Lamiaceae
Sweet Marjoram
Origanum majorana
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Mediterranean, North Africa
Also known as: Knotted Marjoram, Annual Marjoram, Garden Marjoram
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Anxiety (aromatherapy — significant evidence), digestive spasm, IBS, insomnia, muscle tension headaches, rhinitis (steam inhalation), menstrual cramps, nervous tension.
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, carminative, anxiolytic, mild sedative, antiseptic, antifungal
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (cis-sabinene hydrate 40–70%, terpinen-4-ol, sabinene, γ-terpinene), flavonoids, ursolic acid, luteolin, caffeic acid
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min covered, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–3 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Essential oil most studied form — 2–3% in carrier for massage, or diffuser for anxiety. Internal tea pleasant and effective for digestive and nervous complaints. Gentle enough for children. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid therapeutic doses in pregnancy (emmenagogue). Essential oil not for internal use. Otherwise very safe.
Side Effects: Contact dermatitis from essential oil. Sedation at high doses. Otherwise minimal side effects.