Marjoram essential oil: properties and uses

Marjoram (Origanum majorana), also called mayorana or marjorama, is an aromatic plant belonging to the same family as mint or wild thyme. Although botanically closely related to oregano, marjoram differs as a species, as it has grayish-green leaves and shell-shaped bracts.

From this plant is extracted an oil that has been used, for centuries, for many purposes both in the field of health and aesthetics. Want to know more? If so, continue reading this article on marjoram essential oil: properties and uses.

Properties of Marjoram Essential Oil

Native to the eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus and Turkey), marjoram is grown mainly in Egypt, although it can also be found in Morocco, Tunisia, Spain and France. This beneficial plant is harvested while it blooms and then distilled while very fresh, which is why its aromatic essential oil has such a characteristic smell.

In food, marjoram grass and oil are used as flavorings, but in the field of aesthetics the oil is used as a fragrance for soaps, cosmetics, lotions and perfumes. Why is this? Why is marjoram essential oil perfect for hair, skin and nails? Below we talk about the greatest properties of marjoram essential oil:

• Antispasmodic
• Antiseptic
• Antioxidants
• Antibacterial
• Analgesic
• Soothing and relaxing
• Carminative
• Digestive
• Emmenagogues
• Hypotensive

Benefits of Marjoram Essential Oil

Due to the properties mentioned in the previous section, it is safe to defend that marjoram essential oil is not only a great culinary ingredient, but also a perfect natural remedy to prevent diseases and promote the health of the skin, hair and even nails. Among the benefits of marjoram essential oil, the following stand out:

• Improves the health of the nervous system: due to its calming properties, marjoram essential oil is perfect for relaxing the environment and decreasing some symptoms of anxiety. Although it is a natural home remedy, it is a healthy and very effective option to, for example, treat insomnia.
• It favors your cardiovascular system: as we have mentioned, marjoram essential oil contains great antioxidant and hypotensive properties, which is why it is a perfect ingredient to stimulate blood circulation and regulate blood pressure. You may also be interested in this article on Foods that improve circulation.
• Fights diseases: due to its antiseptic, analgesic and antibacterial properties, marjoram essential oil is a great ally to keep cold symptoms at bay. The two, headaches and even runny nose improve after consuming this ingredient for a few days.
• Relieves pain: The analgesic properties of marjoram essential oil make it a must-have product to relieve headaches, muscle aches and even menstrual cramps naturally.
• Regulates the digestive system: before the appearance of flatulence, abdominal pain, colic or constipation, marjoram essential oil can be the solution. This is because the carminative and antispasmodic properties of this ingredient are able to combat indigestion and regulate your intestinal transit again.
• Prevents and attenuates the signs of aging: the antioxidant properties of marjoram essential oil are the protagonists of many anti-aging creams and lotions. Therefore, mixing this ingredient with other products designed to combat free radicals in the skin can significantly improve the texture and softness of your skin.

Uses of Marjoram Essential Oil

We've already seen some of the most important benefits of marjoram essential oil. Therefore, below, we want to talk about some great uses of marjoram essential oil that can help you create your own recipes and home remedies. Notes!

Marjoram essential oil for menstrual pain

Although this ingredient can be used for the elaboration of many home remedies that relieve pain, below we will focus on how to combat menstrual cramps with marjoram essential oil.

PmS symptoms usually appear a couple of days before your period and, in many women, last until the end of your period. Pain in the abdomen, malaise, altered hormones… To noticeably relieve pmS pain, follow these steps:

1. Combine 10 drops of marjoram essential oil with lavender essential oil.
2. Scrub your hands well with the mixture until they are a little warm.
3. Next, scrub over the sore area (by the ovaries) clockwise.

Repeat the scrubs about three times a day until the pains disappear completely. You can find more useful home remedies in this article about the best infusions to relieve menstrual pain.

Marjoram essential oil for tummy pain

This mixture serves both constipation and pain caused by gas. If you want to regulate your digestion once and for all, take the next infusion after each meal.

1. In a soup spoon mix a few drops of marjoram, others of thyme and others of mint.
2. You should keep one level tablespoon for each cup of water.
3. Let the mixture boil and, once the heat is off, wait 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture and sweeten it with honey in case the taste is unpleasant.

Marjoram essential oil to relax

The soothing properties of marjoram are perfect for relaxing, calming nerves and combating insomnia. Before the symptoms of anxiety that do not let you enjoy your day to day or prevent you from resting at night, make this home remedy:

1. Mix in a tablespoon a few drops of marjoram, passionflower, poppy, valerian and hawthorn. (If you can't find all the ingredients, don't worry, add the ones you can from all of these.)
2. Again, the result should be one level tablespoon for each cup.
3. Put the water on the fire and, when it starts to boil, add the herbs.
4. Wait 5 minutes for the infusion to sit, then add a little honey.

You can take up to 3 cups a day; from we recommend that you take the last one a little before going to bed.

Marjoram essential oil: contraindications

There are no known contraindications to marjoram, as it is a plant that, taken moderately, does not produce side effects.

However, and due to its emmenagogue properties, it is recommended that pregnant and lactating women avoid its consumption. Similarly, it should be remembered that children under 7 years of age should not take infusions without the prior approval of a doctor.

If you have an allergy to other medicinal plants such as lavender, mint, basil or hispo do not take marjoram, as it is possible that it will also cause an allergic reaction.