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MARJORAM (sweet) ORIGANUM MAJORANA The powder snuffed up into the nose provokes sneezing and thereby purges the brain. A culinary herb growing to about ten inches (25 cm) high, with small white or pink flowers. Where to find it: Mainly in gardens, but also in pastures and the cornfields. Flowering time: Late summer. Astrology: A herb of Mercury under Aries. Medicinal virtues. An excellent remedy for the brain. It is warming and comforting in cold diseases of the head, stomach, sinews and other parts taken inwardly or outwardly applied. Drinking the decoction helps diseases of the chest, obstructions of the liver and spleen, old griefs of the womb and windiness and loss of speech by resolution of the tongue. The decoction made with some Pellitory of Spain, and Long Pepper, if drunk, is good for dropsy, for those who cannot make water and against pains in the belly. Used as a pessary it provokes women's courses. Made into a powder and mixed with honey it takes away the marks of blows and bruises. The oil is warm and comforting to the joints that are stiff. Modern uses: The attributes of Sweet Marjoram are similar to the Wild, but the latter is more commonly used nowadays in medicine. Oil of Marjoram is excellent as an application to bruises and sprains. It also stimulates the menstrual flow. As a tonic combine with an equal part of chamomile and take as an infusion. |