Information on Marjoram essential oil
Marjoram essential oil is extracted from Origanum majorana (also known as Origanum hortensis) of the Labiatae family and is also known as Sweet marjoram or knotted marjoram.
Marjoram Essential Oil has value when used for asthma and other respiratory complaints and has a calming action on emotions. It helps hyperactive people calm down while boosting circulation.
Origanum essential oil (Origanum vulgare) is commonly used in aromatherapy as it has similar properties to marjoram. We find the Oregano / Origanum essential is is too strong an essential oil and recommend that it should not be used on the skin but that it is useful when used to clear a sickroom and to clean surfaces.
Oil Properties
Marjoram Essential Oil has a warm, slightly spicy smell and is colorless to pale yellow/amber in color.
Origin
This tender bushy perennial herb, about 60cm (24 in) high, has a hairy stem, dark green oval leaves and small white or pink flowers.
Originally from the Mediterranean region, the word “Origanum” is from the Greek word ‘orosganos’ meaning ‘joy of the mountain’ and was given to newlyweds as token of good fortune. It was a very popular herb amongst the Greeks and widely used in medicine and perfumes.
In the 16 century, it was strewn on the floor to mask unpleasant smells.
Extraction
Marjoram Essential Oil is extracted from the fresh and dried leaves and flowering tops of the plant by steam distillation and yields 0.5 – 3 %.
Chemical composition
Some of the main chemical constituents are Terpinen-4-ol, (Z)-Sabinene hydrate, Linalyl acetate, γ-Terpinene, α-Terpineol, (E)-Sabinene hydrate, α-Terpinene
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of marjoram oil are analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anaphrodisiac, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hypotensive, laxative, nervine, sedative, stomachic, vasodilator and vulnerary.
Precautions
This oil is generally regarded as safe (Has GRAS status).
As with most essential oils, this essential oil should be kept in a dark and cool place and should be stored in an airtight glass bottle (Preferably in the fridge at a temperature of around 4° Celsius / 39° Fahrenheit).
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad).
Uses
Marjoram Essential Oil can be beneficial in cases of nervous tension, respiratory congestion, painful muscles and joints, digestive problems and menstrual disorders.
Marjoram Essential Oil has a warming action and calms emotions, relieves anxiety as well as stress and helps to calms hyperactive people.
It has good muscle relaxant properties and the pain killing properties are useful for rheumatic pains as well as sprains, strains and spasms, as well as swollen joints and painful muscles.
It soothes the digestive system and helps with cramps, indigestion, constipation and flatulence and has a beneficial action on colds, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma.
As a general relaxant, marjoram oil is used for headaches, migraines and insomnia and although it can diminish sexual desire, it is great for treating delayed, painful or scanty monthly periods as well as menstrual cramps.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, marjoram oil can be used for asthma, bronchitis, poor circulation, coughs, physical exhaustion, headaches, tension, insomnia, sinusitis, anxiety, nervous tension and stress.
Blended Massage Oil or in the Bath
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, marjoram oil can be used for asthma, arthritis, back pain, bronchitis, poor circulation, colds, coughs, detoxification, physical exhaustion, fatigue, headaches, tension, heartburn, insomnia, painful periods, migraine, muscular pains and spasms, rheumatism, sinusitis, anxiety, stress and grief.
Blended in a Cream
Since it is a greatly warming oil it is useful to counter chilblains and to disperse bruises.
Suggested Dilution Rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: 0.25% to 0.5%
Body: 0.25% to 0.5%
Bath: Maximum of 0.5%
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2 %
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 3%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid all essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary
Marjoram Essential Oil has value when used for asthma and other respiratory complaints and has a calming action on emotions. It helps hyperactive people calm down while boosting circulation. It helps to relieve muscular pains and aches and is said to stabilise blood flow during menses and to help relieve associated pains and aches.
Blends
Although essential oils blend well with one another, marjoram oil blends particularly well with Lavender, Cypress, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Bergamot, Eucalyptus and Tea tree.
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