MARJORAM (ORIGANUM MARJORANA)

Marjoram has a warm, slightly spicy smell is colourless to pale yellow/amber in colour and is of medium in viscosity. 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'. It 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. The women used oil infused with Marjoram on their heads as a relaxant. In 16th century Europe Marjoram was strewn on the floor of rooms to mask unpleasant smells.

Marjoram oil is extracted from Origanum marjorana (a.k.a. Origanum hortensis) from the Labiatae family and is also known as knotted marjoram. The oil is extracted from the fresh and dried leaves and flowering tops of the plant by steam distillation.

Precaution

Marjoram oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising but should not be used during pregnancy.

Therapeutic Uses

The therapeutic properties of Marjoram oil are: analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anaphrodisiac, antiseptic, carminative, cordial, digestive, expectorant, emmenagogue, laxative, nervine, tonic and vulnerary. Marjoram is a warming oil and very good for the emotions. It comforts and relaxes the nervous system and relieves anxiety and stress and helps to calms hyperactive people.

Marjoram is a muscle relaxant and helps with rheumatic aches and pains, swollen joints and painful muscles.

It soothes the digestive system and helps with cramps, indigestion, constipation and flatulence.

It has a beneficial action on colds, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma. As a general relaxant Marjoram oil is used for headaches, migraines and insomnia.

It is useful in regulating the menstrual cycle and relieving painful periods. Marjoram oil can be beneficial in cases of nervous tension, respiratory congestion, painful muscles and joints, digestive problems and menstrual disorders.

Applications

In burners and vaporisers, Marjoram oil can be useful for: asthma, bronchitis, poor circulation, coughs, physical exhaustion, headaches, tension, insomnia, sinusitis, anxiety, nervous tension, stress and to calm. As a blended 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 to calm.

Note: Middle Note