Recently I have been drawn to sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) in many of my blends due to its versatile properties whilst being gentle enough to use on most people.
This versatile herb originated from the Mediterranean and northern Africa was used by the Greeks in fragrances and medicines. The ancient Greeks considered it a symbol of happiness. The ancient Greeks believed that Venus (Aphrodite), the goddess of love, created the plants and gave sweet marjoram their wonderful sweet flavor and scent. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans would weave sweet marjoram into garlands that brides and grooms would wear on their heads to symbolize love, honor and happiness.
Marjoram is soothing, fortifying and warming, aiding digestion and menstrual problems as well as nervous and respiratory conditions. You can now find it in many garden centres and British gardens across the UK.
It has a warm herby smell with a slight hint of smoke sometimes depending on the batch, I find it works so well within treatments as it is good for both physical and emotional conditions. Marjoram is great for pain, anti-infectious, calming, expectorant and neurotonic. It is used to treat arthritis, migraine, headaches, respiratory infections and sinusitis. It can also be used for anxiety, insomnia, nervous depression and agitation.
Sweet marjoram is primarily an alcohol rich oil in particular linalool of which many studies have shown can help calm the central nervous system helping switch the mind off and aiding sleep and rest. Marjoram is also a great antispasmodic due to its monoterpenol content. It quiets spasms in all the systems… respiratory system, digestive system and muscular system. It also supportive of the immune system.
Marjoram is mainly known as a culinary herb but is also used for protection from harm. It has been used to give protection and deflect bad luck by placing the leaves in various rooms of a business or home.
As always seek the advice of a professional aromatherapist before bringing essential oils into your routines.
References
Kozłowska, M., Laudy, A. E., Starościak, B. J., Napiórkowski, A., Chomicz, L., & Kazimierczuk, Z. (2010). Antimicrobial and antiprotozoal effect of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.). Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Hortorum Cultus, 09(4), 133–141
Holmes P. The energetics of western herbs, Vol 2. Artemis Press, USA, 1989.
Lawless J. The encyclopaedia of essential oils. Element Books Limited, Great Britain, 1992.