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Origanum majorana Sweet marjoram (1 Page of 5) The Origanum majorana plant species is found in N. Africa to Turkey. It is a member of the Labiatae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Sweet marjoram. Some home gardeners know the variety as O. majoranoides. Majorana hortensis. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Origanum majorana Common Name: Sweet marjoram Family: Labiatae Author: L. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 0.6 Mature Width: 0.6 Habitat: Dry slopes and rocky places, occasionally in partial shade, to 1500 metres in Turkey[93].
Medicinal Information: Sweet marjoram is mainly used as a culinary herb, but is also medicinally valuable due to its stimulant and antispasmodic properties[254]. It is a good general tonic, treating various disorders of the digestive and respiratory systems. It has a stronger affecr on the nervous system than the related oregano (O. vulgare) and is also thought to lower the sex drive[254]. Because it can promote menstruation, it should not be used medicinally by pregnant women though small quantities used for culinary purposes are safe[254].
The herb is antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic[4, 7, 21, 240]. It is taken internally in the treatment of bronchial complaints, tension headaches, insomnia, anxiety, minor digestive upsets and painful menstruation[238]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. Externally, it is used to treat muscular pain, bronchial complaints, arthritis, sprains and stiff joints[238]. The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be used fresh or dried.
Marjoram is often used medicinally in the form of the essential oil, about 400 grammes being obtained from 70 kilos of the fresh herb[4]. The oil is used as an external application for sprains, bruises etc[4, 240].
The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Muscle relaxant'[210].
For further Origanum majorana gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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