Origanum majorana, syn. hortensis distilled from the Flowers and Leaves in Egypt.
Aroma: Marjoram Sweet Essential Oil has a warm and spicy aroma, with a hint of nutmeg.
Description: Marjoram Essential Oil is derived from the plant – a bushy perennial growing up to 60cm in height with a hairy stem, dark green oval leaves and small whitish flowers found in clusters. The entire plant is extremely aromatic.
Colour: Colourless to pale yellow liquid.
Common Uses: Warming and comforting, Marjoram Sweet Essential Oil can be massaged into the abdomen during menstruation, or added to a warm compress. It is also useful for treating tired aching muscles and is perfect for use in a sports massage. A few drops on a vaporizer will also encourage sleep, and a few drops can be added to a warm/hot bath at the first signs of a cold. It can also be used in masculine, oriental, and herbal-spicy perfumes and colognes.
Tracey says: Useful in focusing energy in the Solar Plexus, where mood, mind and spirit meet the body (energetically). With lemon and frankincense, it makes a perfect synergistic blend for mental clarity and attention.
USE AS A SKIN SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO OREGANO.
Main Constituents:
Terpinene-4-ol: 18 - 32%
δ-Terpinene: 9 - 18%
Sabinene: 3 - 10%
Consistency: Thin
Note: Middle
Strength of Aroma: Medium
Blends well with: Orange, Lavender, Rosewood, Frankincense, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Basil, Thyme, Cypress, Elemi, Chamomile, and spices like Nutmeg or Cardamom.
History: Marjoram Sweet Essential Oil was very popular and a common medicinal plant amongst the ancient Greeks. The name itself originates from a Greek word meaning “Joy of the Mountains”.
Cautions: Marjoram Sweet Essential Oil is generally non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Do not use during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or on infants and small children.
Photo thanks to Wikimedia Commons and Forest & Kim Starr - Plants of Hawaii.