Folklore/Common Names: Joy of the Mountain, Knot Marjoram, Marjorlaine, Mountain Mint, Pot Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Wintersweet
Historical Reference
Ancient Greeks called Marjoram "joy of the hillside" due to the lively appearance they gave the areas in which they commonly grew. The name Origanums, in fact, is derived from two Greek words, oros meaning mountain, and ganos, meaning joy.
In both Greek and Roman cultures, wreaths and garlands of Marjoram were common at weddings and funerals. For weddings, couples were crowned with woven sprigs of Marjoram. Folklore still holds record of Marjoram being associated with finding one's true love. Legend instructs that one must anoint oneself before sleep with marjoram and say "St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me/In dreams let me my true love see", upon which a person will then dream of their future spouse. Greeks still put sprigs of it in hope chest and linen closets.
Also used in funerals, Marjoram was said to be comforting to the dead when it grew on graves or at the gravesite.
Records of 'swete margerome' precede the 1500's, and it was valued as a strewing herb as well as a perfume. We find reference to 'swete bags,' 'swete powders' and 'swete washing water' made from Marjoram in wide use during this time period.
For a time, Violets and marjoram were worn together during the winter to protect against colds.
Medicinal Use
Caution: Marjoram may irritate the uterus if used during menstruation or pregnancy, otherwise it is perfectly safe.
Although not used as commonly as a medicinal herb today, Marjoram has quite an ancient medicinal history. The Greeks used Marjoram for rheumatism, as a treatment for narcotic poisoning, convulsions, dropsy, even depression.
Science has shown us that Marjoram does indeed have minor antioxidant and antifungal properties. A tea of Marjoram can be considered effective in the treatment of:
- asthma
- indigestion, colic
- headache
- combat mild depression
- rheumatism
- toothache (put a few drops of Marjoram oil on cotton and place on tooth)
- conjunctivitis
- some cancers
- sinus congestion/hay fever
Soaking in a bath of Marjoram tea relieves aches and pains as well as chest congestion.
Externally, the dried leaves and tops may be used to ease swelling or muscle ache.
Gardening with Marjoram
Marjoram is a tender perennial that is usually grown as an annual. Tiny white, pink or purple blossoms bloom on flower spikes that grow up to one foot tall, blooming in August and September.
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