COMMON NAME: Sweet Marjoram

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Origanum marjorana, Marjorana hortensis

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mediterranean

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Egypt, Spain, France

HISTORY INFORMATION: It was thought by the Greeks and Romans that marjoram conferred longevity or a greater life span. They also used it for spasm, digestion, promoting menstruation, healing bruises and as an antidote against poison. Newlyweds were given sprigs of marjoram for good luck, and it was placed on graves to bring peace to departed souls. Before hops, marjoram was used in making beer.

GENERAL INFORMATION: There is much confusion around the marjoram oil. The origin of marjoram is unclear as it could mean "greater than" coming from the Latin word major, or it could refer to the Greek word margaron meaning "pearl". The oils called marjoram, oregano and thyme are sometimes interchanged. It is important to check scientific names when using these oils, so that you know exactly what you are using. When going by the scientific name, you can see that marjoram is closely related to oregano (Origanum) and this is why the oil is sometimes called oregano. Marjoram differs from other oreganos in that it has no phenols and because of this, it is often adulterated with synthetics to enhance the smell. You can sometimes tell by cost if it is adulterated,as it will cost less. As a flower essence it calms grief and sorrow, leading to self-reliance and inner strength. Battaglia calls this oil anaphrodisiac meaning that it lowers sex drive and cautions over use of it by therapists as it can effect their sex drive.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A tender perennial herb growing to 2 feet high with a hairy stem, dark, small, green leaves. and smaller white flowers in clusters or knots.

PARTS PROCESSED: Dried flowering plant.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Light yellow-amber.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Monoterpene/ Alcohol. Pinene, sabinene, mycene, linalool, linalyl acetate, no phenols.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic,, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, antitussive, antiviral, calmative, carminative, cephalic, cordial, decongestant,, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, hypotensor, laxative, nervine, restorative, sedative, stomachic, tonic (heat), vasodilator (arterial), vulnerary, warming. Used for ticks, bruises, wounds, coughs, difficult breathing, spasmodic coughs, sinsusitis, to open sinus and breathing passages, arthritis, muscle aches and stiffness, sprains, hypertension, improve circulation and dilate the blood vessels, irregular heart beat, colds, flu, mouth ulcers, colic, constipation, digestive problems, regulating menstrual cycle, curbs excessive sexuality, blocks in sympathetic nervous system, headaches, stress and nervous tension, eliminating fear of persecution, obsession, warming and comforting.

MENTAL USES: My mind is clear. I can think the unthinkable without harming myself or others. I want to see and hear the negative as well as the positive. I am open to expanding my view of life and myself. I am a good problem solver.

EMOTIONAL USES: Confused, obsessive, dizzy, repressed trauma, grief, sorrow, loneliness TO mentally alert, dealing with trauma issues in a productive manner, clarity, relaxed mentally.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that there are some things in your life that you do not understand. You have been trying hard to mentally work through some problems. It is time to relax your mind and open to a more expansive view of the possibilities for your answers. Sweet Marjoram heals and strengthens the mental body as well as it strengthens the nervous system both physically and etherically.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, compress, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, lotion, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, avoid in pregnancy, asthmatic conditions, low blood pressure, depression.