MATERIA MEDICA: SWEET MARJORAM ESSENTIAL OIL
Latin Name: Origanum majorana Sweet Marjoram is one of our favorite essential oils. Its aroma is warm, spicy, and very earthy. It is usually pale yellow or pale amber in color. It is native to the Mediterranean region; France, Morocco, Italy, Poland, and Germany are some of the countries it is commonly cultivated in. It is a bushy and tender plant that needs to be handled with care. The Greeks would plant this upon graves to bring the dead spiritual peace, they referred to it as the funeral herb. The plant is also known as ‘joy of the mountains’. It is steam distilled using the dried leaves and flowering tops of the plant.
Nervous System Sweet Marjoram is relaxing to the nerves and can be very sedating. It is important not to use in excess because it can cause drowsiness and dull the nerves. It can also help lower blood pressure. It is best used for stress related instances, insomnia and nervous tension. Robert Tisserand, an expert in Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Research, states that most of its properties surround the autonomic nervous system. It can lower the sympathetic function (think fight or flight) and stimulates our parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous function. Use this oil with care and not for an extended period of time. The effect on our emotions could have a deadening effect if used too much. Respiratory System Sweet Marjoram is an antispasmodic and anti bacterial and can be rubbed on the chest with a carrier oil or inhaled for cold and flu symptoms. Reproductive System Sweet Marjoram is great at relieving menstrual cramps. It is antispasmodic which will help with calming the contraction of the uterine muscles. It is also an emmenagogue, which encourages a good menstrual flow. This would be great used in a carrier oil and rubbed on the belly or as a warm compress. Seeing Eye Chakra Spray We use Sweet Marjoram in our Seeing Eye Chakra Spray and Seeing Eye Perfume Roller where it is blended with Sandalwood and Clary Sage to balance your Sixth Chakra. It is intended to open up your intuition and give you clarity. It brings a sense of peace and can open up your world. Listen to your thoughts and trust yourself! “Reasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, are rarely known to stray.” Therapeutic Actions Analgesic, anaphrodisiac, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenangogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hypotensive, nervine, and a sedative. Safety Sweet Marjoram is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It is an emmenagogue so it is not recommended during pregnancy. Always use with a carrier oil and never ingest unless advised to do so by a Certified Aromatherapist.