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Marjoram is one of the more versatile essential oils, offering a number of physical and mental health benefits. Some of the more significant benefits of marjoram essential oil are its ability to reduce stress and boost mood, relieve sore muscles, reduce inflammation of the joints, and fortify the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
How Is Marjoram Essential Oil Extracted?
Marjoram essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh and dried leaves of Origanum Majorana. This is an herbaceous perennial that grows at high altitudes in the Mediterranean region.
The marjoram plant can grow to a height of about 1 to 2 feet and can spread out to an equal distance. It has ovate, gray-green leaves that are highly fragrant and tiny, white or pale pink tubular flowers that bloom in clusters. Only the leaves are used for extracting marjoram essential oil.
Marjoram Essential Oil Properties
The extracted oil has a clear to faint yellow color and a joyful herbaceous, woody, sweet aroma with delicate floral tones.
The oil is rich in Terpinene-4-ol, sabinene hydrate, linalyl acetate, and gamma-terpinene, which contribute to its many benefits.
The Greeks and Romans described marjoram as the ‘Joy of the mountains”. Its nickname stems from its high altitude origins combined with its positively joyful aroma and its ability to relieve stress and anxiety while promoting calm and positivity.
7 Powerful Benefits of Marjoram Essential Oil
1. Reduces Stress & Boosts Mood
This herb lives up to its “Joy of the Mountains” nickname. Its aroma has long been valued for its uplifting properties and positive effect on the nervous system.
Inhaling the aroma of marjoram essential oil helps induce calm and relaxation while staving off anxiety and stress. It also fights off feelings of anger and sadness and induces a happy feeling.
How to use marjoram essential oil for stress relief:
There are several ways you can get the stress-alleviating benefits of marjoram essential oil
Add a few drops to your diffuser and inhale the aroma as you relax or go about your daily tasks.
Don’t have a diffuser? Use any of these 25 ways to use marjoram essential oil without a diffuser.
Add a few drops to your bath water along with a carrier oil and soak in it for at least 25-20 minutes. Learn how to use essential oils in the bath the right way.
Add marjoram essential oil to your car diffuser to reduce stress while driving in heavy traffic. When using marjoram in your car diffuser, it’s important to limit the diffusing to a few minutes at a time. You never want to feel too relaxed while driving, as that would cause you to become less attentive to the traffic.
2. Provides Relief from Pain
Marjoram is a warming oil with strong analgesic properties that help reduce pain and relieve sore muscles.
Its ability to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation supports its pain-relieving properties.
These properties make marjoram one of the best essential oils for soothing arthritis-related joint pain. It also reduces the intensity of the pain associated with headaches, inflammation, menstruation, menopause, and overexertion of muscles.
The absence of adverse side effects makes this the preferred pain relief remedy for many people.
How to use marjoram essential oil for pain:
Topical application is the most effective way to get marjoram essential oil benefits for pain relief.
For localized pain relief from arthritis or strained muscles, mix 2 drops of marjoram oil in a carrier oil such as almond oil or coconut oil. Massage gently over the painful joints or muscles. Leave it for as long as possible.
For headache relief, mix a drop of the oil with a carrier oil and massage it into the temples. Diffusing marjoram essential oil also helps relieve headaches.
More: Essential Oils for Pain & How To Use Them
3. Helps Overcome Insomnia
Marjoram essential oil induces a soothing, calming, and sedative effect on both the mind and body while reducing high levels of nervous stress and anxiety. This makes it an excellent essential oil for overcoming insomnia and getting a good night’s sleep.
How to use marjoram essential oil to overcome insomnia
The best way is to add a few drops of the oil to your favorite diffuser and switch it on about an hour or so before bedtime.
If you don’t have a diffuser, put a few drops on your pillow before you go to sleep. Inhaling the aroma directly will l asleep faster and stay asleep longer too.
Another way to get the benefits of marjoram essential oil for sleep is to add it to your warm bath before bed. If you don’t have time for a long bath, you can even use it in your shower to get the relaxing benefits. Learn how to use essential oils in the shower.
3. Strengthens the Immune System
Marjoram essential oil strengthens the immune system by eliminating toxins and helping the body fight off infections.
The antiviral properties of marjoram essential oil help the body fight off microbes that cause common illnesses including the cold and flu. The warming properties of the oil also encourage sweating, which is another way to expel toxins from the body.
How to use marjoram essential oil to boost immunity
Adding a few drops of marjoram oil to your diffuser and inhaling the aromas will give you the immunity-boosting benefits of this oil.
4. Is An Excellent Expectorant
Marjoram oil is an excellent expectorant. It maintains respiratory health by expelling excess mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. Inhaling the aroma of this oil can help if you’re suffering from congestion, cough, cold, or any other respiratory problem.
How to use marjoram essential oil as an expectorant
To get the expectorant benefits of marjoram essential oil, apply the diluted oil topically to the chest and neck a few times a day. Check this dilution chart before applying the oil topically.
Using a steam inhaler for congestion also works very well. Add a few drops of marjoram oil to the hot water before using the steam inhaler.
5. Is a Powerful Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory
Several compounds present in marjoram oil, such as carvacrol, have antioxidant properties. These antioxidant compounds play a role in preventing cell damage caused by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. This is one of many studies that have been conducted to research Marjoram’s antioxidant properties.
This study shows that the compounds present in marjoram also help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. This lowers the risk of diseases such as diabetes and autoimmune disorder.
6. Prevents Infections in Minor Wounds
Marjoram oil’s antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make it ideal for preventing infections in minor wounds such as scrapes, cuts, bites, or burns.
How to use marjoram for preventing infections
To treat a minor wound, wash it in cold running water first to clean the area. Dab gently with a clean cloth to dry the area. Mix a drop of marjoram with a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply gently over the affected area.
7. Boosts Digestion
Many cultures have been using marjoram seeds to facilitate digestion for centuries. This strong digestive property of marjoram seeds comes from its essential oils.
Marjoram essential oil promotes digestion in several ways. Its distinctive aroma stimulates the salivary glands, helping in the primary digestion of food in the mouth. It also stimulates the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach, encouraging the secondary digestion of food in the stomach. Lastly, marjoram oil also encourages the peristaltic movement of the intestines, facilitating the smooth flow of the ingested food through the digestive tract and promoting digestion and regular bowel movements.
Marjoram is one of the essential oils approved for internal consumption by the FDA. Still, it should be used with caution, and only after consulting with your doctor.
Safety Precautions When Using Marjoram Essential Oil
Start by buying the highest-quality marjoram essential oil from a reputed brand. You want to make sure that the oil you’re using does not have any additives or preservatives that will dilute or interfere with its therapeutic properties.
My two top recommended brands for buying marjoram essential oils are Rocky Mountain Oils and Plant Therapy.
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place to protect its properties and extend its shelf life. Read my article on how to store essential oils the right way.
It’s best to avoid using marjoram essential oil on children or pets. Also, avoid using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Overall, this oil is safe to use aromatically, topically, and even internally provided that you observe all safety precautions.
Blending Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram essential oil has a lovely herbal aroma that blends well with oils from the floral and citrus aroma families. It is often used in blends with Bergamot, Lavender, Grapefruit, Cypress, Rose, Clary Sage, and Neroli.
I would definitely encourage you to experiment with other essential oil combinations. The results may surprise you!
Related Reads
Immunity-Boosting Essential Oils & Blends That Work
Top Rated Immune-Boosting Essential Oil Synergy Blends
10 Ways To Boost Your Immune System Naturally
How To An Essential Oil Diffuser
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
