Marjoram Wild
Botanical Name Origanum vulgare
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) – Mint
Other Names: Mountain mint, oregano, wintersweet
Habitat: Dry grassland, banks, and woods
Description: Perennial hairy branching 75cm/30in,
woody rhizome Stems: square Leaves: opposite oval pointed lower leaves stalked
upper leaves un stalked Flowers: purple, 2 lipped, clustered August – October.
Aromatic
Native to: Europe, Middle East
Cultivated in: USA
Distribution: UK, Europe, Middle East
Parts used: Aerial parts
Cultivation: Sow early spring in well-drained
rich soil in sheltered spot
Harvesting: As soon as it flowers
Actions: Appetizer, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, expectorant, nervine, sedative, tonic
Constituents: Essential oil with thymol, carvacrol;
acids, tannins, bitter principle
Culinary Uses: Leaves: soups, salads
Skin: Insect bites
Respiratory: Bronchitis, colds, flu, coughs, and
whooping cough
Nervous system: Nervousness, seasickness
Other Uses: Cosmetics
Other Notes: The name oregano comes from
the Greek oros and ganos meaning “joy of the mountain”
Greeks placed it over their tombs to stop the spirits haunting
the living and grant peace to the dead
Associated with fertility and marriage
It was grown in English monks from the 13th century