So-called “wild marjoram” is really origanum vulgare which grows freely in temperate regions and is also cultivated all over the world.
Most commercial crops and essential oil distilled from them originate in those countries bordering the Mediterranean and in Mexico.
What is known in commerce as “oil of Wild Marjoram” is usually obtained from Thymus masticina, L. and herb which grow in the foothills of Seville and Almeira in Spain.
This plant is usually harvested when in full bloom during June/ August and distilled in field stills to give about 0.2% of a brownish essential oil.
Two types of oil of wild marjoram are recognized – the thymol-type and the carvacrol type, depending on the constituent phenols present.
The botanical name, origanum, means “Joy of the Mountain”, and cannot imagine a more appropriate name for this fragrant plant.
Herbalist told that to smell wild marjoram frequently keeps the person in good health.
The ancient Greeks believed that of marjoram grew on a tomb the dead person was happy; “may many flower grow on this tomb, and marjoram and the narcissus growing in water and around Thee may all Roses grow,” was an old prayer.
Wild Marjoram
