Marjoram shares the common name, Joy of the Mountain, with its close cousin oregano (Origanum vulgare). The name marjoram can be confusing because oregano has the common name of Wild Marjoram. In addition, Thymus mastichina, a type of thyme, is also called Wild Marjoram.38
Considered a sweeter version of oregano, marjoram was used by the ancient Greeks to treat rheumatism and by the Romans for indigestion. Water scented with marjoram was used for bathing and for laundry. During the Middle Ages it was more popular than thyme in Britain, perhaps because both John Gerard and Nicholas Culpeper sang its praises in their herbals.
Marjoram was used as a general strewing herb and for fumigating sickrooms. In Elizabethan England, marjoram, rosemary, and sage were mixed with wine to treat blackened teeth. Not wanting to leave it behind, early European settlers brought it with them and introduced the plant into North America. Marjoram has been used to create various green dyes.
Medicinal Uses
Anxiety, appetite stimulant, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, bruises, carpal tunnel, catarrh, chest congestion, chilblains, chronic fatigue, colds, constipation, cough, digestive system support, flatulence, flu, hay fever, headache, heartburn, indigestion, insomnia, joint stiffness, menstrual cramps, menstrual cycle problems, migraine, motion sickness, muscle ache or pain, muscle strain, nasal congestion, nausea, nervous system support, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), rheumatism, sciatica, sinusitis, sore throat, sprains, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), upset stomach
Precautions and Contraindications
The herb: Do not use medicinally during pregnancy.
The essential oils: Avoid during pregnancy; use in moderation; may cause drowsiness.
Parts of Plant Used
Herbal remedies: Leaves and flowers
Essential oils: Leaves, flowers, and buds
Culinary purposes: Leaves
Growing and Harvesting
Marjoram grows about twelve inches tall and has the hallmark square stems of the mint family. The stems are angular with numerous branches, giving the plant a bushy appearance. The small, oval leaves are gray-green and slightly fuzzy. The green buds look like knots until they open into spherical clusters of tiny white or pink flowers. They bloom from late summer to early autumn.
|
Type |
Zone |
Light |
Soil |
Moisture |
Height |
Spacing |
|
Perennial |
9 |
Full sun |
Sandy |
Moderately dry |
12" |
6–8" |
Because the seeds are slow to germinate and the seedlings are so tiny, it is generally easier to purchase plants. While it prefers full sun, marjoram can tolerate partial shade. Marjoram is a tender perennial that is frequently grown as an annual in cooler zones, however, in warm climates it is possible to get two harvests in a season. It does well as a houseplant. Although marjoram can be propagated by sowing fresh seeds, root division or stem cuttings are easier. The roots can become aggressive if not divided regularly every few years.
Marjoram is a good companion to asparagus, beets, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, peas, potatoes, squash, corn, tomatoes, sage, and zucchini. It improves the growth and flavor of most plants growing nearby. Marjoram repels ants.
The leaves can be harvested anytime after the plant is seven or eight inches tall. They will retain flavor, color, and potency when dried. The plant can be cut back to the first set of leaves to encourage new growth.
How to Use the Herb
We will see why the famous English herbalists touted the merits of this plant. Like most members of the mint family, marjoram is an aid for easing and treating digestive issues. Not only does it improve digestion, marjoram also stimulates the appetite, relieves indigestion and heartburn, and soothes an upset stomach. In addition, it reduces flatulence and alleviates constipation. Use a tea or infusion of marjoram to settle the stomach and counteract nausea or motion sickness. Drink up to three cups of marjoram tea a day while treating a particular problem.
Marjoram Digestive Rescue Tea
1–2 teaspoons dried flowers and leaves, crumbled
1 cup boiling water
Pour the water over the herbs. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes and strain.
As an alternative to the digestive tea, use one half to one teaspoon of tincture three times a day. Marjoram can be combined with anise and lemon balm for a tea that settles upset stomach. Instead of a full cup, drink a little at a time.
Settle the Tummy Marjoram Tea
2 teaspoons dried marjoram flowers and leaves, crumbled
½ teaspoon anise seeds, crushed
½ teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves, crumbled
2 cups boiling water
Pour the water over the herbs. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes and strain.
The antibacterial and antiviral properties of marjoram make it a good herb to use during cold and flu season. It soothes catarrh and disinfects the inflamed mucous membranes. A tea, infusion, or tincture can be used to ease respiratory problems related to asthma, bronchitis, hay fever, colds, and sinusitis. The tea is helpful to calm a tickly cough and can be used as a gargle to soothe a sore throat. Also try a tea using marjoram, thyme, and lavender in equal amounts to drink or to make a warm compress for the chest. A steam inhalation using equal amounts of marjoram and peppermint is another good way to treat congestion and respiratory problems.
Marjoram can be worked into the diet as it goes well with other herbs such as thyme, basil, and parsley for pasta dishes. It can be sprinkled on meats and poultry for roasting, and used to flavor soups and stews.
Marjoram is a gentle, calming herb that can be used as a sedative and tonic for the nerves. Drink two or three cups of marjoram tea throughout the day to ease anxiety, or have a cup about an hour before bed if insomnia is a problem. As an alternative, a tincture can be taken for anxiety and insomnia as well as to alleviate a tension headache or migraine. Marjoram can also reduce some symptoms of chronic fatigue such as muscle ache and headache.
Relax and Relieve Tension Marjoram Tea
1 teaspoon dried marjoram flowers and leaves, crumbled
½ teaspoon dried chamomile flowers, crumbled
½ teaspoon dried lavender flowers, crumbled
1 cup boiling water
Pour the water over the herbs. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes and strain.
The Relax and Relieve Tension Tea can help you fall asleep as well as ease a headache. Increase the amount of herbs to brew an infusion for a relaxing soak in the tub that will also reduce muscle aches and pains.
The antispasmodic properties of marjoram make it helpful in relieving menstrual cramps and for stimulating menstrual flow. It also eases the symptoms of PMS.
How to Use the Essential Oils
The color of marjoram essential oil ranges from pale yellow to amber. It has a spicy herbaceous scent with a slightly woody undertone.
An infusion of the herb or essential oil can be used for an effective massage oil to ease muscle aches, pains, and strains. This warming herb aids in increasing joint flexibility to relieve arthritis and rheumatism. Marjoram’s anti-inflammatory properties also help relieve carpal tunnel pain, sciatica, and temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). Use half the amount of essential oil as listed for the Muscle Warming Massage recipe when applying to the face to relieve TMJ, as facial skin is more sensitive.
Marjoram Muscle Warming Massage Oil
7 drops marjoram essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops lemongrass essential oil
1 ounce carrier oil
Mix the essential oils together and then combine with the carrier oil.
Marjoram can be used to treat sprains and strains or to soothe tired or stiff muscles after sports or any kind of overexertion. Make a warm compress with 2 drops of chamomile and 1 drop of marjoram in 1 quart of water. Of course, soaking in the tub is another way to relax overworked muscles or to just warm up on a winter’s night.
Warming Winter Bath with Marjoram
5 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops marjoram essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
1 ounce carrier oil
or 2 cups Epsom or sea salts
For bath oil, combine the essential oils, then add to the carrier oil. When making bath salts, mix the essential oils together. Place the salts in a glass bowl, add the essential oils, and mix thoroughly. Store in a jar with a tight lid.
Marjoram essential oil is effective with apricot kernel or jojoba carrier oils to treat chilblains and bruises. Also, the essential oil can be used in a diffuser or as a steam inhalation to ease respiratory problems related to asthma, bronchitis, and colds.
38. Jeanne Rose, 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols (Berkeley, CA: Frog, Ltd., 1999), 150.