Marjoram has a long history as an herb used in love spells and potions. The ancient Greeks and Romans crowned newly married couples with it to ensure happiness. The Greeks also believed that if a girl placed marjoram in her bed, Aphrodite would enter her dreams and reveal the identity of her future spouse.

The Romans believed that marjoram had been touched by Venus who left her perfume in the herb to remind mortals of her beauty.

Marjoram is a mint in the oregano family. The three main varieties are: Sweet Marjoram, an annual and preferred in the kitchen; Wild or Common Marjoram, a perennial, the uses of which are primarily medicinal; and Pot Marjoram, a tender perennial also known as Cretan Oregano, most often used in hanging baskets as an indoor winter plant, although some people do not like its balsamic fragrance.

In the garden, sweet marjoram seeds are small and slow to germinate. It is best to start them indoors and then set them out when all danger of frost has passed. As with all herbs, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Be very diligent in your weeding as marjoram seedlings are small and easily overwhelmed.

Medicinally, marjoram has digestive, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic and diuretic qualities. Marjoram tea aids digestion, increases sweating and encourages menstruation. The herb has been shown to inhibit viruses such as herpes 1 and is an antioxidant that helps preserve foods containing it. Used as a steam inhalant, marjoram clears the sinuses and helps relieve laryngitis. An infusion of weak marjoram tea is helpful for children