Marjoram - Origanum majorana

Attachment 257


Marjoram
A well known culinary herb, also used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years, and a particular favourite of the Ancient Greeks. The essential oil is steam distilled from the dried flowering herb.

A pale yellow or pale amber oil with a warm and spicy, slightly camphoraceous smell.


Key actions:
Warming and relaxing.


Benefits:
Pain relief
A useful analgesic for headaches and migraines, especially those caused by stress. Try as a steam inhalation for sinus pains and head colds; or in a massage or compress for muscle pains, sprains, strains, rheumatism and arthritis.


Circulation
A general toning effect on the circulatory system and useful for high blood pressure and narrowing arteries.


Mind and emotions
Sedative properties help anxiety, insomnia and nervous debility. An anaphrodisiac, that is it reduces the sexual impulse.


Digestion
An antispasmodic to help relieve colic, wind and dyspepsia, a mind laxative effect.


Women's health
Massage into the abdomen to help relieve painful periods. Also helps PMT, especially with symptoms of anxiety, weariness and irritability.


Usage:
See 'Safe Use of Essential Oils' article

Bath, massage, diffusion, compress or inhalation

Blends well with: Bergamot, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Orange and Rosemary.


Safety:
Non-irritant in dilution.