Sweet marjoram essential oil: a scent for unwinding evenings

In the kitchen it is easily mistaken for oregano, its close cousin. Yet marjoram has a scent all of its own: softer, warmer, with a spicy, woody touch. Its essential oil keeps all that roundness, and it is one people happily reach for when they want to create a calm atmosphere in the evening.

What is sweet marjoram?

Sweet marjoram, also called knotted marjoram, Origanum majorana, is an aromatic plant of the Lamiaceae family, like thyme, rosemary and lavender. Native to the eastern Mediterranean, it has long been grown in European gardens. Its French name, "marjolaine à coquilles", refers to its small, rounded, tightly packed flower clusters, which set it apart from common oregano at first glance.

According to the product sheet, our essential oil is obtained from the plant's flowering aerial parts and comes in a 10 ml bottle. The sheet also states that its use requires the advice of a specialist. In our classification, sweet marjoram belongs to the monoterpenols; to find out what characterises this family, read our guide to essential oil families.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for diffusion or diluted massage, to accompany moments of rest and relaxation.

In a diffuser, at the end of the day

• Put four to five drops into a diffuser, following the device's instructions.
• Diffuse for 15 to 20 minutes in the living room before settling down to read or listen to music, then air the room.
• For a more floral note, pair it with true lavender; for a fresher one, with sweet orange.

In a diluted massage

• Mix two drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, such as sweet almond or sesame oil.
• Do a test in the crook of your elbow and wait 24 hours before first use.
• Slowly massage the shoulders, upper back or soles of the feet, taking time to breathe in its scent.

A tip: prepare your massage oil in small amounts, in a tinted glass bottle, and use it within the following weeks.

Precautions

Before you start. As its sheet states, the use of this essential oil requires the advice of a specialist. Do not swallow it and never apply it undiluted. Keep it away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Ask for advice before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for a child or if you are receiving medical treatment. Keep the bottle closed, away from light and out of the reach of children.

Our products

• Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana), 10 ml – flowering aerial parts; read the documentation tab before first use.

To conclude

Sweet marjoram is an oil with a warm scent, ideal for turning the end of the day into a small ritual, as long as it is well diluted. To put together a blend you like or check that it suits you, our team looks forward to seeing you at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains.