Marjoram Essential Oil from Natural Health Crafters

Marjoram - a great oil for stress, marjoram soothes the nerves and calms the mind.

There are two distinct types of marjoram essential oil in popular use. The one most commonly used in aromatherpy, Origanum marjorana, better known as ‘sweet’ marjoram, is the oil referred to in all blends and recipes that simply list ‘marjoram’. The other essential oil, Origanum vulgare, is more closely related to thyme and oregano, and although sometimes used for aromatherapy, this oil has different properties and is only used under certain circumstances, when its usually Latin name will be specified. Marjoram essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops.

Marjoram is native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. Marjoram dates back to Greek and Roman writings from several thousand years ago and today you can find marjoram growing along the rocky slopes of Greece and southern Italy. Sweet marjoram is a perennial herb with dark green leaves and small white flowers. Marjoram is also known as Origanum which is Greek for "mountain joy". In ancient times, wreaths of marjoram crowned newly married couples to symbolize love, honor and happiness. The ancient Greeks believed that if Marjoram grew on one's grave, the deceased would enjoy eternal peace and happiness. Sweet marjoram has been used for centuries in different cultures. The Greeks used it in every day life for a cleansing agent; it was used to help relieve muscle spasms and an antidote to poison. It was also used in their burial ceremonies to bring peace to the souls of the dead. The English used it when delivering children as an antiseptic to dissolve germs. They used sweet marjoram leaves in their baths to soften skin, and sweet marjoram oil was used to alleviate symptoms of insomnia, nausea and headaches.

A massage with marjoram (either on its own or in a blend) is also wonderfully soothing for muscles that are tight and sore, for example, after exercise, gardening or form excess tension. Marjoram has analgesic properties too, which also help to relieve general aches, pains and stiffness. Because of its warming and pain-relieving properties, marjoram can ease stiff joints and help to mobilise them, relieve rheumatic pain and warm legs that feel cold or heavy.

When used as a steam inhalation, marjoram will clear the chest and ease respiratory difficulties quickly. It is one of the best oils to use in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and colds. A hot bath containing 6 drops of marjoram will often prevent some of the secondary problems of a cold from developing.

Stress Antidote It’s not just marjoram’s ability to relax the body that makes it popular. The oil’s soothing effect on the mind and emotions makes it a good choice for mental stress, too. It can have a comforting effect on people suffering from loneliness and grief, and can calm the irritability that comes with being in acute or chronic pain. It is also helpful in blends used for the elderly.

Marjoram is recognised as being one of the most sedating and calming oils available – relieving stress, anxiety and a hyperactive mind. Ancient Greek women put marjoram on their heads as a nerve-relaxant and possibly to relieve migraine, so the herb’s benefits have been tried and tested far back in history. An evening bath or relaxing back massaged with marjoram can help anyone who is feeling overstressed and finds it difficult to relax or to switch off from work. It can help promote a good nights sleep, too. Used as a room fragrancer, a few drops in a burner can calm frayed nerves. Marjoram can also relieve certain types of headaches and migraine, and can be particularly useful for dealing with the irritability and anxiety of PMS.

Like Lavender, marjoram is another essential oil with a distinguished history. The goddess Aphrodite is reputed to have regarded it as a symbol of happiness. The ancient Greeks called it ‘joy of the mountain’ and crowned newly married couples with garlands of the herb to bring them good fortune. On a more practical level they used it both to relax muscle spasms and as an antidote to poisons.

When it arrived in Britain in the Middle Ages, people used marjoram in even more varied ways. For example, they planted it on graves to bring peace to the departed, and monks grew it in gardens as its sedative properties can dampen sexual desire.

Adulteration

Usually tea tree oil is used or the terpenes from deterpenation of other oils and mixing or substitution by Spanish for French oil, origanum or thymes etc.

GRAS

Sweet Marjoram essential oil has GRAS status.