You may be familiar with sweet marjoram and its use in the kitchen. Did you know that it’s also a popular essential oil?
Here are a few facts about this oil:
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Botanical Name
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Origanum majorana |
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Family
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Lamiaceae |
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Extraction Method
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Steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops |
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Essential Oil Colour
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Clear with a hint of yellow |
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Consistency
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Thin |
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Description
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Medium note, and medium initial strength. It has a sweet, warm, herbaceous, pine and woody aroma with campherous and medicinal undertones and a hint of nutmeg. |
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Important Constituents
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Terpinen-4-ol, Para-cymene, Alpha-terpineol, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate |
How Can You Use This Herb in Aromatherapy?
- Cooking. These leaves are similar to oregano leaves and can be used in the same recipes. Fresh and dried leaves are readily available in most grocery stores. The herb may help relieve constipation, flatulence, stomach cramps, and indigestion.
- Essential Oil. When dispersed in a room, this essential oil has a warm and comforting effect on most people. Anxiety levels decrease and it may help people who are grieving or otherwise overwhelmed with sadness. A similar effect is created by adding 3 drops to your bathwater. Chances are that if you are stressed out or exercise regularly (or irregularly), you probably have some stiffness or aching muscles. Getting a massage with this essential oil (diluted in a carrier oil) will do wonders for aching muscles, rheumatism, sprains, and strains. When rubbed on the chest, it also helps to breathe for those with bronchitis, asthma, or excessive coughing.
For women with painful menstruation cramps, you can try massaging your lower abdomen with diluted marjoram essential oil.
DO NOT apply this essential oil directly to the skin without being diluted in a carrier oil first. An estimate of 3 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil is suggested.
Where Can You Find This Essential Oil?
This essential oil normally comes in various sized bottles and can be found in major drugstores and specialized stores. Many internet-based aromatherapy companies carry this essential oil.
You can purchase Marjoram 100% Pure Essential Oil.
Learn more about how aromatherapy works for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Pregnant women should not take this essential oil. Undiluted oils should never be applied onto the skin. Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified professional aromatherapy practitioner. Consult a professional aromatherapy practitioner prior to using this oil to treat children.