Marjoram Essence

Description

MARJORAM (Origanum majorana)

Family: Labiatae (mint)

Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the flowering heads.

Volatility: Middle note.

Fragrance:Similar to camphor, thyme and cardamom, peppery.

General description and habitat:

Grows all over Europe and in abundance in Tunisia; known as sweet or knotted marjoram; small shrub with reddish stems and hairy, oval, grayish leaves; height up to 50 cm; clusters of pink, white or mauve flowers.

Principle constituents: Carvacrol, thymol, borneol, camphor, cineol, cymene, pinene, sabinene, terpineol.

History

History and folk use:

Originated in Asia, it was regarded as sacred in India and in Egypt.

The Greeks believed it was a symbol of love -young married couples would be crowned with its flowers. It was used to enhance the color and texture of hair. Dioscorides prescribed it for nervous disorders, while Pliny recomMyalgic Encephalitisnded it for the stomach and for wind.

St. Hildegarde believed it could cause skin problems and was only to be used for healing lepers. During the Renaissance the herb was widely grown in pots and used for chest infections. Poultices were said to heal jaundice and related diseases.

More recently, in France, it was prescribed for fatigue, nervous disorders such as epilepsy.

Properties & Uses

General properties: Stomachic, expectorant, sedative, antiseptic, tonic, warming.

Primary Uses:

Diarrhea	Dysmenorrhoea
Insomnia	Migraines
Mouth disorders

Secondary Uses:

Aches & Pains,	Anorexia,	Arthritis,
Bruises,	Circulatory Problems,	Colic,
Constipation,	Cramp,		Digestive Problems,
Flatulence,	Grief,	Gum Infections,
Hypertension,	Hysteria,	Hypotension,
Nervous Tension,	Panic,	PMS,
Rheumatism,	Stomach Pains,	Thrush.

Contraindications

Not to be used during first six months of pregnancy, or on young or sensitive people without professional guidance.

Use only under professional guidance.