Marjoram (Origanum Majorana)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Marjoram (Origanum Majorana) 1 Ounce COMMON NAME :  Marjoram SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Origanum Majorana OTHER NAMES :   Knotted Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Mountain Mint, Joy of the Mountain, Winter Sweet FAMILY :  Lamiaceae METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :   Element: Air Planet: Mercury Day: Wednesday Direction: East Zodiac Sign: Gemini Chakra: 3rd Solar Plexus (Manipura) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Rune: Uruz Tarot: the Magician Sabbat or Holiday:  Samhain / Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos (Oct 31 – Nov 2) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Aphrodite, Venus, Themis, Hymenaios   Parts Used:  Herb, Leaves Description:  Marjoram is a compact herb in the mint family that is perennial in the Mediterranean region but often behaves as an annual when cultivated in colder climates. Marjoram is related to oregano, but is sweeter and less intense. This popular culinary herb is found in many Italian, Greek and French dishes, as well as in Middle Eastern cooking. Marjoram lends a spicy, peppery flavor to foods and combines especially well with lavender, bay, winter savory, basil, thyme, rosemary and mint. In addition to use as a seasoning, marjoram is used in tea blends. Marjoram herb has expectorant properties, and when added to teas can help clear mucus from the lungs and airways, helping relieve cough, congestion, and symptoms of bronchitis and asthma. I can also help with runny nose. Marjoram herbal tea can help with digestion of fatty foods. Marjoram herbal tea can also benefit women’s hormonal health, including helping to regulate the menstrual cycle, relieve symptoms of menopause, and ease mood swings related to menstrual periods. Marjoram essential oil, when diluted with a carrier oil to create a massage or bath oil, can help soothe muscle aches and pains, including lower back pain. In one study, aromatherapy with marjoram oil increased the anxiety-reducing effects of neurofeedback training for people who grind their teeth. Historical Uses:  aches and pains, muscle pain, back pain, tension, nervousness Mystical Attributes:  Marjoram is very good for love spells, especially those related to divining your future spouse or how happy you would be with a particular person as a spouse. The ancient Greeks believed marjoram was first cultivated by Aphrodite, who’s touch produced its fragrant aroma. To bring the answer to your dreams, anoint the body with marjoram infused oil before bed, or put a sprig under the pillow before going to sleep. The Greeks believed that if a girl placed marjoram in her bed, Aphrodite would visit her dreams and reveal the identity of her future spouse. The Greek god Hymenaios (from whose name the words “hymn” and “hymen” come) presided over marriage celebrations in ancient Greece and wore a crown of marjoram. Hymenaios is depicted carrying a torch to light the bride’s way to her bed. Today, in parts of Europe, girls who want to get married place marjoram sprigs in their hope chests. For other forms of divination, marjoram herb (not the essential oil) can be made into a potion by adding to wine or tea. The fragrance of Marjoram oil can be used to attract a lover. To attract a spouse, place a sprig of marjoram flower in the center of each room. Because of its strong affinity for love and attraction, marjoram is a suitable flower for wedding decorations, crowns, corsages, etc. Greek Couples wore marjoram wreaths at their weddings. To protect the home and family from marital strife, place marjoram leaves in the four corners of the home or use it in a floor wash. Marjoram herb added to family meals, especially along with basil, can protect diners from discord with one another and enhance love among each other, but only when the meal is eaten together. Marjoram is also helpful for connecting with the dead. A suitable flower for funerals, it is used to help relieve pain and grief, and help those grieving a loss to know joy again. Combine marjoram and thyme in a wash or fumigation incense to drive sadness out of a house, especially after the death of a loved one. Marjoram along with Balm of Gilead buds are a good combination for ritual baths to overcome grief. Repeat the bath for 7 days. Or the essential oils of the two herbs combined with a carrier oil can be gently massaged into the body before going to bed. In Malaysia, marjoram is planted on graves. Some curanderos prescribe a tea made from sweet marjoram herb as a remedio for susto (shock), a sort of dislodging of the spirit that a person might suffer due to experiencing something traumatic, like a bereavement. The patient is woken at midnight to drink the tea. In the Middle Ages, marjoram was one of a number of herbs (including sage, rosemary, mace, cinnamon, basil, carnations, and the resins frankincense, myrrh, and mastic) that were smoldered as suffumigations to repel evil. In Hebrew magic, wild marjoram is an ingredient in a paste (together with mastic and lotus) for exorcism. Mystical Intentions:  love, attraction, romance, dream work, divination, foresight, intuition, visions, prophecy, newlyweds, weddings, harmony, peace, relationships, communicating with the dead, calling ancestors, grief, sorrow, bereavement, funeral and burial rights, loss of a loved one, comfort, smudge, protection from evil, banishing, wandering spirits, exorcism, conflict, discord, family Taste & Smell:  Marjoram herb lends a spicy, peppery flavor to foods. Its leaves are milder and provide a more delicate flavor than oregano. Marjoram is often considered lighter and sweeter. Marjoram has a medium, warm, spicy, minty, woody aroma with a hint of nutmeg. Marjoram essential oil can have a balsamic scent and some say it smells like cooked pizza. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  In its native Mediterranean region and western Asia, marjoram is a perennial. In North America, it is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, but can also be grown as an annual or indoors elsewhere. It is a bushy sub-shrub that typically grows in an upright mound to 1-2 feet tall. Marjoram is a hairy plant with branching square purplish-reddish stems. The stems are densely clad with highly aromatic gray-green leaves that are small and oval, about 1-1/4 inches in length. Its white, pink, or lavender flowers bloom from mid-to-late summer and cluster close together in spike-like knots, hence the name knotted marjoram. Sow seed in early spring with temperatures around 50-55°F. Only just cover the seed, and expect germination within 2-4 weeks. Once marjoram’s tiny, slow-germinating seeds sprout, the plant grows easily. For best results, germinate indoors, then transplant it outdoors after danger of frost has passed. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent locations in early summer.  Marjoram grows best under full sun in rich, well-drained soil. The plant thrives on sunny dry slopes, though will occasionally grow in partial shade. It is typically grown in rather dry, warm, well-drained environments, thriving on chalky soils. Space the plants about 12” apart. It takes 80-95 days to reach maturity. Pinch the flowers buds back to increase bushiness and leaf yield. Divide in March or October. Harvest marjoram just as the flower and buds begin to form. Use either fresh or dried. If drying, dry by hanging and do so slowly and in the shade for best results, then strip off the dried leaves. Store dried marjoram in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Large amounts may induce menstruation and cause miscarriage. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Avoid use with stomach ulcers. Marjoram may worsen symptoms of asthma or COPD. May cause allergic reaction. Large amounts can slow blood clotting and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. May slow heart rate.   Constituents: Terpineol Origanol Thymol Carvacrol Terpene hydrocarbons     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. 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