Marjoram oil
Marjoram oil is extracted from the flowering tops, fresh and dried leaves of Marjoram plant. It is a tender perennial plant that grows up to a maximum height of 24 inches. Marjoram plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. This plant is a member of the Labiatae plant family. The botanical name of the plant ‘Origanum’ is extracted from the Greek word ‘orosganos’ which means ‘joy of the mountain’. Marjoram flowers were given as a token of good fortune for the newlywed couples. This plant has a hairy stem with dark green leaves. These leaves are oval shaped and possess a gentle aroma. The Marjoram flowers are small and range between white and pink colors. This annual herb was initially used in the Greek herbal medicine. It was also used as fragrant floor oil, in medicine and in perfumes.
Marjoram oil is extracted by steam distillation method from the flowers and leaves of Marjoram plant. This oil has a warm, pleasant, fresh, spicy and floral aroma. This aromatic oil is generally colorless to pale yellow in color. Marjoram oil blends well with cedarwood oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, cypress oil, bergamot oil, chamomile oil and eucalyptus oil.
Latin name: Origanum marjorana.
Alternative names: Sweet Marjoram, Knotted marjoram
Marjoram plant grows well in full sun and slightly alkaline soil. Cultivation is usually carried out by sowing the seeds. The seeds of Marjoram plant are very small and are recommended to start sowing the seeds indoor for about 7 weeks. After 7 weeks, the seedlings can be set out or transplanted in the field. Marjoram oil contains terpinolene, cis-sabinene, linalool, sabinene hydrate, y-terpineol, a-terpinene, terpinen-4-ol, linalyl acetate, y-terpinene and p-cymene. This oil has emenagogue, vasodilator, diaphoretic, analgesic, stomachic, anti-spasmodic, digestive, vulnerary, anaphrodisiac, sedative, diaphoretic, antiseptic, laxative, antiviral, nervine, bactericidal, diuretic, fungicidal, carminative, hypotensive, cephalic, expectorant and cordial properties.
Uses: Marjoram oil is used in the treatment of respiratory problems, digestive disorders, cardiac troubles and nervous problems. Asthma, bronchitis, cold, rheumatic pain, spasms, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, headache, delayed period, dysmennorhea, flatulence and hypertension are also treated with the curative effects of this oil. Marjoram oil helps in bringing down hypertension and enhancing blood circulation. This oil also aids in treating cramps, indigestion, stress, muscular aches, colic, coughs, swollen joints, menstrual cramps and rheumatism. Marjoram oil is also used as massage oil for treating poor circulation, fatigue, anxiety, sinus, grief, headaches, tension, asthma, physical exhaustion, heartburn, arthritis, bronchitis, back pain, detoxification, cold, rheumatism, cough and spasms.
