Description
Marjoram oil is extracted from Origanum marjorana (also known as Origanum hortensis) of the Labiatae family and is also known as knotted marjoram.
This 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.
Oil properties
Marjoram oil has a warm, slightly spicy smell and is colorless to pale yellow/amber in color.
Origin of Marjoram
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 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
The main chemical constituents are sabinene, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, cis-sabinene hydrate, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol and y-terpineol.
Precautions
Marjoram oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but should not be used during pregnancy.
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.
Uses
Marjoram 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.
Summary
Marjoram oil can be beneficial in cases of nervous tension, respiratory congestion, painful muscles and joints, digestive problems and menstrual disorders.
- 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.
- Creams and lotions
- Since it is a greatly warming oil it is useful to counter chilblains and to disperse bruises.
More information about Marjoram Oil
Skin Care ~ disperses bruises ~ promotes perspiration ~ helps cure fungal infections & skin diseases
Body Care ~ anaphrodisiac ~ helps to suppress & control sexual desires ~ beneficial for those suffering from abnormal & extreme sexual urges
Digestive System ~ helps relieve indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation, colic, flatulence, spasmodic indigestion
Immune System ~ helpful for chilblains ~ brings down & reduces pain from fevers ~ relieves spasms ~ protects wounds from becoming septic & developing tetanus ~ beneficial for measles & chicken pox
Lymphatic System ~ aids in the removal of toxins
Musculoskeletal System ~ pain relieving properties ~ recommended for spasms, cramps, tension, stiffness, aches, sprains & strains ~ back pain ~ muscle, joint, rheumatic & arthritic pain ~ improves circulation to increase blood flow ~ warming properties
Nervous System ~ strengthening, calming & relaxing ~ sedative effect on mind & body ~ recommended for tiredness, fatigue, nervous tension, stress related conditions, anxiety, insomnia ~ creates a happy feeling if feeling angry or sad ~ treats shock, grief & trauma ~ helps relieve headaches & migraines ~ helps calm hyperactivity ~ keeps brain healthy & active
Respiratory System ~ reduces pain ~ relieves spasms ~ beneficial for asthma, colds, flu, cough, excess phlegm, bronchitis, sinusitis
Reproductive System ~ beneficial for easing menstrual cramps, irregular, obstructed & painful menstruation ~ relieves headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness & mood swings ~ helps prevent premature menopause
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ releases negative feelings ~ become more balanced ~ able to accept and love ourselves more fully & restore out power to ourselves ~ calms the spirit by comforting & soothing during times of emotional distress & encouraging safety & internal tranquility
Blends Well With ~ Amyris, Aniseed, Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Blood Orange, Cardamon, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Dill, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Lemon Scented, Fennel, Fir Needle, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Juniper Berry, Kunzea, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Scented Tea Tree, Lemon Verbena, Lime, May Chang, Melissa, Mandarin, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Rosemary, Rosewood, Spearmint, Spruce, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ Non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitising ~ recommended to avoid during pregnancy
