Also known as Origanum marjorana in the botanical world, Sweet Marjoram (the version of marjoram we carry in the Plant Essential range) is grown in Egypt.  It is steam distilled from the flowering heads of the plant.  There are other Marjorams, one being Spanish Marjoram, sometimes just referred to as marjoram also, but it’s not actually a Marjoram, It’s actually a part of the thyme family, with the botanical name of Thymus mastichina.

According to folklore, the Egyptians dedicated the marjoram plant to the god of the underworld, Osiris, and it was used to produce unguents, medicines and love potions. The Greeks and Romans considered it the herb of happiness and offered it to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty.

For many, many years I didn’t particularly like this essential oil. I’m not sure why, quite rude really isn’t it?  It just didn’t resonate with me as something I needed to use, I never felt the urge to look further into it.  Wind the clock forward to 2017 when I started writing my essential oil for beginner’s workshop.  OK I thought, I better take a good look at this oil.  And here is what I found… it’s really pretty amazing and diverse.

Sweet Marjoram is traditionally beneficial for the following conditions:

Circulatory system:

• Increase circulation
• Palpitations/High Blood Pressure

Nervous system:

• Mild Anxiety
• Depression
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Epilepsy
• Stress

Respiratory system:

• Asthma
• Catarrh
• Colds and flu's

Digestive:

• Colic
• Cramps
• Sluggish digestion
• Heartburn/indigestion
• Flatulence

Women’s health:

• PMT
• Lack of menstruation
• Difficult periods

Muscles:

• 
• poor muscle tone
• aches & pains
• Sciatica
• Strains & Sprains
• Backache

Skincare:

• Bruises
• Chillblains

Joints & Bones:

• Arthritis and rheumatism
• Bunion

Aroma profile of Sweet Marjoram:

• Herbaceous
• Sweet
• Woody with a campherous, medicinal aroma. 

Actions of Sweet Marjoram (click for definitions):

• Analgesic
• Antispasmodic
• Anaphrodisiac
• Antiseptic
• Antibacterial
• Carminative
• Diuretic
• Emmenagogue
• Expectorant
• Vasodilator

Safety to consider when using Sweet Marjoram:

Avoid in Pregnancy, Nursing, and young children. May cause hypersensitivity and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (pathc test recommended)

You’ll find Sweet marjoram in our basics essential oil kit, the Kapha essential oil blend & All by its little lonesome here.

My Gosh!, what an awesome oil!!  So under-rated, but so useful.

What are your favourite uses for Sweet Marjoram?