Marjoram (sweet)

Botanical Name:                   Origanum marjorana
Synonym:                              Marjorana hortensis
Botanical Family:                  Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Country of Origin:                 Mediterranean, Egypt, North Africa, France, Tunisia
Plant Part:                             dried flowering heads
Extraction Method:               Steam distillation
Characteristics:                    sweet, warm, spicy, camphorous
Properties:                             
Analgesic, anaphrodisiac, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hypotensive, laxative, nervine, sedative, stomachic, vasodilator, vulnerary
Chemical Constituents:       
Sabinene, α-terpinene, δ-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, cissabinene hydrate, linalyl acetate, terpinene-4-ol, α-terpineol
 
Indications:
 
Mind & Spirit:                                   
 
Relieves stress and anxiety
Calms the nerves
Effective for insomnia
Lowers blood pressure
Comforting during time of grief or loneliness.
 
Body:             
           
Useful for muscular spasm, rheumatic pains, strains and sprains, headaches, migraines, bruising and chilblains. 
Effective with stomach cramps, indigestion and wind
Alleviates congestion
Of use for chest infections, sinusitis, coughs, colds and asthma.
 
Contraindications:                Not to be used during pregnancy or if suffering depression
Note:                                     Middle
Odour Intensity:                    6
Blends well with:                  
Bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, cypress, lavender, mandarin, orange, nutmeg, rosemary, rosewood, ylang ylang
 
Traditions:                 
Marjoram was sacred in Egypt and India.  For the Greeks it was a symbol of enduring love.  All ancient civilisations used it for digestive, nervous and respiratory complaints.  Marjoram was given to newlyweds as a token of good fortune and was planted in graveyards to help bring peace to the departed spirit.