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History and Folklore
The history of marjoram and oregano are inseparable. It was believed that the Greek God Venus created the plants and gave them their wonderful sweet flavour and scent. The herb was said to the favourite of Arphrodite.
It was said that if you anointed yourself with marjoram you would dream of your future spouse.
The ancients believed that if marjoram grew on a grave it was a sign of the happiness of the departed spirit. Sometimes it was planted at gravesites to comfort the departed and ensure their eternal peace and happiness.
In the Middle Ages, bridal couples wore wreaths of marjoram to symbolise love, honour and happiness. It was commonly carried around in ladies posies and in sweet bags and sometimes strewn around the house as a deodorant . It was worn at weddings for happiness and added to food to nurture love.
It was used in England at one time as an ingredient of snuff. They then decided to put it in their beer, as a preservative and to give an aromatic flavour.
Oregano has been long referred to as wild marjoram, and, in fact, oregano means marjoram in Spanish. However, although the Mediterranean variety of oregano closely resembles and is closely related to marjoram, they are different herbs. In fact much of the marjoram referred to by the ancients was actually oregano.
Botanists used to refer to both plants as Origanum majorana. Now they are referred to as Majorana hortensis, but this name really belongs to the sweet marjoram, which spread throughout Europe from the Mediterranean, but originated apparently from Africa. All very technical and designed to confuse, I think…
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Current uses
Marjoram is a great culinary herb and we have a collection of marjoram recipes listed here.
The most common ground I can find for the health benefits derived from consumption of marjoram are as a muscle relaxant, and, generally, treatment for stiff and painful joints, arthritis, sprains, bruises and muscle pain.
To derive these benefits the leaves should be ground into a paste, adding hot tea or water, and a little oatmeal for consistency purposes, if need be. Or, simply rub in marjoram oil for relief of muscle aches and sprains. The oil is reputedly also effective for the temporary relief of toothache. Just rub it on to the effected tooth.
One normally authoritative source claims that it may be taken internally in the treatment of bronchial complaints, tension headaches, insomnia, anxiety, minor digestive upsets and painful menstruation. However I understand, from more than one source, that marjoram can be a uterine irritant and should, therefore, be used with caution during menstruation or pregnancy.
In any case, Hippocrates was convinced of its efficacy and included marjoram in his many medical recommendations Apparently, when marjoram is found growing on a grave, it is said that the departed will enjoy a pleasant afterlife.
So, if it doesn't work for you this time around…
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