Marjoram (Origanum majorana, or “joy of the mountains” in Greek ) is a perennial herb with sweet pine and citrusy accents. It is an annual for us here in Dayton.
Marjoram is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.
Marjoram possesses germicidal properties, and has been used as a mild antiseptic, a natural disinfectant and a mild anti-fungal (owing to the thymol component of marjoram). The flowering leaves and tops of marjoram also contain camphor, limonene, pinene, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, niacin and beta-carotene among other components.
Marjoram has historically been used as a remedy for digestive upsets (gas, bloating), to relieve stress and to promote easier respiration, as a general tonic, and made into a compress for aches and pains. Your small pet will likely enjoy fresh marjoram, but you may also offer it as a cooled tea or a warm compress.
Marjoram herbal tea
Typically, a cup of boiling water is poured over the leaves and flowers of the marjoram, steeped for at least five minutes, and strained. Make sure it is well-cooled for your furry friends to enjoy. The leaves and flowers that have been strained off can be compacted into a small muslin bag, heated in the microwave til quite warm (but not hot enough to burn your pet of course) and applied to painful arthritic joints.
Where to find marjoram In Dayton: at this time of year you are going to have to check the larger nurseries such as Knollwood Gardens and Siebenthaler's - Wickline's is down to lavender, basil, thyme, and catnip, at last visit; Mr. Garber has lavender, basil and rosemary at last check. The good news is that if you find marjoram, they will practically pay YOU to take it off their hands at this late date.
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