Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)
Location: Marjoram is grown in Bulgaria, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Morocco and Tunisia.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is colourless with a warm, sharp, spicy aroma.
Description: A tender bush growing up to about 30cm with a hairy stem, small, soft, velvety oval leaves and pinkish-white flowers. It prefers the light, warm soils of gardens.
Background: As well as being a popular herb for cooking, marjoram has a reputation for promoting long life. It is a joyful herb given to newlyweds and planted in graveyards to bring peace. Marjoram was very popular with the ancient Greeks, who used it in their perfumes, cosmetics and medicine.
Properties: Sedative, antispasmodic, hypotensive, carminative.
Uses
Digestive System-Can be useful treating heartburn, colic and indigestion.
Respiratory System-Can help ease respiratory difficulties and helps clear the chest by helping loosen mucus in colds and bronchitis. Soothes the distressing spasms of tickly coughs.
Muscular System-Good for muscle spasm and sprains. Especially useful for tired or stiff muscles after strenuous exercise.
Emotion- Promotes restful sleep. Marjoram is comforting and warms the emotions.
