Marjoram was known as the "herb of happiness" to the Romans and "joy of the mountains" to the Greeks.
It was believed to increase longevity. It is a great muscle relaxer.
This tender bushy perennial herb, about 60cm (24 in) high, has a hairy stem, dark green oval leaves and small white or pink flowers.
Originally from the Mediterranean region, the word "Origanum" is from the Greek word 'orosganos' meaning 'joy of the mountain' and was given to newlyweds as token of good fortune.
It was a very popular herb amongst the Greeks and widely used in medicine and perfumes. In the 16 century, it was strewn on the floor to mask unpleasant smells.
Marjoram oil is extracted from the fresh and dried leaves and flowering tops of the plant by steam distillation and yields 0.5 - 3 %.
The main chemical constituents are sabinene, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, cis-sabinene hydrate, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol and y-terpineol.
Marjoram oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but should not be used during pregnancy.
The therapeutic properties of marjoram oil are analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anaphrodisiac, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hypotensive, laxative, nervine, sedative, stomachic, vasodilator and vulnerary.
Marjoram oil has a warming action and calms emotions, relieves anxiety as well as stress and helps to calms hyperactive people. It has good muscle relaxant properties and the pain killing properties are useful for rheumatic pains as well as sprains, strains and spasms, as well as swollen joints and painful muscles.
It soothes the digestive system and helps with cramps, indigestion, constipation and flatulence and has a beneficial action on colds, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma.
As a general relaxant, marjoram oil is used for headaches, migraines and insomnia and although it can diminish sexual desire, it is great for treating delayed, painful or scanty monthly periods as well as menstrual cramps.
Marjoram oil can be beneficial in cases of nervous tension, respiratory congestion, painful muscles and joints, digestive problems and menstrual disorders
