Marjoram Essential Oil
Oh, Sweet Marj …
Sweet Marjoram… she is as the name suggests! Nicknamed “joy of the mountains,” marjoram essential oil is not as sweet in aroma as it is in effect. Sometimes confused with oregano, it was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness. Comforting and warm, yet spicy, woody, and robust at the same time — Marjoram is balance, and balance is Marjoram.
Tenacious and notable, Marjoram will draw you in every time. Its soothing, penetrating scent is characterized by oppositions: Distinct earthiness, yet slightly floral, herbal, Mediterranean, spicy, sweet. These complicated undertones could be part of what gives Marjoram its power, as it produces a subtle, sedative effect that works to lower blood pressure and heart rate, ease anxiety, and promote restful sleep. Especially useful for psychological disruption, Marjoram can be extremely useful for extreme stress cases, including grief, shock, and PTSD.
Classed as a “nervine,” or an herb that strengthens the nervous system, Marjoram is recommended against insomnia, rheumatism, dizziness, migraines, nerve pain, paralysis, stiff neck, and sciatic pain. The neurological benefits may help memory function as well, and it’s used in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Marjoram’s ability to sedate the negative has held it in high regard among the cultures it has touched. The Greeks used it as an antidote for poison, while the Egyptians used it as an antidepressant, similarly drawing out toxicity, but of the mind.
Also traditionally used for coughs, allergies, gall bladder complaints, stomach cramps, digestive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, menstrual cramps, and much more, Marjoram is one of the more widely used oils. Our sweet joy of the mountains, she’ll warm you from the inside out.
Uses
Medicinal
- Skin health
- Restore hormonal balance
- Cough, allergies, and sinusitis
- Strengthens nervous system
- Increase libido
- Immunity booster
- Menstrual relief
Cosmetic
- Natural firming
- Dandruff prevention
- Oil balancing
- Reduce hormone-related breakouts
Some sources suggest diluting Marjoram essential oil in a carrier oil and massaging it into the abdomen. Just the scent of this oil can stimulate the salivary glands.
Sweet Marjoram essential oil can be used in the bath or in a diffuser. As a way of benefiting from its therapeutic constituents, Marjoram can be added to massage oil and used in a topical massage. The dilution rate is 6-8 drops per bath and 10 -18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Ingestion: Marjoram tea can help to improve the appetite and increase the production of digestive enzymes that help to break food down. It can also alleviate flatulence, stomach cramps, and constipation.
