Herbs: Marjoram, Mint

Subject: Marjoram

Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 22:04:54 +0100 ***

COMMON NAME (English/German): marjoram
LATIN NAME: origanum majorana
TYPE OF PLANT: "tender" perennial

SYMBOLISM: joy

MYTHS/LEGENDS: Wreaths and garlands of marjoram were used at Greek weddings and funerals. Said to comfort the dead when it grew on their graves. Young Greek couples were crowned with it at their weddings. If you anoint yourself with it before sleeping, you will dream of your future spouse.

MAGICKAL: Sacred to Aphrodite

MEDICINAL: minor antioxidant and antifungal properties; gargles and teas may relieve sinus congestion and hay fever; may irritate the uterus if used during menstruation or pregnancy.

bath: relieves aches, chest congestion; mildly antiseptic properties benefit skin

 

EDIBLE: Similar to oregano.

Herb butter blend--marjoram and garlic.

Tea blend--marjoram, anisse and lemon verbena

CULTIVATION

• zones: 9-10
• soil pH and composition: light, pH 6.9
• planting time: after danger of frost has passed
• bloom time: August-September
• sun and water: full sun, dry, well-drained
• companions:

HARVESTING AND STORAGE: Dry away from sunlight to preserve color and flavor. Rub stems on a screen to shred the leaves, then discard the stems. Store in airtight containers.

ETC.: green dye; air freshener; good for potpourri

Subject: Mint

Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 22:21:17 +0100 ***

COMMON NAME (English/German): mint/münze (?)
LATIN NAME: Mentha
TYPE OF PLANT: perennial

SYMBOLISM: refreshment, hospitality

MYTHS/LEGENDS: When Persephone found out that Pluto was in love with the beautiful nymph Minthe, jealousy burned within her, and she changed Minthe into a lowly plant. Pluto couldn't undo Persephone's spell, but he did soften it a little so that the more Minthe was tread upon, the sweeter her smell would be.

The Pharisees paid their tithes with mint. The Roman scholar Pliny wrote: "The very smell of it reanimates the spirit." The Greeks used mint in various herbal treatments and temple rites.

MEDICINAL: Used for chills, cold/flu, upset stomach, flatulence, abdominal pain/cramps, nausea, insomnia, headache, toothache, bad breath, chapped hands, sore mouth/throat, beestings/insect bites.

bath: Any mints used in a bath will be stimulative and restorative.

cosmetic: Soak a cup of fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves in a quart of cold water, strain and chill. Use this mint water to wash your face.

EDIBLE: Young leaves taste better. Use the older, bitter leaves for crafts. Can be used a gagillion ways, but most popular in drinks.

Herb vinegar--mint, honey, cardmom seed with white vinegar.

Herb butter--mint and dill.

Tea blends: lemon balm, spearmint and elderberry; pennyroyal, peppermint and ginger

CULTIVATION

• zones: 5
• soil pH and composition: rich, pH 6.5
• planting time:
• bloom time: July-August
• sun and water: full sun to partial shade, moist, well-drained
• companions/threats: Benefits cabbage and tomato. Repels ants,aphids, cabbage looper, cabbage worm, flea beetle, squash bug, whitefly. Susceptible to mint rust, spider mites, loopers, mint flea beetles, mint root borers, grasshoppers, cutworms, root weevils and aphids.

HARVESTING AND STORAGE: Fresh is best; dried or frozen is a close second.

ETC.: great for potpourri; repels rodents

***Excerpted from my original contributions to an online discussion graciously sponsored by Dracona Pagan Web. {back}

http://www.moonchild.ch/Journal/garden/herbM.html