Marjoram Essential Oil

Latin name: Thymus Mastichina

Plant part used: leaves and flowering tops

Source: Spain

Extraction method: steam distillation

Marjoram essential oil is steam distilled from the Thymus mastichina plant, which has a hairy stem, oval leaves, and small whitish flowers in clusters. The entire plant exudes a strong aroma. This plant is actually wild thyme, but it is known as Spanish wild marjoram. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family of Spain and is not the same as sweet or French marjoram; it is also not oregano, which is also called wild marjoram.

This oil is said to be more effective than sweet marjoram when used as an expectorant for infections and spasms of the respiratory tract, as it has antiseptic properties for the upper respiratory tract, but it 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 calm the nerves and combat loneliness and rejection. It also aids digestion.

Spanish wild marjoram is known to have been used by herbalists since ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks and Romans crowned brides with marjoram wreaths to symbolize love, honor, and happiness. Marjoram tea with honey was used by singers to preserve their voices.