Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaves

Flavors/Temps: Slight Sweet, Cool, Pungent, Slightly Bitter

Caution: Generally considered very safe. Not recommended for long term use. Be sure to reduce dosage when using the herb as a medicine children.

History/Folklore: Marjoram has a long reputable history as an effective cure-all. Among its many applications, it is used to relieve pain, prevent infections, improve digestion, control diabetes, reduce PMS symptoms, support brain health, and even treat spasms all while soothing and creating a sense of general well-being.

Marjoram can help prevent sepsis as well as prevent wounds from developing tetanus. And it can also help prevent colds, mumps, influenza, measles, pox, typhoid, malaria, colic, urinary tract infections, and digestive disorders. It is an excellent antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral herb. It also has expectorant properties that can help relieve phlegm from the respiratory system, relieving stuffy noses, soothing coughs, and clearing the lungs from unwanted mucus buildup.

Marjoram’s antifungal properties help to treat fungal skin infections but also dysentery that is caused by outbreaks of dangerous fungal growths.

Early research indicates that taking 2 drops of marjoram oil daily along with asthma medication for 3 months can improve lung function better than only using asthma medication alone.

Marjoram was a symbol of happiness to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Greeks even commonly called it “Joy of the Mountains.”

For culinary purposes the tops of the plants are cut off before they begin to flower and dried slowly in the shade. The flowering leaves and tops are steam-distilled to produce an essential oil that is yellowish in color. The oil will darken and turn brown as it ages. As a spice it is used in soups, stews, dressings and sauces. Marjoram is considered sweeter with a more floral quality than oregano. Oregano has a more peppery and lemony flavor than marjoram does.

Marjoram is often treated as an annual (even though it is a perennial) because it is so sensitive to freezing temperatures that can cause death or injury. The plants are often seeded indoors during late winter or early spring and then transplanted. They like full sun and well-drained soil. They are a drought tolerant plant and make a pretty ground covering plant.

Marjoram is used in cosmetics, soaps, lotions, and shaving gels.