Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae. Wild Marjoram. Oregano, Sweet Marjoram. Cultivar 'Compactum' Distribution: Europe. Culpeper (1650) writes: ‘Amaracus, Majorana. ... Sweet marjoram is an excellent remedy for cold diseases of the brain, being only smelled to, helps such as are given to much fighting, easeth pains in the belly, provokes urine being taken inwardly... Outwardly in oils or salves it helpeth sinews that are shrunk, limbs out of joint, all aches and swellings...’ It is still used as an analgesic against toothache, the a piece of cotton being soaked in the oil and applied to the carious tooth.
Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. link

It is still used as an analgesic against toothache, a piece of cotton being soaked in the oil and applied to the carious tooth.
Oakeley, Dr. Henry. (2012). Doctors in the Medicinal Garden. Plants named after physicians. Royal College of Physicians. link

Culpeper: ‘Amaracus, Majorana. ... Sweet marjoram is an excellent remedy for cold diseases of the brain, being only smelled to, helps such as are given to much fighting, easeth pains in the belly, provokes urine being taken inwardly... Outwardly in oils or salves it helpeth sinews that are shrunk, limbs out of joint, all aches and swellings...’
Culpeper, Nicholas. (1650). A Physical Directory . London, Peter Cole.

Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data No information was found. Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents No information was found. Uses described in traditional medicine Herba Origani is used to treat cough, colds and bronchial catarrh, and is used as an expectorant and diaphoretic (39–41). Other uses include the treatment of bloating, stimulation of bile secretion, of the appetite and of digestion, and as a sedative and antispasmodic agent (15, 42, 43). Herba Origani is also used as an emmenagogue in Unani medicine (44), and for treatment of algomenorrhoea and impotence (45). The herb is used as a diuretic and as a treatment for kidney infections, kidney stones and poor renal function resulting from chronic nephritis (22). It is also used to treat infl ammation, arthritis (46), hepatitis (47, 48), and externally for scrofula and wound healing (49). Contraindications If signs of hypersensitivity reactions appear (rash, pruritus, urticaria, swelling of mouth and skin) Herba Origani must not be used again.
WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). 2010. WHO, Geneva

Nomenclature

Amaracus, Majorana
Culpeper, Nicholas. (1650). A Physical Directory . London, Peter Cole.

Origanum creticum is a synonym
The Plant List (2010). Version 1.1 Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org

Other common names: Wild Marjoram; English Marjoram; Grove Marjoram; Pot Marjoram; Wintersweet
The Royal Horticultural Society Horticultural Database, available at www.rhs.org.uk

Other use

Leaves used as a potherb and for culinary purposes; a flavouring for salad dressings, vegetables, oils and tea. In Mediterranean cooking it is frequently included in strongly flavoured dishes with chilli, garlic and onion.
Plants for a Future (2017) at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk. http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Origanum+vulgare link

Geographical distribution

  • Africa
  • Asia-Temperate
  • Europe

Origanum vulgare L.

Family: LAMIACEAE
Genus: Origanum
Species: vulgare L.
Common names: Oregano
Pharmacopoeia Londinensis name: Origanum
Distribution summary: Europe, N.Africa
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H5 - Hardy; cold winter
Habitat: Scrub and waste land
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Pharmacopoeia Londinensis 1618 'Leaves' (HSE 5), Europe & Mediterranean (E)
Flowering months: July, August, September
Reason for growing: Medicinal, other use


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