Marjoram - Majorana hortensis
Sweet marjoram occurs in
both annual and perennial varieties. The stem is square and branched and is
downy with grey hair. The plant bears small, opposite, elliptical leaves
which also appear grey due to downy hair. The flowers appear in small
clusters from July to September and are pale red or white in colour.
Marjoram's properties are antispasmodic, calmative, carminative,
diaphoretic, expectorant, stomachic and tonic. When prepared as an
infusion and taken internally, the fresh herb is beneficial for upset
stomachs, indigestion, headache, colic, nervous conditions, coughs, whooping
cough and other respitory complaints. It will also relieve menstrual cramps
and can regulate the menstrual cycle. To this end, it makes an excellent
remedy for abdominal pain when blended with chamomile. Another use for a
marjoram infusion is to prevent seasickness , and will also act to calm
the stomach. A macerated oil, when used in a lotion, can be used to treat
varicose veins, gout, rheumatism and stiff joints.