Marjoram Sweet

Botanical Name: Origanum majorana

Botany and Origins: There is so much confusion regarding the various species of marjoram. Sweet marjoram should not be confused with Spanish marjoram (Thymus mastichina), which belongs to the thyme species, oregano (Origanum vulgare), which is used to produce oregano oil, or with pot marjoram (Origanum onites).

Sweet Marjoram is a tender, bushy perennial herb with woolly hairy leaves, growing up to 0.6m high. It is a native of the Mediterranean region and is cultivated in France, Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, Germany and Turkey. The name origanum is derived from the Greek word oros and ganos meaning splendid or joy, thus 'joy of the mountains' referring to the colour and scent of their flowers and leaves, and the hills they originally came from.

Method of Extraction: Marjoram Sweet oil is steam distilled from the dried leaves and flowering tops.

Cultivation: Certified Organic

Historical and Traditional Uses: The herb has been used since antiquity for its medicinal and culinary purposes. The Greeks referred to marjoram as the funeral herb. It was planted on graves to bring spiritual peace to the dead. It was recommended marjoram to be used for diseases of the chest, obstructions of the liver and spleen, old griefs of the womb and the windiness thereof. Marjoram Sweet oil is used as a flavouring ingredient in many food products. It is used in European herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory ailments, bronchitis, antispasmodic and an expectorant.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: An aqueous extract of sweet marjoram has been reported to have antiviral activities against Herpes simplex in vitro.

Indications:

• Anaphordisiac: It is considered as an anaphrodisiac. It is reputed to diminish the desire for sexual contact. This property may be associated with the fact that marjoram has a long association with celibacy, such as members of the priesthood or monastic orders.
• Circulatory System: Its warming properties make it useful for treating chilblains and it helps disperse bruises. It is also recommended for alleviating high blood pressure.
• Digestive System: It stimulates and strengthen intestinal peristalsis, therefore it is a good digestive and carminative, relieving constipation, colic, flatulence and spasmodic indigestion.
• Musculoskeletal System: It is warming and analgesic, making it useful for muscular spasm, rheumatic pains, sprains and strains.
• Nervous System: It has the ability to strengthen and relax the nerves. It is recommended for conditions in which tiredness alternates with nervous tension, stress-related conditions or characterised by anxiety or insomnia. It is however recommended not to abuse the sedative properties of marjoram as it can dull the senses and cause drowsiness and in large amounts, it is stupefying. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and lowers the sympathetic function. It may be used to rub into the temple area for relief of headaches and migraines. It is comforting for people who are lonely or suffering grief. However, it is suggested that it should be used only for a short period as extended use may have a deadening effect on the emotions.
• Respiratory System: It can be used as an inhalation or a chest rub for the treatment of colds and flus. The oil has antibacterial and antispasmodic properties which means that it is effective for treating whooping cough.
• Reproductive System: Its antispasmodic and emmenagogue properties are valued for their action on the uterine muscles, used as a massage or hot compress over the lower abdomen it will ease menstrual cramps. It is recommended to use marjoram sweet in conjunction with clary sage for females who experience uterine and nerve spasms during their period.

Safety: Marjoram Sweet oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. However, it is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Country of Origin: Egypt

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)