Jennifer Lane - Certified Aromatherapist on
If you're looking for a versatile essential oil that has a wide variety of uses, sweet marjoram may be just what you're looking for. This oil has a soothing and calming aroma, making it perfect for use in aromatherapy. It can also be used to ease muscle tension and pain. Sweet marjoram is also effective against inflammation and can help improve respiratory function. Learn more about the benefits of sweet marjoram essential oil and how to use it in this blog post.
Sweet Marjoram essential oil helps revitalize the body. It has been called "Joy of the Mountains". It was known to Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.
This valuable oil offers extensive benefits for the body. Sweet marjoram has a positive effect on the nervous system. Its aroma brings comfort and warms the mind and spirit.
Marjoram has a gentle sedative effect that can ease anxiety, promote restful sleep, and lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil Facts
A relative of the oregano family, marjoram oil is sometimes confused with oregano oil because they share some similarities. While they have similarities, marjoram has a milder and sweeter aroma. I find the aroma much more pleasant than oregano.
Main Constituents: Terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, sabinene hydrate. See Essential Oil Safety for a complete list of constituents.
| Botanical Name | Origanum majorana |
| Botanical Family | Lamiaceae (mint) |
| AKA | N/A |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | Warm, herbaceous, green, spicy, woody |
| Extraction Method | Steam distilled |
| Plant Part Used | Flowers, leaves |
| Shelf Life | 3-4 years |
| Kid Safe? | Yes |
| Safety Concerns | Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant when diluted. Avoid old or oxidized oils, they may cause skin sensitization. Store oil in dark, airtight container. Not phototoxic. |
Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil Blends Well With
There are many oils that Marjoram blends well with, this is not an exhaustive list, just some suggestions:
- Bergamot
- Cypress
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Cedarwood
- Tea tree
- Chamomile
- Nutmeg
- Sweet orange
- Ylang ylang
- Eucalyptus
- Coriander
Therapeutic Uses:
Muscle relaxant, muscular spasm, muscular pain, general aches, numbness, bodily stiffness, abdominal pain, menstrual cramp, menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms, contusion, bruises, headache, gastrointestinal disorders, abdominal spasm, indigestion, intestinal spasm, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, insomnia, stress-related conditions, anxiety (from The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Wormwood, page 603).
Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil Benefits
This powerful oil is supportive to the immune, digestive and nervous system. It also has strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that are healing to muscles and bones. Check out the benefits of marjoram oil:
- Eases cold and flu symptoms due to its decongestant action
- Promotes peace and sleep
- Warming effects on emotions and the body
- Relieves sore muscles and bodily stiffness
- Valuable aid for women's health, including menstrual cramps
- Strengthens the lungs and clears congestion
- Restores an inner sense of courage and confidence
- Eases unwanted muscle spasms and inspires activity
- Improves circulation
- Helps promote a calming atmosphere
- Brings comfort during times of great distress or emotional grief
- Reduces the presence of unwanted bacteria, fungus, and viruses
Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil Uses
Sweet marjoram oil has a host of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep quality, and fighting fatigue. It also has a pleasant, sweet aroma that can be enjoyed in aromatherapy. Here are some of the best ways to use this essential oil!
- Perfect oil to add to soothing massage blends for targeting tired and stressed muscles.
- Have a difficult or strenuous task you need to accomplish? Apply a drop to a diffuser necklace and inhale the aroma as you keep on task.
- Apply to muscles before and after exercising, add 1 to 2 drops to unscented lotion or body oil.
- Inhale to calm the nerves and ease tension. Try our Relaxing Marjoram Bath Soak recipe below.
- Diffuse while studying to stay relaxed and focused, try diffusing with equal parts of frankincense for an added confidence boost.
- Place 1 to 2 drops on the shower floor just before you get in to support a healthy mind and body.
- Place one drop in the palm of hand, rub hands together then deeply inhale the aroma to relieve stress.
Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil Recipes
Are you looking for new ways to use sweet marjoram essential oil? Here are a few of our favorite recipes! We hope you enjoy them.
Quiet the Mind Body Oil |
This blend contains calming essential oils that help relax emotions during stressful moments.
Directions: Add essential oils to glass bottle, fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil (or carrier oil of choice). Apply to chest, neck and arms as desired. |
Sweet Sleep Diffuser Blend |
Enjoy this sweet blend at bedtime
Directions: Add essential oils to diffuser with recommended water. Read more about diffusing essential oils. |
Relaxation Inhaler |
Time to relax and enjoy your evening
Directions: Add essential oils to cotton wick and insert into inhaler. Read more about essential oil inhaler blends. |
Pre & Post Sports Rub |
Bring relief to your muscles by using this blend to desired areas of your skin before and after exercising
Directions: Add all ingredients to glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage on to desired areas. |
Stress Headache Roller Blend |
Ease stress and discomfort with this supportive recipe
Directions: Add oils into 10 ml Rollerball bottle and fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil (or favorite carrier oil). To use, roll on neck and shoulders to relieve muscle discomfort. 3% dilution. |
Relaxing Marjoram Bath Soak |
Soak away your worries and relax after a long day
Directions: Combine oils together, mix in pink salt. Add into warm bath water, swirl water with hands to disperse mixture. Makes one bath soak. |
Nap Time Diffuser Blend |
The blend name says it all...Nap Time!
Directions: Add essential oils to diffuser with recommended water. |
Easy Moving Joints Blend |
Stiff and sore joints can really hamper the day you have planned, try this blend of powerful oils to assist you in your daily activities.
Directions: Combine all ingredients into bottle, shake to blend. Apply small amount where needed. 2% dilution. |
Menstrual Cramp Relief Roller |
Relieve the discomfort suffered during the menstrual cycle.
Directions: Add all ingredients together in a 10 ml Rollerball bottle. Massage in a clockwise motion around the abdomen and lower back. Let the oil absorb in. |
General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10.
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.
Newbie to Oils? Get our guide below or read more here: Essential Oils for Beginners
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