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Is it THYME or
MARJORAM or maybe OREGANO?
(TRAINING KIT)
by Jeanne Rose
Let
us start out with the fact that all plants called Marjoram are in the
Oregano group, but not all Oreganos are Marjorams. The genus name for
both is Origanum. In the past Marjoram used to have its own genus. Now
Oregano is the genus and Marjoram, or Sweet marjoram (Origanum
majorana) is only one variety of over fifty types of the genus
Oregano. Pot marjoram (Origanum onites) is another species, but
even this causes confusion, sometimes being called Cretan Oregano
because of its place of origin. In Spain, there is Thymus nummularius,
and in Mexico, there is Lippia graveolens; both sold and used in
place of Oregano. One last example of how it all is jumbled: Origanum
vulgare, or what is taken for common Oregano, is also known as wild
Marjoram or Thyme.
Despite the heavy association of Oregano with Italy, it is likely that
Oregano originated in Greece. Ancients Greeks used to let their cattle
graze on fields of Oregano, in the belief that it produced tastier meat.
Even the name Oregano comes from the Greek, meaning "joy of the
mountain."
Marjoram also enjoys a long and favorable history. Both the ancient
Greeks and Romans would crown bridal couples with wreaths of Marjoram to
symbolize love, honor and happiness. Over the years, marjoram has been
used as a remedy to aid digestion. Marjoram and Oregano continue to be
used as a steam inhalant to clear the sinuses and relieve laryngitis.
European singers have been known to preserve their voices with marjoram
tea sweetened with honey. According to herbalist Dodoen, in the 16th
century, smelling marjoram "mundifieth (cleanses) the brayne."The
combination of carvacrol and cymene results in an increased
antibacterial effect on the growth and a synergistic effect on the
viability of Listeria. There are monocytogenes in low concentrations.
Can be used to preserve foods or cosmetics. … “Know the Latin
binomial – to be assured”
For more information on the uses of the Marjoram/Oregano/Thyme
essential oil and Hydrosols, see
375
Essential Oils & Hydrosols by Jeanne Rose.
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Sample |
Chemistry |
Scent Description |
Medicinal Uses |
|
1E |
Marjoram,
Sweet CT?
(analgesic, soothing)
Origanum majorana
SD - Egypt
|
unknown sample |
Herbaceous
scent, not quite as biting as the true Carvacrol type. Colorless,
clear,
non-viscous. |
Use as an
Antibacterial in products, Direct applications below the neck. A
good addition to acne/
boils applications. |
|
1F |
Marjoram,
Oregano CT
carvacrol
(antibacterial)
Origanum majorana
SD - France |
carvacrol |
herbaceous and strong bite |
Carvacrol is
an irritant to the skin but is also very antibacterial. This
Marjoram can be incorporated into many products but not skin care
that is used on a daily basis. |
|
2 |
Marjoram, Spanish CT
cineol/camphor
(healing, analgesic)
Thymus mastichina |
50%
cineole, camphor
& camphene |
Herbaceous
(some camphor note) with a sweetness of fruit & some citrus [very
little color, clear, non-viscous, 4, ?] |
This is a
type of Thyme that is used for calming and with Ylang-Ylang for
sleep and to relieve pain. Do not mix this Thyme up with other
so-called Marjorams. Can be used by inhalation or application. |
|
3 |
Oregano CT
carvacrol/cymene/terpinene
(antibacterial)
Origanum compactum
SD - France
|
at least
20% each cymene/
carvacrol/terpinene
|
Strong
herbaceous scent with fruit and wood. Light yellow, clear,
non-viscous. |
The
combination of carvacrol and cymene results in an increased
antibacterial & synergistic effect on the growth & viability of
Listeria. It can be used to preserve foods or cosmetics in low
concentrations. |
|
4 |
Oregano CT
carvacrol
(antibacterial)
Origanum vulgare
SD - Greece
|
Carvacrol |
Herbaceous
fruity scent, brown, clear and non-viscous. |
leaves,
stems, flowers are disinfectant, preservative, anti-bacterial.
Infusions
made from Greek Oregano has wide range of purposes, from a simple
cleansing mouthwash to reducing bloat, stomach cramps & coughs. |
|
5 |
Thyme CT
linalool
Thymus vulgaris
(healing & soothing)
SD - France |
high in
linalool |
Herbaceous, fruity & floral but not camphoraceous. Light color,
clear, non-viscous. |
An
antibacterial that is gentle enough for skin-care and all skin
care products. The only one that should be used in hand wash
products for children. |
|
6 |
Thyme CT
cymene/thymol
Thymus vulgaris
(antibacterial)
SD – Bosnia/Herzegovina |
30%+
cymene & 28% thymol |
Herbaceous. Light color, clear and non-viscous. |
Antibacterial, use in products, not for skin care. Can be inhaled
for colds or in respiratory formulas. |
|
7 |
Thyme CT
borneol
Thymus satureioides
(antibacterial-lungs)
SD - Morocco |
high in
borneol |
Herbaceous
and floral. Gold, clear, and non-viscous. |
An
immune-stimulant that is useful in respiratory formulas that are
taken internally. This would be part of the formula, maybe 20%
with Ammi visnaga, Tanacetum annuum, & a Mandarin type |
|
8 |
Greek
Oregano
genus & species ??
Hydrosol CT carvacrol
dilute to use |
high in
carvacrol or thymol |
Very
powerful antiseptic odor that is herbaceous and woody. |
Can be
used for housecleaning or for handwash or mouth wash.. Be sure to
dilute before use.
|
Source:
Aromatherapy Course – Home & Family
http:www.aromaticplantproject.com
Bibliography:
Rose, Jeanne.
375
Essential Oils and Hydrosols
All rights reserved 2007. No part of
this article may
be used without the prior permission of Jeanne Rose.
© Authors Copyright Jeanne Rose
http://www.jeannerose.net •
info@jeannerose.net
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