Marjoram
- Origanum
majorana
A
strongly aromatic bushy perennial plant (although
there are annual cultivates) up to 60 cms high,
with dark green ovalish leaves and small flowers
in late summer. Thrives on sunny Mediterranean hillsides,
but is equally well known and at home in British
gardens.
A
traditional culinary and folk remedy herb, Marjoram
‘joy of the mountains’ was used by Ancient Greeks
in their medicine, cosmetics and fragrances. The
plant is a symbol of happiness, and folklore tells
that is was used to crown both bride and groom to
ensure felicity.
Taken
internally Marjoram is used for treating colds and
minor digestive upsets, and it’s antispasmodic properties
make it effective at easing respiratory spasms in
asthma and persistent coughs. The fragrance of Marjoram
is effective at lifting the spirits and easing depression,
and is a relaxing herb suitable for sleeplessness
- add a few drops of essential oil on to a pillow
to ensure a deep, peaceful sleep.
Marjoram
is also effective at regulating the female cycle
and easing period pains, and relieving migraines,
and headaches of the nervous tension or stress related
kind.
A
folk tradition for treating aching limbs is to tie
some marjoram leaves into a muslin bag and add to
the bath. The essential oil is very helpful in a
massage oil to soothe stiff and painful joints,
and is effective at relieving muscular and rheumatic
pains, sprains, bruises, and strains, arthritis
and lumbago.
Marjoram
has antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, fungicidal,
bactericidal, nervine, sedative, analgesic, tonic,
and antioxidant actions (to name a few), and research
suggests that Marjoram can prevent premature ageing
of cells.
Culpeper noted that it is ”.. an excellent remedy for the
brain and other parts of the body and mind...is
warming and comfortable in cold diseases of the
head, stomach, sinews, and other parts, taken inwardly,
or applied outwardly...helps all diseases of the
chest which hinder the freeness of breathing, and
is also profitable for the obstructions of liver
and spleen...”
Cats
like the fragrance of Marjoram - and the herb was
still being used regularly against fleas into the
19th century, carried by it’s medieval reputation
of effectiveness against ‘venomous beasts’.
!
Avoid high doses of marjoram in pregnancy ! |