Marubaka (Maruta, Marun, Maru)

Properties

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulatory, Antidiabetic

Dosage

Swarasa (juice): 5-10 drops; Panchang (whole plant powder): 1-4 grams; Essential oil: 2-6 drops; Tea: 2-4 g of finely chopped marjoram herb per 150 ml of hot water, 1-2 cups a day; Infusion: 2-4 g of dried flowering tops in 150 ml of boiling water, 1-2 times a day. Always start with a small dosage, or consult your health care practitioner first.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Katu, Tikta
• Virya: ["Ushna"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu"]

Benefits

• Vatahara
• Deepana
• Pachana
• Shoolahara

Traditional uses

• Vata disorders
• Digestive issues
• Pain
• Neuralgia
• Respiratory issues

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Tea/Herbal Decoction (Kashaya): Fresh or dried leaves can be used to prepare a decoction. Add 2 to 4 g of finely chopped marjoram herb to 150 ml of hot water (do not boil!), allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes, and strain.
• Leaves: Can be used fresh in salads, as a flavoring with vegetables and oils, or cooked.
• Seeds: Aromatic seeds are used as a flavoring in sweets and drinks.
• Essential Oil: Extracted by steam distillation of the leaves. It can be used for various applications like muscular pain, toothache, or headache. For topical application, dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 10 drops of vegetable oil to avoid irritation.
• Poultice: A marjoram poultice can be applied topically to help in healing bruises and sprains.
• Infusion: Steep one tablespoon of dried Marjoram leaves in One cup of water for 10 minutes and drink twice daily for sinusitis.
• Steam inhalation: Boil 2 tablespoons of dried Marjoram in 2 cups of water and inhale the steam for cough.
• Decoction: Take half cup of decoction of Marjoram flowers and leaves or half teaspoon powder with milk to balance libido.

Contraindications

• Bleeding Disorders
• Surgery
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
• Children
• Excessive use
• High Pitta Conditions
• Allergy to Lamiaceae family
• Slow Heart Rate (Bradycardia)
• Diabetes
• Lung Conditions
• Seizures
• Urinary Tract Obstruction

Side effects

• Excess doses may cause stomach irritation, burning sensation, and constipation due to its pungent and dry nature.
• Bleeding disorders, bleeding piles, heavy periods
• High Pitta conditions
• During lactation and pregnancy
• May cause "congestion" in the intestines.
• May increase secretions in the stomach and intestines, potentially worsening ulcers.
• May increase fluid secretions in the lung, which could worsen lung conditions like asthma or emphysema.
• May increase the risk of seizures.
• Applying fresh marjoram might cause eye or skin irritation.
• Allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching, or respiratory issues.
• Excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or diarrhea.

Interactions

• Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs: Marjoram may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding when taken with medications like aspirin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, heparin, and warfarin.
• Antidiabetes drugs: Marjoram might lower blood sugar, potentially causing hypoglycemia if taken with diabetes medications.
• Cholinergic drugs: Marjoram might increase certain chemicals in the brain, heart, and body, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of medications for Alzheimer's disease and glaucoma.
• Anticholinergic/Drying medications: Marjoram might decrease the effects of drying medications like atropine and some antihistamines and antidepressants.
• Lithium: Marjoram might have a diuretic effect, decreasing how well the body gets rid of lithium, which could lead to serious side effects.
• Concurrent use of herbs may mimic, magnify, or oppose the effect of drugs. Health-care practitioners should caution patients against mixing herbs and pharmaceutical drugs.
• It's essential to consult a healthcare provider before using marjoram if you are on any medications.
• Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Clinical evidence

Limited human clinical trials exist for Origanum majorana itself, with much research focusing on oregano extract or essential oil. Animal studies suggest potential benefits for PCOS. Ethnopharmacological studies support traditional uses for stomach pain, neuralgia, and as a sedative. Some in-vitro research shows anti-diabetic properties.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Vatahara
• Deepana
• Pachana
• Shoolahara

Classical clinical indications

• Vata disorders
• Digestive issues
• Pain
• Neuralgia
• Respiratory issues

Frequently asked questions