ΟΡΙΓΑΝΟΝ
Origanum onites
(Pot marjoram)
Botanical info:
Pot marjoram is a perennial plant, up to 100 cm in height, with hairy aromatic leaves. It grows naturally in stony hills and rocky slopes, usually on limestone, occasionally in partial shade. It is native to Greece, Turkey, and Sicily. Flowering from June to August.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Regimen in Acute Diseases:
a. For the treatment of optic abscess.
b. In Epidemics 1:
a. Pot marjoram is indicated for the treatment of severe conjunctivitis.
c. In Diseases 2:
a. As a decoction is indicated for the treatment of angina.
b. For pulmonary infection.
d. In Internal Affections:
a. As vomiting.
e. In Diseases of Women 1:
a. As a drinking decoction for the treatment of uterus pains.
b. As uterus purgative when applied as vulval suppository.
Other uses:
Its properties are stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic and mildly tonic; a useful emmenagogue. It is so acrid that it has been employed not only as a rubefacient, and often as a liniment, but has also been used as a caustic by farriers. A few drops, put on cotton-wool and placed in the hollow of an aching tooth frequently relieves the pain. In the commencement of measles, it is useful in producing a gentle perspiration and bringing out the eruption, being given in the form of a warm infusion, which is also valuable in spasms, colic, and to give relief from pain in dyspeptic complaints. Externally, the dried leaves and tops may be applied in bags as a hot fomentation to painful swellings and rheumatism, as well as for colic. An infusion made from the fresh plant will relieve nervous headache.