Marjoram

MARJORAM, Origanum Majorana L., an herbaceous plant of the Labiatae family, growing wild in Central Asia and North Africa. It is cultivated in the USSR in the south (Majorana hortensis Moench). It contains essential oil (0.7–3.5%) and tannins; it should leave no more than 10% ash. In medicine, the herb is used externally in the form of aromatic pillows and baths, for compresses and rinses, and internally as a stomachic and carminative. It is also included in the composition of sniffing powders. Fresh herb can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes. The essential oil (Oleum Majoranae) has a characteristic pleasant odor; it contains terpinene C₁₀H₁₆ (up to 40%) and terpineols C₁₀H₁₇OH, almost pure, in small quantities in the form of esters. The essential oil is sometimes used internally as a carminative, and in ointments for rubbing. In folk medicine, it is also used for delayed menstruation. In industrial terms, marjoram plays a major role as a spice

and seasoning in sausage production (sausage herb). Marjoram has great application in the perfume and liqueur industries and is exported abroad for this purpose.