Spotlight on Sweet Marjoram
MARJORAM
Botanical Name (origanum majorana)
Marjoram, commonly known as sweet marjoram, is a green bushy plant native to the Mediterranean region but can be found in most herb gardens. It has a woody herbaceous aroma.
Sweet, warm and protective are the words that best describe sweet marjoram for me.
It is naturally anti-septic and contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol which has anti- inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
In a recent clinical study into the chemical content, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of marjoram essential oil, it was concluded that the essential oils of marjoram may be an alternative source of natural antibacterial and antioxidant agents.*
I chose sweet marjoram as a companion to my “warrior” oils – ravintsara and niaouli in my Carry-on Travel oil.
HISTORICAL USES
Sweet marjoram has been used since Ancient Times as a culinary and medicinal herb,
17th century physician and herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper wrote of sweet marjoram,
“Our common sweet marjoram is warming and comforting in cold diseases of the head and stomach sinews”.
The Ancient Greeks called it the ‘funeral’ herb and planted it on graves to bring spiritual peace to both the living and the dead. It was also seen to represent peace and harmony and was used to make wreaths.
WHEN I USE IT
Firstly, sweet marjoram oil is wonderful to ease abdominal cramps or trapped wind. Put 5 drops of the oil in a tablespoon of sweet almond, coconut or sunflower oil and massage gently in circular movements in a clockwise direction on the abdomen. Cover with a warm hot water bottle and relax. It really helps to soothe the cramps**
Good for period cramps too.
The same formula can be applied to aching joints but I would add lavender to the mix for extra anti-inflammatory effects and pain relief.
To aid relaxation and promote sleep, lavender and sweet marjoram work really well together. I put 3 drops of each oil into an egg cup of sunflower, jojoba or sweet almond oil and add to a pre-run warm bath or use as a bedtime massage oil**
I use sweet marjoram frequently when cooking due to its high anti-oxidant properties. It is a good addition when cooking pulses. Helps to ease the ‘wind factor’!
IN AROMATHERAPY
In Aromatherapy the oil is valued for its many therapeutic properties:
PHYSICAL
Anti-septic
Anti-bacterial
Muscle relaxant
Analgesic
Sedative
Anti- spasmodic
EMOTIONAL & ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Brings a sense of calm and peace.
It helps to aid mental and emotional fatigue or ‘overthinking’ by settling any nervous tension and anxiety. It is a comfort to the lonely or those suffering from grief.
SAFETY
Non-sensitising and non-irritating to the skin.
Do not use directly on the skin but blend with a carrier oil ( e.g. sweet almond, coconut, sunflower, jojoba etc..)
Not to be used when pregnant.
* Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=28375110
**Not to be used when pregnant.