Marjoram (Origanum majorana) Essential Oil from dōTERRA®

About marjoram oil:

Marjoram, also referred to as “wintersweet” or “joy of the mountains”, is one of the most common herbs found in kitchens around the world.  In antiquity, the Romans knew marjoram as the “herb of happiness”; to the Greeks, it was the “joy of the mountains”.  It has long been used in culinary dishes, imparting a unique flavor to soups, stews, dressings and sauces; in Germany, this herb is known as the “Goose Herb”, for its traditional use in roasting geese.

In traditional Austrian medicine, marjoram was used to promote gastrointestinal health and to purify the skin.  In modern applications, marjoram is valued for its calming properties and for its positive effect on the nervous system.  It also soothes tired, stressed muscles and supports a healthy respiratory system, and has benefits for the cardiovascular system.

Marjoram oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Origanum majorana plant, yielding an oil with a warm, herbaceous, woody scent, with a high content of linalool and terpinen-4-ol.

Marjoram is closely related to oregano, and has similar properties.  It is certified as GRAS, so it is safe to ingest.

Primary benefits of marjoram oil

• Valued for its calming properties and positive effect on the nervous system
• Soothes tired, stressed muscles
• Supports a healthy respiratory system
• Benefits the cardiovascular system
• Promotes gastrointestinal health
• Purifies the skin

Uses for marjoram oil

• Apply to the back of the neck, for its calming properties and positive effect on the nervous system.
• Diffuse, before going to bed, for a better night’s sleep, or drop some on a cotton ball and place it near your pillow.
• Use marjoram oil in place of dried marjoram herbs.  Usually 1 drop of essential oil is equivalent to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs.
• Diffuse, to promote healthy respiratory function.

How to use:

Marjoram oil is intended for aromatic, topical or dietary use.  It is gentle enough to be used neat.

• Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
• Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl oz of liquid.
• Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area.  While gentle enough to be used neat, dilution with dōTERRA’s fractionated coconut oil will help to minimize any possible skin sensitivity.  See additional precautions below.

Cautions: Possible skin sensitivity.  Keep out of reach of children.  If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.  Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears and sensitive areas.

Chemical Profile

Chemo-type: Linalool

Primary constituents:

→ Alcohols (< 30%):

linalool (>8%)

→ Esters:

terpinen-4-ol