The Greeks fell in love with marjoram oil when Zeus was just a child. That’s a simple way of saying that the oil has been used for aeons in Greek society as an ingredient in perfume as well as for medicinal purposes.
When the English finally discovered the benefits of marjoram they used it to dissolve germs, and they put marjoram leaves in their bath water to soften the skin. If insomnia, headaches, and nausea were plaguing normal activities, the English would use the oil to alleviate those symptoms. During the 16th century, marjoram was thrown on the floors of buildings to hide unpleasant smells, and newlyweds were given marjoram oil as a gift to promote good fortune in the marriage.
Marjoram has a high mineral content, making it very valuable in treating a number of conditions. This essential oil blends well with lavender, cypress, rosemary, atlas, and cedarwood. The oil can detoxify the blood as well as increase circulation. It helps the body remove the free radicals that create unhealthy toxins in the organs, and it promotes efficient heart functions, especially when high blood pressure is an issue.
Marjoram oil increases oxygen flow and acts as a decongestant that clears the chest of excess mucus and reduces the discomfort of asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis. It also can relieve sinus headaches and disabling migraines.
The oil contains essential constituents that reduce the amount of time it takes to recover from an illness or injury. The main chemical compounds are: terpinolene, linalool sabinene, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, p-cymene, linalyl acetate, cis-sabinene hydrate, y-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol.
Most essential oils can be combined with other oils to produce a variety of different properties that enhance wellness. Marjoram oil contains anaphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, analgesic, carminative antiseptic, bactericidal, cephalic, cordial, diaphoretic, fungicidal, digestive, emmenagogue, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, laxative, sedative, stomachic, nervine, vulnerary and vasodilator properties on its own, but when it is combined with bergamot, chamomile, tea tree, eucalyptus, cedarwood, and cypress those properties are dramatically enhanced.
In inhalation aromatherapy, marjoram oil helps relieve tension, physical exhaustion, headaches, poor circulation, and asthma. When the oil is used in a bath or as a massage oil, back pain, coughs, colds, heartburn, painful periods, and rheumatism symptoms may be eased. The general relaxing qualities of marjoram oil make it a great pain reliever during a woman’s moon time, as well. Marjoram oil is valuable for so many applications, that it makes a natural addition to any medicine cabinet or home apothecary.