MARJORAM, SWEET MARJORAM, WILD. l8l 



a large stalk, the upper sessile amplexicaul terminated 

 by a small obtuse point. The flowerheads yellow, with 

 the tubular florets sterile. Fruit semi-circular, rough, 

 angular, without pappus. Taste, bitter. Odour, strong 

 and unpleasant. 



MARJORAM, SWEET. Origanum Majorana, Linn. 



N.O. Labiate. 

 Syn. Majorana hortensis, Moench. 



Parts used Herb, leaves. 



Action Tonic, emmenagogue, stimulant. Hardly ever 

 used for medicinal purposes, but is employed in cookery 

 as a seasoning. The volatile oil Oleum majwana is 

 an excellent external application for sprains, bruises, &c. 



Distinctive character The herb is about 10 inches 

 high, branched above, with opposite, whitish, small, 

 oval-obtuse leaves, about \ inch long and \ inch broad, 

 and small flowers almost hidden by green bracts arranged 

 in small, hop-like, rounded spikes or heads forming a 

 terminal panicled cyme. Flowers white or pink, with 

 the calyx open like one of the bracts. Taste, aromatic, 

 agreeable. 



MARJORAM, WILD. Origanum vulgare, Linn. 



N.O. Labiata. 

 Parts used Herb, oil. 



Action Emmenagogue, stimulant. The whole herb 

 is medicinal and contains a volatile oil, which is 

 separated by distillation. Perspiration may be pro- 

 duced by a warm infusion, and this is also taken to 

 promote the menstrual flow, when suppressed by cold. 

 The oil is stimulant and rubefacient, and often used as 

 a liniment. 



Distinctive character Herb, with opposite-stalked, 

 usually entire leaves which are ovate, hairy, but not 



