Marjoram Essential Oil

Latin Name: Thymus Mastichina

Part of Plant Used: Leaves & Flowering Tops

Source: Spain

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

Marjoram Essential Oil is steam distilled from the plant Thymus mastichina, which has a hairy stem, oval leaves and small whitish flowers in clusters. The whole plant gives off a strong aroma. This plant is actually wild thyme, but is known as Spanish Wild Marjoram. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family from Spain and is not the same as Sweet or French Marjoram; neither is it oregano, which is also called wild marjoram.

This oil is said to be more effective than sweet marjoram when used as an expectorant for respiratory tract infections and spasms, as it has antiseptic properties for the upper respiratory tract but is not a muscle relaxant or a sedative, as sweet marjoram is. Spanish Marjoram oil is commonly used in aromatherapy and blends well with lavender and bergamot oils to create a relaxing atmosphere. When used in an oil burner or in a massage oil, this herb is said to soothe the nerves and fight loneliness and rejection. It also aids digestion.

Spanish Wild Marjoram is known to have been used by herbalists since ancient Greece. Ancient Greeks and Romans would crown bridal couples with marjoram wreaths to symbolise love, honour, and happiness. Marjoram tea with honey was used by singers to preserve their voices.