View source for Marjoram

{{Short description|Perennial herb}}
{{Other uses}}
{{speciesbox
|image = Origanum majorana 002.JPG
|image2 = Marjoram flowers.jpg
|image2_caption = Flowers
|genus = Origanum
|species = majorana
|authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]<ref name=GRIN>{{GRIN | access-date=2008-03-08}}</ref>
|synonyms =
*''Majorana hortensis'' {{Au|Moench}}
|synonyms_ref = <ref name=GRIN/>
}}

[[File:Majeranek2.jpg|thumb|Growing tip with flower buds]]
[[File:Majoram spice.jpg|thumb|Dried marjoram herb for flavoring]]
'''Marjoram''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|ɑːr|dʒ|ər|ə|m}},<ref>{{Cite dictionary|entry-url=https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=marjoram|title=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language| entry= marjoram|publisher=HarperCollins | edition=5th | date=2022 }}</ref> '''''Origanum majorana''''') is a cold-sensitive [[perennial plant|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''',<ref name=BSBI07>{{BSBI 2007 |access-date=2014-10-17}}</ref> 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 [[Ancient Greece|Greeks]] and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] as a symbol of happiness.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2013/07/02/in-the-bins-marjoram-is-the-happiness-herb/| title=In the Bins: Marjoram is the happiness herb| date= 2 July 2013| access-date= 4 August 2021 | website=Santa Cruz Sentinel | last= Barr | first= Catherine | url-access= subscription}}</ref> It may have spread to the British Isles during the [[Middle Ages]].<ref name="sanderson">{{cite book |editor1-last=Prance |editor1-first=Ghillean |editor2-last=Nesbitt |editor2-first=Mark |last1=Sanderson |first1=Helen |last2=Renfrew |first2=Jane M. |date=2005 |title=The Cultural History of Plants |publisher=Routledge |page=111 |isbn=0415927463}}</ref> Marjoram was not widely used in the United States until after World War II.<ref name="sanderson"/>

The name marjoram ([[Old French]]: ''majorane''; {{Langx|la-x-medieval|majorana}}) does not directly derive from the Latin word {{Lang|la|maior}} (major).<ref>{{Cite dictionary|title=marjoram (n.)
|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/marjoram|access-date=2023-02-07|dictionary=Online Etymology Dictionary
|last=Harper | first=Douglas | year=2001}}{{better source needed|date=May 2023|reason=spammy ads}}</ref>

Marjoram is related to [[Samhain]], the [[Ancient Celtic religion|Celtic pagan]] holiday that would eventually become [[Halloween]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Benveniste |first=Daniel |date=September 1990 |title=Tantric Art and the Primal Scene| type= book review of ''Kali: The Feminine Force''. Ajit Mookerjee. Rochester, VT, Destiny Books (Inner Traditions International), 1988 |journal=The San Francisco Jung Institute Library Journal |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=39–55 |doi=10.1525/jung.1.1990.9.4.39 |issn=0270-6210}}</ref> It has also been used in [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardi Jewish]] tradition as a ritual medical practice.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Lévy|first1= Isaac Jack | first2= Rosemary | last2= Lévy Zumwalt|title=Ritual Medical Lore of Sephardic Women: Sweetening the spirits, healing the sick |date=2002 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |isbn=0-252-02697-7 |oclc=1170078028}}</ref> [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] believed the plant was created by [[Aphrodite]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Sue |title=Herb Folklore |url=https://adamsfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Herb-Folklore-by-Sue-Adams-for-Adams-Website.pdf |website=Adams Fairacre Farms Grocery Store| date=2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author = Rosemary M. Wright | title = A Dictionary of Classical Mythology: Summary of Transformations | website = mythandreligion.upatras.gr | url =  http://mythandreligion.upatras.gr/english/m-r-wright-a-dictionary-of-classical-mythology/ | access-date = January 3, 2023 | publisher = [[University of Patras]]}}</ref> In one myth, the royal perfumer of Cyprus, [[Amaracus]], was transformed into marjoram.<ref>{{cite book | title = Adonis: The Myth of the Dying God in the Italian Renaissance | first = Carlo | last = Caruso |  publisher = [[Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury]] | isbn = 978-1-4725-3882-6 | year = 2013 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=JagVAgAAQBAJ | page = [https://books.google.com/books?id=JagVAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA116 116]}}</ref> To the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] the herb was known as the herb of happiness, and was believed to increase lifespan. Marjoram is mentioned in  [[De materia medica|De Materia Medica]] by [[Pedanius Dioscorides]], and was used by [[Hippocrates]] as an antiseptic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2016 |title=<!-- Citation bot stet oblique -->Assessment report on ''Origanum majorana'' L., herba |url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-origanum-majorana-l-herba_en.pdf |publisher=European Medicines Agency | author=((EU Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products))}}</ref>

==Description==
<!-- 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> 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==
Considered a tender perennial (USDA Zones 7–9),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/origanum-majorana/|title=Learn 2 Grow: Origanum majorana|access-date=2011-11-05|archive-date=2016-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306073133/http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/origanum-majorana/|url-status=dead}}</ref> marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in [[hardiness zone|zone 5]]. Under proper conditions it spreads prolifically, and so is usually grown in pots to prevent it from taking over a garden.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oregano and Marjoram |url=https://foodprint.org/real-food/oregano-and-marjoram/ |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=FoodPrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

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]].
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==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 {{convert|30|-|80|cm}} high, bearing short-stalked, somewhat ovate leaves and clusters of purple flowers. It has a stronger flavor than marjoram.

Pot marjoram or Cretan oregano (''[[Origanum onites|O. onites]]'') has similar uses to marjoram.

Hardy marjoram or French/{{wbr}}Italian/{{wbr}}Sicilian marjoram (''[[Origanum × majoricum|O. × majoricum]]''), a cross of marjoram with oregano, is much more resistant to cold, but is slightly less sweet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Origanum majoricum Cambess. |url=https://www.gbif.org/species/3894423 |website=www.gbif.org |language=en}}</ref>

''[[Origanum × hybridum|O. × hybridum]]'' is known as showy marjoram or showy oregano.
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==Toxicology==
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==Uses==
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]]. 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==
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 [[ruta graveolens|herb of grace]]."

==See also==
* [[Origanum onites]]
* [[Origanum vulgare]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikispecies|Origanum majorana}}
{{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
*[http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Origanum%20majorana ''Origanum majorana''] in the Plants For A Future database
* {{Cite AmCyc|wstitle=Marjoram |short=x}}

{{Herbs & spices}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q22694}}

[[Category:Flora of the Mediterranean basin]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Mediterranean cuisine]]
[[Category:Origanum]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]