Origanum vulgare 'Compactum'

Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae. Wild Marjoram. Oregano, Sweet Marjoram. Cultivar 'Compactum' Distribution: Europe. Culpeper (1650) writes: ‘Amaracus, Majorana. ... Sweet marjoram is an excellent remedy for cold diseases of the brain, being only smelled to, helps such as are given to much fighting, easeth pains in the belly, provokes urine being taken inwardly... Outwardly in oils or salves it helpeth sinews that are shrunk, limbs out of joint, all aches and swellings...’ It is still used as an analgesic against toothache, the a piece of cotton being soaked in the oil and applied to the carious tooth. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.