispasmodic, and aphrodisiac may be linked to its many health advantages when ingested in tinctures or extracts. But is it okay if you smoke marjoram? What does it taste like? What happens to your body after you inhale marjoram? Well, there is only one way that you can find out! Dig in to know the how to make marjoram part of your favorite herbal smoking mix! 

 

What are the effects of marjoram?

Marjoram is a herb that has been used in several medieval and folk medicines for its health effects. You can find leaf extract, oil essence, or tea bags of this herb in the spice section of most supermarkets or in specialty natural healing stores. The health benefits related to ingesting this potent herb are numerous, although none of those benefits have ever been proven to act when smoking Marjoram so take all of this with a (big) grain of salt!

1. May help induce sleep

This particular herb is renowned for calming the mind, but its relaxing qualities may also aid in getting a good night's sleep. This is beneficial for those who have difficulty falling or remaining asleep. 

2. May have Antimicrobial properties

Marjoram has been proven to have antibacterial properties in many investigations. It is efficient against a wide variety of pathogenic germs, according to one study. Another study found marjoram oil an excellent alternative treatment for E.coli-related urinary tract infections (UTIs).

3. May aid in sweating 

The oil present in the herb may help you stay healthy by removing toxins, ions, salts, and extra water from your body via sweat. As urine contains around 4% fat, this may also aid in the reduction of fevers and perhaps weight loss. 

4. May help with digestion 

Marjoram may help digestion when ingested by increasing the production of digestive juices such as gastric juices, enzymes, and bile in the abdomen, as well as activating the salivary ducts and therefore assisting in primary digestion. Besides that, it may increase peristaltic activity in the intestines, which aids digestion and frequent bowel processes by helping ingested food through the digestive routine.

5. May be a solution to gas problems

Your body may effectively treat any gas problems you may have with the help of marjoram. It may allow the gases to flow safely downward by relaxing the muscles in the abdomen area and preventing further gas formation. This may assist with indigestion, stomach discomfort, chest pain, high blood pressure, and excessive flatulence, among other issues. 

Due to prolonged acidity, the stomach’s mucosal lining may erode, resulting in gastric ulcers. This is due to a shortage of bile, which would typically neutralize the acids. Marjoram, which supports normal gastric secretions, may also assist you in avoiding this scenario.  

 

6. May aid in urination

Marjoram may help eliminate extra water, sodium, uric acid, bile salts, and other toxins from the body by increasing the frequency with which you urinate. Urination increases may help to decrease blood pressure, clear the kidneys, and lose weight. If you are using marjoram and are not experiencing swelling or a buildup of water in your body, you must drink more water. This is because frequent urination may induce dehydration, which is equally harmful to your health. Of course, by mixing Marjoram with your favorite legal herb you’ll get the need to drink more when having the pasties, so even though smoking Marjoram might not help directly, it can indirectly get you to drink more water! #Smart

7. May aid in hormonal issues in women 

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Marjoram’s emmenagogue properties may help women who suffer from irregular, blocked, or painful menstruation. It may aid in the regularization and clearing of menses. It may also help with other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as headaches, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and mood changes. Finally, marjoram may aid in the prevention of untimely or early menopause. There have also been studies that suggest marjoram essential oil may help treat PCOS and infertility in females. No current study supports the same effects when smoking it though, so always consult your doctor before ingesting anything at any dosage. 

8. May help with diabetes

According to a study in 2014, marjoram crude extract may suppress the development of the kinase protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). This enzyme has been shown to have a detrimental effect on insulin levels, affecting blood sugar levels. As a result, ingesting marjoram products may be a good natural alternative for people with diabetes searching for ways to manage their condition, but one thing is for sure, it doesn’t replace traditional medicine so always consult your doctor!

When to avoid using marjoram?

Just like every other herb, there are a few precautions before smoking marjoram, they are:

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1. Complications of pregnancy

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid smoking altogether, and marjoram is definitely included in that list. This herb may cause undesirable side effects during pregnancy due to its impact on reproductive hormones and menstruation.

2. Blood clotting may be affected

Supplementing a diet with marjoram may help to prevent blood clotting. Marjoram inhibited platelet production, which is a crucial component in blood clotting, according to research that looked at 20 herbs. Anyone using blood thinners should be particularly concerned about this, so be sure to verify everything with a professional before self-medicating.

3. Certain medicines may interact with one other

Certain medicines, including blood anticoagulants, may interact with marjoram, increasing your risk of complications. It may also interfere with certain diabetic medicines, possibly decreasing blood sugar to dangerously low levels. Before using marjoram, talk to your doctor if you have diabetes.

How to use Marjoram in a smoking blend

Depending on the cut size and the level of dehydration of this smokable herb was purchased, the Marjoram may need to be lightly agitated or smashed to reduce the size before mixing in with other herbs that can be smoked like Catnip or Mugwort. This is an important step to follow in order to create a herbal blend that is easy to roll while still providing a slow, equal burn when smoked.  

In terms of flavor and aroma, Marjoram provides an enjoyable fragrance to the blend in its natural state, and has a light peppery aroma when burnt. Its taste is not noticeable in a herbal blend when mixed with your favorite legal herb, so rather has the role of texture support in a smoking blend. 

In conclusion

Marjoram is a sweet-smelling plant that has been used in culinary and herbal remedies for centuries and is just now recognized as a great smokable herb to include in herbal blends as rolling filler. You may try to get some of the benefits mentioned above after inhaling marjoram adequately, even though no tangible benefit of smoking this herb has been yet evaluated by a formal study. One last word of advice, if you’re smoking it or taking it as a supplement, use caution and contact your medical expert if you have any health problems.

As part of your switch from smoking pure or smoking tobacco to herbal smoking blends, you may find that smoking Damiana, smoking Coltsfoot or smoking Raspberry Leaf may also suit you as base smokable herbs.