DavidWolfe.comSo many herbs offer amazing health benefits as food or tea. Essential oils take your health to the next level, and marjoram essential oil is no exception.
Marjoram essential oil offers a variety of health benefits. For example, it’s great for digestive issues, and is also a fantastic migraine treatment. Even if you’ve never heard of marjoram, you’ve probably at least heard of its close cousin – oregano. Marjoram is a perennial herb that originated in the Mediterranean region. It contains a highly concentrated sources of bioactive compounds which are responsible for its many health benefits. Along with digestive issues and migraines, marjoram essential oil also treats depression, nerve pain and more. (1)
A Relaxing Oil With Mythological Roots
According to Greek legend, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, once used marjoram essential oil as a love potion. Perhaps that can be attributed to the oil’s ability to balance hormones. Whatever the reason, however, marjoram essential oil has plenty of fantastic uses. Its gentle, calming aroma, for example, makes it perfect to add to a relaxing bath or hot shower. In fact, marjoram is often used in soaps and shampoos. But there is more that this essential oil can do for you and your health. Learn more by reading the section below!
Marjoram Essential Oil Health Benefits
1. Digestive Health
Marjoram essential oil is a natural stimulant that can help improve digestion. The oil works to stimulate the movement of the intestines to aid in digestion and encourage the body to flush out harmful toxins. Drinking a cup of marjoram tea can help alleviate, for example, digestive problems such as nausea, flatulence, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation. Additionally, marjoram essential oil may also neutralize stomach acids to prevent gastric ulcers. Scroll down further to read more about this particular digestive benefit!
2. Hormonal Imbalance
Marjoram essential oil has been shown to naturally balance hormones. For example, it can provide relief from symptoms related to PMS, menopause and polycycstic ovarian syndrome. PCOS can cause an abundance of issues, including acne, an increase of unwanted body hair, diabetes and infertility. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found that marjoram tea improved insulin sensitivity and reduced the levels of adrenal androgens in women suffering from PCOS, to help better balance hormones. (2)
Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that marjoram essential oil may help in the production of breast milk. It may also stimulate menstrual flow. And this oil may help treat male fertility issues, as well. Research has shown a positive relationship between sperm count as well as an overall increase in testicular structure with the use of marjoram essential oil.
3. Type 2 Diabetes Management
Studies have shown that marjoram essential oil has the ability to inhibit the enzyme known as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B. By inhibiting this enzyme, marjoram oil works to improve insulin tolerance in the body. The findings suggest that marjoram oil should be a part of a diabetic diet plan to help the body properly lower blood sugar levels. (3) Individuals who use marjoram oil to treat diabetes, however, should be closely monitored by a physician during the course of treatment.
4. Cardiovascular Health
Also on the list of marjoram essential oil benefits is the ability to protect the heart. For example, marjoram oil works as a natural remedy for people who suffer from high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. Marjoram is packed with antioxidants. It also has the ability to help naturally widen and relax the blood vessels, to ease the flow of blood and lower blood pressure levels. Inhaling marjoram oil can help decrease blood pressure and relax the cardiovascular system. (4) Inhale it directly from the bottle, use with an essential oil necklace, or try adding several drops of the oil to a bath for an ultimate relaxing experience.
5. Pain Relief
Perhaps this is why Aphrodite used marjoram essential oil as a love potion. Marjoram oil induces relaxation, and the induction of a relaxed state of mind certainly makes it easier to fall in love! And when you’re relaxed, you’re less likely to experience pain to the same extent as you would if you’re tense. The anti-inflammatory and calming effects of marjoram essential oil work to reduce pain associated with muscle tightness, muscle spasms and tension headaches. Inhaling the oil or using it as a massage lotion can calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure and provide pain relief. Alternatively, soak in a marjoram essential oil bath to relieve pain and promote relaxation.
6. Gastric Ulcer Prevention
As mentioned above, marjoram essential oil works great to treat a variety of digestive-related issues. This includes prevention of the development of ulcers. A study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that marjoram oil has the ability to decrease the incidence of ulcers, basal gastric secretion and acid output. The oil was able to replenish depleted gastric wall mucus, which is a key factor in healing ulcer symptoms. (5) However, marjoram essential oil may irritate ulcers that already exist. It is primarily meant to be used for preventative treatment.
Possible Side Effects and Warnings to Consider
If you have never used marjoram essential oil before, be sure to test a small area before applying it in a liberal fashion. Watch for any adverse reactions, such as allergies. Should any arise, discontinue use. Otherwise, marjoram essential oil is safe to use for its many intended purposes.
Additionally, this oil may cause intestinal congestion, which can worsen a gastrointestinal block. If you have any allergies to the Lamiaceae plant family, you may want to avoid use. For example, an allergy to lavender, oregano, mint, sage or basil may indicate an allergy to marjoram, as well.
Marjoram may also worsen certain lung conditions, such as emphysema, as it increases fluid production. And while this oil is great for prevention of ulcers, it may irritate any existing ulcers. If you have issues with a slow heart rate, avoid use of marjoram, as it can cause heart rate to decrease. Those with hemophilia may experience more bleeding with the use of marjoram oil.
If you have any medical condition that may conflict with the use of marjoram essential oil, do not use or consult a doctor. Similarly, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your physician before using any essential oil.