For educational purposes only. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.
Marjoram
Marjorana hortensis
Method of Extraction: Steam distillation
Parts Used: Flowering plant
Chakra Association: Heart and Solar Plexus
Energetics: Warming, energy-moving, associated with Earth element
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Bright, sweet, balsamic, herbaceous
Largest Producing Countries: France, Hungary and Egypt
Traditional Uses: Culinary, perfumery and medicinal
Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic, calmative, digestive stimulant, neurotonic, stomachic, antioxidant, antiseptic, nervine, sedative.
Mental, Emotional Effects: Relaxing, strengthening, warming, comforting, good for overthinking/worrying. It is especially helpful for conditions in which fatigue alternates with tension, or is characterized by anxiety. Promotes the capacity for self-nurturing.
Benefits: Muscular aches and pains, lethargy, digestion, bruises, colds, constipation, cough, flatulence, headache
Blends Well With: Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile, cypress, eucalyptus, lemon, fennel, juniper, lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, pine, rosemary, tea tree, thyme
Of Interest: Used by the Greeks as a funeral herb to bring peace to the departed. Associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, marjoram was a symbol of love and honor, with the flowers of it crowning young newlyweds. It is said that the plant was given scent by Aphrodite's gentle touch. The ancient Greeks also made a warming and strengthening salve called "amaricimum" for the nerves from marjoram.
Oregano and Marjoram are both species of the genus Origanum, whose Latin name comes from the Greek origanon (brightness or joy of the mountains). The name Marjorana hortensis is interchangeable with Origanum marjorana.
The old French name for the plant, "mariol" alludes to the knots of flowers that are thought to resemble little marionettes.
In Tudor times in England, it was thought that the scent of marjoram would keep one healthy.
Marjoram has been referred to as the Herb of Love because it nourishes the part of us that is needy, and allows us to become more giving.
Safety Data: Avoid while pregnant. For external use only.