Marjoram essential oil is known for its warm woody-spicy aroma. The plant itself is highly aromatic with a pleasing peppery yet warm and fresh fragrance, which serves as a good remedy for chest problems and eases breathing. It blends perfectly well with other essential oils to produce sweet essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy and majorly for easing muscle aches, spasms, rheumatism, and arthritis.
Marjoram is a small perennial herb that is indigenous to the Mediterranean region but has spread across the world with a variety of health benefits. It grows to a height of about 24 inches and is sometimes cultivated annually in colder climates. The plant has tiny graphite flowers that grow in clusters, with a hairy stem and dark-green oval leaves; the plant has a strong aromatic fragrance.
In reference to the Greek mythology, the goddess of love (Aphrodite) was a huge fan of the herb and hence its’ use in producing love potions. Sweet Marjoram, whether dried or fresh, has been and still is a great complimentary to various dishes.
Did you know that the Romans called it “herb of happiness”? The ancient Egyptians also used Marjoram to aid in grieving.
Marjoram essential oil is pale yellow and has a watery viscosity. It is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant in full bloom. Marjoram takes about 150 days to grow where the leaves and flowers are picked and dried for several days. Thereafter, the essential oil is extracted through steam distillation. The plant is half-hardy, so they don’t do well in frosty conditions and can grow up to 3 years.
Marjoram essential oil is highly priced for its wide-range of health benefits thanks to its high source of health-promoting bioactive compounds. With enough research and study to support its medicinal values, it’s clear that this essential oil helps in heart diseases, kidney damage, liver toxicity, diabetes, and much more.
Below are some common uses and benefits of Marjoram essential oil.
Cardiovascular Health
Marjoram contains antioxidants, and this is very helpful to people suffering from high blood pressure and heart problems. It widens and relaxes the blood vessels, which eases the flow of blood and reduces blood pressure.
By simply inhaling marjoram essential oil, studies have shown that you can lower the sympathetic nervous system activity and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. This results to vasodilatation thus reducing blood pressure and cardiac strain.
Antispasmodic
The essential oil has proved an efficient remedy for curing almost all kind of spasms. It can effectively relieve spasm in the intestines and respiratory system, including muscular spasms that occur in the limbs. Marjoram is also helpful in curing convulsions, cramps, pulled muscles, and spasmodic cholera.
Antiseptic
Marjoram antiseptic properties make it a good remedy for both internal and external wounds. It has also been a common ingredient in many antiseptic creams and lotions.
Diabetes Management
Integrating Marjoram within your diabetic diet plan can go a long way in preventing and managing diabetes. Studies have shown that the essential oil acts as an inhibitor of the enzymes- protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). This is important when it comes to blood sugar management since the elimination of PTP1B and DPP-IV improves insulin signaling and tolerance.
Antiviral
This essential oil has antiviral properties that help to cure viral infections and ailments. This includes mumps, influenza, measles, common cold, and even pox.
Analgesic
Marjoram essential oil is also associated with pain related to inflammation, fevers, toothaches, headaches, overexertion of muscles, and colds. Unlike other type of analgesic pain relievers on the market, Marjoram has no adverse side effects.
Bactericidal
With antibacterial properties, Marjoram essential oil kills bacteria and thus can protect you from colic, malaria, food poisoning, typhoid including other bacterial infections in the skin, urinary tract, colon, and digestive system.
Relaxation
Marjoram oil relaxes muscles in the abdominal region, and this helps in handling gas trouble by providing easier downward passage. It is also helpful in getting rid of nausea, chest pain, stomachache, hypertension, indigestion, and excessive flatulence.
Brain Functioning
Marjoram has proved very effective in aiding in the functioning of the brain keeping it active all through the old age thus relieving debilitating conditions that include dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Blood Circulation
This essential oil has a warming effect on the body system since it enhances the circulation of blood flow and thus warms your cells. This property makes it an excellent remedy for excess phlegm and coughs as well as relieving the pain of rheumatism and arthritis.
Diaphoretic
The oil also promotes perspiration, which aids in the removal of harmful toxins, excess water, and sodium salt and hence keeps you healthy.
Digestion
For many years, Marjoram seeds have been used as a remedy to ease digestion. It is clear that the digestive properties of the seeds are from its essential oils. The oil promotes digestion simply by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices, bile, and acid in your stomach. Its sweet aroma stimulates your salivary glands aiding food digestion in the mouth. The oil also stimulates the peristaltic movement of your intestines to further help move the ingested food through the digestive tract, hence aiding regular bowel movements and digestion.
Emmenagogic
For women who have issues with obstructed, painful or irregular menstruation will highly appreciate the emmenagogic characteristic of this essential oil. Apart from clearing menses and making them regular, it also eases the symptoms associated with the menstrual periods, including abdominal pain, mood swings, dizziness, and headache. Furthermore, marjoram oil is very helpful in preventing premature or untimely menopause.
Fungicidal
Marjoram essential oil fungicidal properties help in inhibiting the growth of fungus.
It has proved a great yet effective remedy for curing fungal infection. This is very helpful in treating a number of skin diseases that are caused by fungi not forgetting that it also helps to cure dysentery – a disease that is caused by dangerous fungal growth.
Sedative
Marjoram essential oil induces a calming yet relaxing effect on both the body and the mind while at the same time it relieves anxiety and nervous stress. The essential oil can also be helpful in generating a happy mood in someone feeling angry or sad. This can be an effective way when helping people who are dealing with stress, trauma, or shock.
While Marjoram is considered to be safe and without any adverse side effects in adults, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children should avoid using the essential oil unless in food amounts.
It is also believed that it could cause cancer when used for too long in a medicinal fashion.
In general, the essential oil might cause, allergic reaction and hypersensitivity which is why you should always perform a test on your skin so that you know your tolerance level. You can always mix it with other milder oils to minimize its sensitizing effect.
It is wise to consult with your physician before you fully incorporate Marjoram into your health and treatment plan.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.
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