Marjoram essential oil – an extract with calming properties

If you’ve ever used marjoram in the kitchen, you’ll certainly be familiar with its spicy, warm and slightly minty aroma. Marjoram essential oil allows you to enjoy this familiar aroma at home, whilst reaping the many positive benefits this unique plant has to offer. Known for its calming properties, it is used to alleviate a range of nagging ailments. Let’s find out what the calming power of marjoram has in store for us.

What is marjoram? – origin and appearance

Before we focus on marjoram essential oil, it’s worth taking a look at exactly what this plant is. Marjoram (Origanum majonara) is a plant belonging to the same family as mint andthyme. Although botanically closely related to oregano, marjoram differs as a species in that it has grey-green leaves and bracts shaped like delicate little shells.

Marjoram is a common plant native to the Mediterranean basin and parts of the Near East. Both its leaves and flowers are favourite seasonings in many traditional Mediterranean dishes. Highly prized as a culinary herb, it has also become extremely popular in aromatherapy in recent years. Fresh and invigorating, with minty notes and a spicy undertone, these are the hallmarks of marjoram.

Marjoram essential oil – how is it extracted?

Marjoram essential oil is extracted in a similar way to most oils currently used in aromatherapy. This involves what is known as steam distillation, which has been the most common method of extracting essential oils for thousands of years.

During steam distillation, the various parts of marjoram containing oil are crushed, or alternatively soaked, and heated in a water bath or a large boiler. This is a completely traditional method which yields a 100 per cent extract from the plant.

The steam extracts the valuable oil from the plant material and allows it to rise along with the water vapour. The steam carrying the oil is then collected in a gathering pipe at the top of the distiller and condensed, whilst being continuously cooled with cold water.

This process ultimately causes the steam to separate the water and oil molecules in the collection vessel, simultaneously producing marjoram-based essential oil and hydrolat. Finally, the oil is separated from the water containing the plant extract, allowing us to enjoy its benefits comfortably, for example usinga diffuser.

Marjoram essential oil – remarkable properties!

Given the process described in the previous paragraph, it is safe to say that marjoram essential oil consists of 100 per cent plant oil, allowing us to enjoy its unique properties at home or in the sauna. What are these properties of marjoram oil? They include, amongst others:

• Improving nervous system health –thanksto its calming properties, marjoram oil is ideal for relaxation and for alleviating certain symptoms of excessive anxiety or chronic stress. As it is a natural product, it is a healthy and highly effective option, for example, in the treatment of insomnia.
• It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system – whetherinhaledor applied to the skin, marjoram oil has excellent antioxidant and hypotensive properties. What does this mean? It stimulates circulation and regulates blood pressure.
• It helps combat illness –the oil has antiseptic, analgesic and antibacterial properties. It is therefore an excellent ally in combating the symptoms of the common cold, which often affects us during the autumn and winter months. Headaches and a runny nose subside after a few days’ use of the oil.
• It has a soothing effect on the digestive system –forbloating, stomach aches, colic and constipation, marjoram essential oil is the ideal solution. This is because its carminative and antispasmodic properties can combat indigestion and regulate bowel movements.
• It alleviates the signs of ageing –the antioxidants associated with marjoram can be found in many creams and lotions. Therefore, adding or applying marjoram essential oil on its own helps to combat free radicals in the skin, improving the texture and smoothness of the complexion.

Marjoram essential oil – how to use it in everyday life?

Marjoram essential oil is an ideal base for aromatherapy, during which it can be diffused throughout a room. It can also be added to a bath or mixed with vegetable oils for massage. So, how should marjoram essential oil be used on a daily basis?

• Aromatherapy – it is recommended to have 30-minute sessions up to three times a day. It is best to start with the smallest possible amount of oil mixed with water (e.g. 5–10 drops).
• Hot bath – marjoram essential oil is also an interesting addition to a relaxing bath. Simply add 5 to 15 drops directly to hot water to enjoy its beneficial dermatological properties.
• Massage – when used in massage, the oil can improve skin tone and appearance, not least by boosting circulation in the areas being massaged. To do this, dilute 2 to 5 drops of the oil in a vegetable oil (olive oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil or argan oil), then gently massage it into the skin.

Marjoram essential oil in aromatherapy – what do you need to know?

As marjoram essential oil has an extremely strong scent, it is recommended to use just a few drops in aromatherapy. The essential oil can be diffused usinga diffuserora nebuliser. It is worth remembering that when using marjoram essential oil, you should first dilute it with water so that the aroma in the room is not too strong. It is recommended that sessions using a nebuliser or diffuser last between 15 and 30 minutes. It can be used 2 to 3 times a day.

As a general rule, consider the size of the space in which the oil is being diffused. As well as being used at home or during aromatherapy sessions, marjoram essential oil is also an interesting addition to aromatherapy in the sauna. How do you do this? Simply add a few drops to a bucket of water, which you then pour over the hot stones. Alternatively, you can use a small diffuser, which should be placed in a well-ventilated area. Its antiseptic and relaxing properties will then take effect, creating a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.

If you don’t have a diffuser or are travelling, simply apply a drop or two to a handkerchief, or rub it onto the inside of your wrists. Then, hold the handkerchief or your wrists up to your nose and inhale the aroma of the oil at a steady pace; it’s the perfect remedy for a cold on chilly, frosty days.

Marjoram essential oil – interesting facts about the extract

Few people realise this, but marjoram essential oil is found in the greatest quantity in the flowers! For this reason, the herb is harvested when it is in full bloom. Usually, only the fresh, flowering tips of the shoots are cut and used.

Interestingly, according to ancient texts relating to Greek mythology, Aphrodite herself, the goddess of love and beauty, regarded marjoram as a symbol of good fortune. In Greece, there was a long-standing tradition of placing marjoram wreaths around the necks of newlyweds, wishing them a long and happy life.

In the Middle Ages, meanwhile, the oil extracted from the plant was used to treat unusual earaches and toothaches. People in Europe and Asia at that time were aware of its antiseptic properties, thanks to which it was used against various infectious diseases.

Nowadays, marjoram essential oil is frequently used by athletes to treat muscle strains. The oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can also alleviate rheumatic symptoms.

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