Marjoram: Difference between revisions
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
<!-- Needs description of flowers and overall configuration of plant, including root structure --> | <!-- Needs description of flowers and overall configuration of plant, including root structure --> | ||
Leaves are smooth, simple, petiolated, ovate to oblong-ovate, {{convert|0.5|-|1.5|cm|in|1|abbr=in}} long, {{convert|0.2|-|0.8|cm|in|1|abbr=in}} wide, with obtuse apex, entire margin, symmetrical but tapering base, and reticulate venation. The texture of the leaf is extremely smooth due to the presence of numerous hairs.<ref>{{ cite journal| author1=BP Pimple|author2= AN Patel|author3= PV Kadam|author4= MJ Patil | doi= 10.1016/S2222-1808(12)60288-6 |title=<!-- Citation bot stet oblique -->Microscopic evaluation and physicochemical analysis of ''Origanum majorana'' Linn leaves | date=2012 |journal=Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease| volume =2 | issue= Supplement 2 | pages=S897–S903| doi-access=free }}</ref> | Leaves are smooth, simple, petiolated, ovate to oblong-ovate, {{convert|0.5|-|1.5|cm|in|1|abbr=in}} long, {{convert|0.2|-|0.8|cm|in|1|abbr=in}} wide, with obtuse apex, entire margin, symmetrical but tapering base, and reticulate venation. The texture of the leaf is extremely smooth due to the presence of numerous hairs.<ref>{{ cite journal| author1=BP Pimple|author2= AN Patel|author3= PV Kadam|author4= MJ Patil | doi= 10.1016/S2222-1808(12)60288-6 |title=<!-- Citation bot stet oblique -->Microscopic evaluation and physicochemical analysis of ''Origanum majorana'' Linn leaves | date=2012 |journal=Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease| volume =2 | issue= Supplement 2 | pages=S897–S903| doi-access=free }}</ref> Its flowers can be white, pink to red, or blue to purple.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/origanum/majorana/|title=Origanum majorana — sweet marjoram|access-date=2025-11-11|author=Native Plant Trust|website=nativeplanttrust.org}}</ref> | ||
==Cultivation== | ==Cultivation== | ||
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Marjoram is used for seasoning lamb and vegetable dishes,<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=The Culinary Institute of America |author-link=The Culinary Institute of America |title=The Professional Chef |publisher=[[Wiley (publisher)|Wiley]] |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-470-42 135-2 |edition=9th |location=Hoboken, New Jersey |page=180}}</ref> [[soup]]s, [[stew]]s, [[salad dressings]], [[sauce]]s, [[herbal tea]]s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Marjoram, Herb|url=http://www.foodreference.com/html/tmarjoram.html|website=Food Reference|access-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> and [[sausages]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nueremberg tradition – HoWe Wurstwaren KG Nürnberg |url=https://www.howe-nuernberg.de/en/sortiment/nuernberger-tradition/ |website=Howe |access-date=17 October 2024}}</ref> Its flavor resembles that of oregano.<ref name=":1" /> | Marjoram is used for seasoning lamb and vegetable dishes,<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=The Culinary Institute of America |author-link=The Culinary Institute of America |title=The Professional Chef |publisher=[[Wiley (publisher)|Wiley]] |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-470-42 135-2 |edition=9th |location=Hoboken, New Jersey |page=180}}</ref> [[soup]]s, [[stew]]s, [[salad dressings]], [[sauce]]s, [[herbal tea]]s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Marjoram, Herb|url=http://www.foodreference.com/html/tmarjoram.html|website=Food Reference|access-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> and [[sausages]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nueremberg tradition – HoWe Wurstwaren KG Nürnberg |url=https://www.howe-nuernberg.de/en/sortiment/nuernberger-tradition/ |website=Howe |access-date=17 October 2024}}</ref> Its flavor resembles that of oregano.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
Marjoram has long been used as a [[medicinal herb]]. Marjoram or marjoram oil has been used to treat cancer, colds, coughs, cramps, depression, ear infections, [[Gastrointestinal tract|gastrointestinal]] problems, headaches, and paralysis, as well as [[arthritis]], chest congestion, muscle aches, and as a [[diuretic]] | Marjoram has long been used as a [[medicinal herb]]. Marjoram or marjoram oil has been used to treat cancer, colds, coughs, cramps, depression, ear infections, [[Gastrointestinal tract|gastrointestinal]] problems, headaches, and paralysis, as well as [[arthritis]], chest congestion, muscle aches, and as a [[diuretic]]. It has also been used as an [[aphrodisiac]], mouthwash, tea, and in [[poultice]]s, [[tincture]]s, and [[infusion]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Krikorian |first=A. D. |date=December 1996 |title=''Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics.'' Albert Y. Leung, Steven Foster|journal=The Quarterly Review of Biology |volume=71 |issue=4 |page=609 |doi=10.1086/419639 |issn=0033-5770}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2024}}<ref name=pdr>Gruenwald, Joerg, Thomas Brendler and Christof Jaenicke, eds. 2000. PDR for herbal medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics.</ref><ref>Bown, Deni. 2001. The Herb Society of America new encyclopedia of herbs & their uses. New York: DK.</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Duke|first= James A. |title=Handbook of Medicinal Herbs |date=2002 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=0-8493-1284-1 |oclc=899024950}} {{page needed|date=July 2024}}</ref> Though not all of its historic uses are scientifically backed, the plant has verifiable medical use. For example, it contains the [[phenol]] [[carvacrol]], which is antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial.<ref name=pdr /><ref>Tucker, Arthur O. and Thomas DeBaggio. 2000. The big book of herbs: a comprehensive illustrated reference to herbs of flavor and fragrance. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press.</ref> Ethanol extract is cytotoxic against [[fibrosarcoma]] cell lines, ethyl acetate extract has antiproliferative properties against [[PER.C6]] and [[HeLa]] cells, as have [[hesperetin]] and [[hydroquinone]], which can be isolated from marjoram extract.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Bina |first1=Fatemeh |last2=Rahimi |first2=Roja |date=January 2017 |title=Sweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities |journal=Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine |volume=22 |issue=1 |pages=175–185 |doi=10.1177/2156587216650793 |issn=2156-5899 |pmc=5871212 |pmid=27231340}}</ref> Cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiulcerogenetic, anticholinesterase, anti-[[polycystic ovary syndrome]] (PCOS), and anti-inflammatory effects were also found in dried marjoram, marjoram tea, or in compounds extracted from marjoram.<ref name=":0" /> Marjoram is generally not toxic, but should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.<ref name=":0" /> However, it is always important to be cautious and consult a doctor when using medical herbs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zehr |first=Vernon |website=ConsumerMedSafety.org | title= Herbal medicines: Consult with your doctor before use |url=https://consumermedsafety.org/herbals-vitamins-homeopathic-medicines/herbal-medicines-consult-with-your-doctor-before-use |access-date=2022-06-01 |date=2014 |archive-date=2022-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518121710/https://www.consumermedsafety.org/herbals-vitamins-homeopathic-medicines/herbal-medicines-consult-with-your-doctor-before-use |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
==Symbolism== | ==Symbolism== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Wikispecies|Origanum majorana}} | {{Wikispecies|Origanum majorana}} | ||
{{Commons | {{Commons}} | ||
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20041119090043/http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=678 ''Origanum majorana'' List of Chemicals] in Dr. Duke's Databases | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20041119090043/http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=678 ''Origanum majorana'' List of Chemicals] in Dr. Duke's Databases | ||
*[http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Origanum%20majorana ''Origanum majorana''] in the Plants For A Future database | *[http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Origanum%20majorana ''Origanum majorana''] in the Plants For A Future database | ||
Latest revision as of 18:08, 11 November 2025
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "other uses". Template:Speciesbox
Marjoram (Template:IPAc-en,[1] Origanum majorana) is a cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. In some Middle Eastern countries, marjoram is synonymous with oregano, and there the names sweet marjoram and knotted marjoram are used to distinguish it from other plants of the genus Origanum. It is also called pot marjoram,[2] although this name is also used for other cultivated species of Origanum.
History
Marjoram is indigenous to Cyprus, the Mediterranean, Turkey, Western Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Levant, and was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.[3] It may have spread to the British Isles during the Middle Ages.[4] Marjoram was not widely used in the United States until after World War II.[4]
The name marjoram (Old French: majorane; Template:Langx) does not directly derive from the Latin word Script error: No such module "Lang". (major).[5]
Marjoram is related to Samhain, the Celtic pagan holiday that would eventually become Halloween.[6] It has also been used in Sephardi Jewish tradition as a ritual medical practice.[7] Ancient Greeks believed the plant was created by Aphrodite.[8][9] In one myth, the royal perfumer of Cyprus, Amaracus, was transformed into marjoram.[10] To the Romans the herb was known as the herb of happiness, and was believed to increase lifespan. Marjoram is mentioned in De Materia Medica by Pedanius Dioscorides, and was used by Hippocrates as an antiseptic.[11]
Description
Leaves are smooth, simple, petiolated, ovate to oblong-ovate, Template:Convert long, Template:Convert wide, with obtuse apex, entire margin, symmetrical but tapering base, and reticulate venation. The texture of the leaf is extremely smooth due to the presence of numerous hairs.[12] Its flowers can be white, pink to red, or blue to purple.[13]
Cultivation
Considered a tender perennial (USDA Zones 7–9),[14] marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in zone 5. Under proper conditions it spreads prolifically, and so is usually grown in pots to prevent it from taking over a garden.[15]
Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for culinary purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade. It is often used in herb combinations such as herbes de Provence and za'atar. The flowering leaves and tops of marjoram are steam-distilled to produce an essential oil that is yellowish (darkening to brown as it ages). It has many chemical components, some of which are borneol, camphor, and pinene.
Related species
Oregano (Origanum vulgare), sometimes listed with marjoram as O. majorana, is also called wild marjoram. It is a perennial common in southern Europe and north to Sweden in dry copses and on hedge-banks, with many stout stems Template:Convert high, bearing short-stalked, somewhat ovate leaves and clusters of purple flowers. It has a stronger flavor than marjoram.
Pot marjoram or Cretan oregano (O. onites) has similar uses to marjoram.
Hardy marjoram or French/Template:WbrItalian/Template:WbrSicilian marjoram (O. × majoricum), a cross of marjoram with oregano, is much more resistant to cold, but is slightly less sweet.[16]
O. × hybridum is known as showy marjoram or showy oregano.
Uses
Marjoram is used for seasoning lamb and vegetable dishes,[17] soups, stews, salad dressings, sauces, herbal teas,[18] and sausages.[19] Its flavor resembles that of oregano.[17]
Marjoram has long been used as a medicinal herb. Marjoram or marjoram oil has been used to treat cancer, colds, coughs, cramps, depression, ear infections, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and paralysis, as well as arthritis, chest congestion, muscle aches, and as a diuretic. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac, mouthwash, tea, and in poultices, tinctures, and infusions.[20]Script error: No such module "Unsubst".[21][22][23] Though not all of its historic uses are scientifically backed, the plant has verifiable medical use. For example, it contains the phenol carvacrol, which is antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial.[21][24] Ethanol extract is cytotoxic against fibrosarcoma cell lines, ethyl acetate extract has antiproliferative properties against PER.C6 and HeLa cells, as have hesperetin and hydroquinone, which can be isolated from marjoram extract.[25] Cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiulcerogenetic, anticholinesterase, anti-polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and anti-inflammatory effects were also found in dried marjoram, marjoram tea, or in compounds extracted from marjoram.[25] Marjoram is generally not toxic, but should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.[25] However, it is always important to be cautious and consult a doctor when using medical herbs.[26]
Symbolism
It is used by the clown Lavatch in All's Well That Ends Well (IV.5) to describe Helena and his regret at her apparent death:
- "she was the sweet marjoram of the salad, or rather, the herb of grace."
See also
References
External links
Template:Sister project Template:Sister project
- Origanum majorana List of Chemicals in Dr. Duke's Databases
- Origanum majorana in the Plants For A Future database
- Template:Cite AmCyc
Template:Herbs & spices Template:Taxonbar
- ↑ Template:Cite dictionary
- ↑ Template:BSBI 2007
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- ↑ a b Gruenwald, Joerg, Thomas Brendler and Christof Jaenicke, eds. 2000. PDR for herbal medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics.
- ↑ Bown, Deni. 2001. The Herb Society of America new encyclopedia of herbs & their uses. New York: DK.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
- ↑ Tucker, Arthur O. and Thomas DeBaggio. 2000. The big book of herbs: a comprehensive illustrated reference to herbs of flavor and fragrance. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press.
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".