Marjoram
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Marjoram, Sweet Botanical binomial: Marjorana hortensis Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Other names: Origanum marjorana, French marjoram, moench, sweet marjoram Country of Origin: Hungary Part of plant used in production: Dried, flowering herb Methods of production: Steam distillation |
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| Description: |
A strongly aromatic bushy perennial plant with a hairy stem and dark green oval leaves. The flowers form small whitish-grey clusters. |
| Characteristics: |
A yellow to yellow-green essential oil with a warm, woody, spicy-camphoraceous odour. |
| Properties: |
Analgesic, anaphrodisiac, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hypotensive, laxative, nervine, sedative, tonic, vasodilator, vulnerary. |
| Constituents: |
Sabinene (3.0%), ?-terpenine (0-3%),?- terpenine (3-17%), terpinolene (14-19%), terpinen-4-ol (0-31%), linalool (12-14%), limonene (trace-1.8%). |
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Uses: |
Used in many foods and beverages. Also common in fougeres, chypres, colognes and oriental bases for perfumes due to it’s medicinal-aromatic warmth. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and is therfore beneficial for overcoming grief or loneliness, muscle strains, sprains and spasms, as well as respiratory problems. |
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Blends well with: |
Bergamot, chamomile, lavender, orange, nutmeg, rosemary, ylang-ylang. |
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Interesting Facts: |
Sweet marjoram was a very popular medicinal plant with the ancient Greeks. It was used for it’s soothing, warming and fortifying properties. Marjoram’s very name suggests “joy of the mountains.” |
| Safety: |
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Not to be used during pregnancy. |