Herbal Lore - Marjoram

Marjoram is another versatile herb that can be easily grown in any garden.

When we think of herb gardens, we picture a designated area in the backyard that is dedicated solely to herbs.  Of course, that is a perfectly valid way to grow herbs.  Another idea is to just plant them in your garden along with everything else.  

This is my 'herb' garden (pictured).  Believe it or not, I planted all of this four years ago and since then everything has thrived including the herbs.  Admittedly, it is a lovely time of the year with all the flowers in bloom but it a good example of how plants and herbs can co-exist.  There are a few advantages of having herbs grow in your garden with other plants:

• There is less maintenance.  Weeds find it more difficult to grow when there is something else taking up the space.  Besides, herbs tend to grow quite large when given the space to do so.
• The other plants provide a symbiotic relationship, for example they provide shade which means the garden won't dry out as much.
• Fragrance and colour.  There is nothing better than walking past your garden filled with the scent of flowers and other herbs.

A lot of people are afraid of growing herbs thinking that they require special treatment.  The reality is herbs are very low maintenance and in good soil will grow well in any garden - just like any other plant.

Marjoram

Gender – Masculine

Planet – Mercury

Element – Air

History

In the Middle Ages, marjoram was used as a sign of everlasting love and honor.  Bridal couples wore wreaths of marjoram.  It was added to food to nurture love. Ladies carried it in their posies and sweet bags. It was strewn around houses as a deodorant. In England, it was used in snuff, and then added to beer for both preservation and taste.  If you anointed yourself with marjoram before retiring, you would dream of your future spouse. It was believed that if marjoram grew on your grave, then you had found eternal happiness. People often planted marjoram on a relative's grave to ensure their eternal peace.

Culinary Uses

Marjoram goes well with beef, fish, lamb, roasted poultry, and veal. It complements green vegetables, cauliflower, eggplant parsnips potatoes, squash and carrots. It works well in stews, marinades, dressings and herbed butters. It complements bay, garlic, onion, thyme and is used in poultry stuffing.

Herbal Lore

It has anti-oxidant and anti-fungal properties and can be used for bronchial and chest complaints, asthma, anxiety and indigestion.  As a poultice, it can used to relieve arthritis and rheumatism pain.  Gargles and teas can be made to ease sinus congestion and relieve hay fever.

Magical Uses

Used for protection, love and  healing.   Add to all love charms, place a piece in rooms for protection. Give to a grieving person to bring them happiness.