In case you haven’t heard yet, sweet marjoram essential oil, is the current darling of the wellness world, packing a surprising and curative punch. Native to the Mediterranean, the oil is derived from the distilled steam of the flowering tops and leaves of the origanum majorana plant. Origanum coming from the Greek words ‘orgs’ and ‘ganos’, meaning ‘joy of the mountains’. In Greek mythology it was believed Aphrodite the goddess of love grew the herb, making it the plant of love and longevity. Now who wouldn’t some of that in their lives…

While many of you may still be thinking of that cute bottle of dried herbs in your spice rack, let’s go beyond the kitchen and explore the myriad of health benefits of this essential oil.

The oil is a more potent version of the plant meaning the nutrients are more concentrated. Fun fact, a drop of marjoram essential oil in your fave recipe is equivalent to two tablespoons of the dried herb, with a flavour burst to die for!

Taken internally sweet marjoram oil helps support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system as well as having a positive effect on the nervous system. Topically and aromatically, it has a definite calming effect, so adding a few drops to your diffuser or a warm bath will take you to your happy place in no time.

The list of benefits are long so let’s focus on some of the more common issues sweet marjoram essential oil can help treat. Please bear in mind that essential oils are potent, especially for those with sensitive skin, so applying it directly can burn. Always mix it with a carrier oil first such as sweet almond, avocado, jojoba or any of your favourites! When cooking with essential oils, always mix your oils together first before adding to your recipe or cooking oil.

Support for the cardiovascular and nervous systems

Sweet marjoram oil has antispasmodic properties which means it can give relief to pulled muscles, spasms or simply relax tense muscles after exercise. This makes it perfect to add to your favourite massage oil after a strenuous workout.

Applying a drop to the back of the neck can lessen feelings of stress and its calming properties can relax emotions during stressful moments.

Marjoram is a vasodilator, meaning it widens and relaxes the blood vessels, easing the flow of blood and reducing blood pressure. This in turn reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and brain haemorrhaging.

Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant

A compound in marjoram called carvacol, has been shown to have antioxidant effects, reducing inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can increase your risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Less inflammation equals lower risk.

Mood Booster

Prolonged stress can lead to a ton of health problems. Emotionally, marjoram calms the mind and warms the spirit, particularly for those prone to obsessive thinking. In times of intense emotional grief marjoram can, for a short amount of time, bring you much needed comfort.

The active ingredients within marjoram offer both mind and body relief from the stresses of the day. With its fresh spicy woody aroma, it can relieve fatigue, depression and generally give you an overall lift.

Speaking of moods, if you’re hoping for a bit of action in the bedroom then perhaps stay away from marjoram oil for the evening as it is known as an anaphrodisiac, working to control and suppress sexual desires.

Antibacterial

Marjoram increases your body’s defences against bacteria, the root cause of a number of diseases and illnesses. It helps to reduce the presence of unwanted bacteria, fungus and viruses.

As an antiseptic it treats both internal and external wounds. It is an essential component in many antiseptic creams and lotions and is effective in treating septic conditions. Applied directly to cuts, wounds and burns, it minimises the spread of bacteria.

Regulation of Menstrual Cycle and Hormones

Sweet marjoram has traditionally been known to regulate menstrual cycles and restore hormonal balance.

A study investigating the role of marjoram in women experiencing painful periods showed that the oil reduced the duration of menstrual pain when applied to the lower abdomen. The relaxing effect of marjoram also works to alleviate headaches. Burn a few drops in your diffuser or apply with a carrier oil to your temples and rub gently.

Although it seems further studies are necessary, Marjoram tea has been linked to helping women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a pilot study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

Marjoram oil also offers relief from symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, by helping to calm obsessive thinking, ease emotional craving and promote self-soothing and nurturing.

Improved Digestion

Feeling a little bloated or gassy? Marjoram comes to the rescue again. It relaxes the muscles in your abdominal region helping to expel gas and stop further gas from forming. This will relieve you of any uncomfortable abdominal pain or bloating. In terms of facilitating digestion, marjoram is an allrounder. It stimulates the salivary glands as well as the production of bile and gastric juices encouraging faster digestion and healthy PH levels. The less acidity in the stomach the less likely the chances of ulcers forming.

If constipation is a problem, Marjoram oil can also have a mild laxative effect, by encouraging the contraction and release of the intestines, promoting a smoother flow of food to the colon.

Removes Toxins

Marjoram is a diaphoretic, meaning is induces perspiration. This keeps the body healthy by removing harmful toxins and excessive sodium. The oil is also a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine passed from the body, removing unwanted toxins and excess minerals which can build up in the body and lead to infection. Removing uric acid from the body helps to lower blood pressure, clean the kidneys and generally reduce fat content in the body.

With it’s herby sweet smell and myriad of benefits sweet marjoram essential oil should be a staple in everyone’s aroma toolkit.

As a herb of love, it nourishes the place from where neediness springs. Helping to restore the power to give…. It inspires contentment and compassion.