Essential Oil of the Month: Sweet Marjoram
Warming and comforting, sweet and herbaceous, Sweet Marjoram brings us a sense of deep peace, self-nurturing, and connects us to our still small voice within. Marjoram’s refreshing scent helps to quell any feelings that one must carry their worries alone.
According to Greek mythology, Marjoram was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, which led to it being used to make love potions and intertwined in love stories. It was considered a symbol of love and honor and was commonly used to create wreaths and garlands for both weddings and funerals. Young people of the time would carry a sprig of marjoram, so they would attract a sweet and compatible love.
“Marjoram was dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and desire. That she was commonly referred to as a ‘lover of laughter’ reminds us of the joyfulness and contentment that marjoram oil can inspire.” Gabriel Mojay
During the Middle Ages, European women used the herb in nosegays, small flower bouquets often carried at wedding ceremonies.
Even today, Marjoram is used in wedding rituals and in certain cultural practices for its reputation of being a “lucky” plant, bringing joy and happiness, good fortune, and the power to bring about positive life changes.
Known by Ancient Greeks, as well as in modern times as “joy of the mountains,” which name is derived from the Greek words oros and ganos, referring to its genus name, Origanum, which it shares with its cousin, Oregano. While both are often used as culinary herbs, Marjoram is sweeter and milder than pungent Oregano and they do have a differing chemical makeup. Though they do have some overlapping qualities, they are not the same.
Spiritually, Sweet Marjoram essential oil is useful for spiritual growth to align us with higher spiritual realms, bringing clarity and accessing universal energy and inner truths.
Some useful aspects of Sweet Marjoram:
- Promotes peace
- Has warming effects on emotions and body
- Brings the message to BREATHE
- Restores an inner sense of courage and confidence
- Great in a massage oil, especially after exercise
- Helps promote a calm atmosphere
HOW TO INCORPORATE SWEET MARJORAM’S QUALITIES INTO YOUR LIFE:
Bedtime Spray:
4 drops Lavender (vera or angustafolia)
3 drops Sweet Marjoram
3 drops Bergamot
Blend the above oils in 1 oz. distilled water. Roll the bottle between your hands to warm and integrate the oils, then spray lightly on pillowcase. Allow to dry before lying on the pillow and drifting off to sweet sleep.
Diffuser: The above recipe could also be used in a bedside diffuser. Use 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil blend to your diffuser before bedtime.
Massage Oil: Marjoram’s warming and soothing effects make it an excellent option for massage blends, too, especially useful after exercise or before bedtime. Blend the above recipe into 1oz. jojoba oil, sweet almond, or your favorite carrier oil.
Anointing: Energetically Sweet Marjoram is associated with the Heart Chakra. It can promote harmony and foster loving bonds, self-confidence, compassion, and well-being. It can fortify feelings of safety and trust, deepening loving relationships, and allowing an opening to new connections. Try making an anointing oil by adding 2 drops of Sweet Marjoram to half teaspoon of jojoba oil. Apply using your fingertip gently and sparingly with intention to the area above the heart (Heart Chakra).
TIP: For added love energy, place a rose quartz crystal, or wear a rhodochrosite heart pendant.
Popular Sweet Marjoram Products from Body Bliss
PRECAUTIONS: Not for use during pregnancy or nursing, or for children. Always consult your physician if you have a medical condition, are taking medication or particularly if you have an ulcer or bleeding disorder.
