Although referred to as Marjoram, Spanish Marjoram is a member of the Thyme family and has a different chemical composition to the other commonly used essential oil, Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) ; however, they do share similar properties.
Marjoram (Spanish) Essential Oil
Where is Spanish Marjoram essential oil from?
Thymus mastichina (marjoram) oil is sourced from Spain. The harvesting & distillation of essential oils in the Spanish region is incredibly important as it represents 80% of the production of essential oils in Spain. The entire rural part of the Spanish northwest gains employment from the farming of essential oils.
How is Spanish Marjoram essential oil made?
Spanish Marjoram essential oil is extracted by steam distillation. It is harvested in May - June by hand collection with sickles in the early morning to avoid high temperatures. The steam used is always less than 0.5 bar, ensuring a high quality of essential oils since they are extracted at a low temperature. Steam distillation separates and purifies the natural aromatic compounds.
What does Spanish Marjoram look like?
Spanish Marjoram is a perennial herb growing to over 60 centimetres high - a perennial plant is a plant that lives more than two years. It looks to have a hairy stem and small, silver-green downy leaves with tiny, pinkish white flowers.
What does Marjoram essential oil smell like?
With a warm, spicy, scent and a hint of camphor, Spanish Marjoram is what is known as a middle note and sits with the herbaceous types of essential oils.
What does Marjoram essential oil smell like?
With a warm, spicy, scent and a hint of camphor, Spanish Marjoram is what is known as a middle note and sits with the herbaceous types of essential oils.
History of Marjoram
Since ancient times, Marjoram has symbolized love.
In Ancient Greece, Marjoram was said to have been created by the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite and was given to newlyweds as a symbol of good fortune. Greek women used an oil infusion with Marjoram on their heads, as a relaxant.
In Roman mythology, Venus, the Goddess of Love, was thought to bring Marjoram to earth as a reminder of her beauty.
In both ancient Greek and Roman societies, the bride and groom wore crowns made of Marjoram during the wedding ceremony and used in unguents and perfumes since known records.
What are the benefits of Marjoram essential oil?
- Marjoram essential oil is a valuable addition to a massage blend for the relief of cramping due to poor circulation, aching after exercise and for pain relief from strains and pains due to its analgesic properties (reduces pain sensation).
- With chest and sinus clearing properties, called expectorant, Marjoram can be used to help with head congestion & sore throats. If you are experiencing a cough or cold, Marjoram's antitussive properties (cough relieving) will be of benefit to you.
- A great time to take advantage of Marjoram benefits is at nighttime. Marjoram soothes the tensions of the day and clears mental clutter. A gift to light sleepers, calming Marjoram helps promote deep and nurturing rest.
- With sedative and calmative qualities, Marjoram supports us during challenging times by relieving the emotional burden of sorrows.
- Majoram may help relieve painful periods due to spasming and cramps with emmenagogue, to induce or regulate menstruation, properties.
- If you are feeling cold, Marjoram can help restore warmth with cleansing and circulating actions which will resonate throughout the body. Adding in diuretic properties with the stimulating nature of Marjoram can help with constipation and cleansing the digestive systems.
- Another benefit of Marjoram are the antiseptic and anti-infectious properties making it a great addition to your DIY cleaning products.
How do you use Marjoram essential oil?
- Diffuser: Add 6-8 drops to your diffuser and allow the wise and compassionate spiri of Marjoram soothe your anxious mind and lighten your troubles.
- Massage: Use a 2.5% dilution; 15 drops per 30ml of carrier oil. Massage into areas of tension, cramping or aching muscles.
- Bath: Add up to 5 drops in a dispersant, such as a carrier oil or honey, to the bath and allow your aches and pains to melt away.
- Hand or foot bath: Add 2 drops of essential oil to a bowl of water to restore warmth to hands and feet and ease arthritic joints.
- Compress: To a bowl of water, add 2 drops of essential oil. Agitate a face washer in the water, wring out excess moisture and apply face washer to the affected area. Repeat two or three times as the compress cools down or warms up to treat muscular complaints.
- Steam treatment: Add 1-2 drops in the corner of your shower to help clear the mind or for respiratory complaints.
Contraindications of Spanish Marjoram essential oil
Not suitable for babies and young children. Avoid during pregnancy. Marjoram is not recommended for long term use.
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Author: Georgia Doherty
Content & Community Coordinator
Georgia is the Content & Community Coordinator at ECO. Modern Essentials. Georgia oversees the company's social media platforms, helps coordinate brand collaborations, is a leader for ECO.'s content creation + DIY recipes and manages ECO.'s affiliate program. She is a qualified Beauty Therapist with extensive Dermal Therapy qualifications, a Diploma in Training Design & Development with a Aromatherapy Practitioner Certificate. Georgia is passionate about leading a happy & healthy life and helping educate those around her.
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