Name       Marjoram Essential Oil, Sweet, Egypt

Category  Essential Oils

Species   Origanum majorana

Part          Flower/Leaf

Method    Steam Distillation

Class       monoterpenol

Country    Egypt

Code        OriMaj2

Marjoram Essential Oil, Sweet, Egypt

Majoram Essential Oil, Sweet, Egypt, (Origanum majorana), also known as the "herb of happiness".  Marjoram may be relaxing and calming to the muscles that constrict and sometimes contribute to headaches.

Key Constituents:

Terpinene-4-ol [25-35%]

Gamma-Terpinene [12-20%]

Linalol + Cis-4-Thujanol [3-8%]

Alpha-Terpinene [6-13%]

Sabinene [2-6%]

Action:  Marjoram is anti-infectious, antibacterial, dilates blood vessels, regulates blood pressure, soothes muscles, promotes intestinal peristalsis, tones the parasympathetic nervous system, and supports the respiratory system.

Traditional Uses:  Marjoram was known as the "herb of happiness" to the Romans and "joy of the mountains' to the Greeks.  It was believed to increase longevity.

Indications:  Aches, arthritis, astma, bronchitis, indigestion, constipation, cramps, insomnia, migraine headaches, neuralgia, rheumatism, and sprains.

Other Uses:  Marjoram may be relaxing and calming to the muscles that constrict and sometimes contribute to headaches.  It may help anxiety, nervous tension, bruises, burns, sores, cuts, circulatory disorders, respiratory infections, fungal and viral infections, menstrual problems, ringworm, shingles, shock, sores, spasms, sunburns, and fluid retention.

Application:  Diffuse or apply topically.  Massage to calm stressed muscles.  Add to food or rice milk as a dietary supplement or flavoring.

Fragrant Influence:  Marjoram assists in calming the nerves.

Safety Data:  If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult physician.

Companion Oils:  Bergamot, cedarwood, German chamomile, cypress, lavender, nutmeg, orange, rosemary CT cineol, rosewood, and ylang ylang. 

Majoram Essential Oil, Sweet, Egypt aroma is spicy and warm but is not particularly sweet by itself.  In blends Majoram can add a subtle sweetness.  Fragrance professionals like Arctander describe the scent as slightly woody and similar to nutmeg and cardamom.  He also compares Majoram to Tea Tree, pointing out similar notes.  Natural constituents include linalool, methyl chavicol, Cineol, eugenol and terpineol.  Steam distillation of the flowering plant yields less than half a percent.  The plant is native to Asia and Africa but is cultivated extensively throughout Europe and the US.