Marjoram oil: traditional uses and how to use it safely

Marjoram oil is traditionally used as a massage oil for tired, aching muscles and joints, and for its herbal scent. Research in people is limited, so treat it as a cosmetic massage oil, not a treatment. Pure marjoram essential oil must be diluted, and it is not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. This guide is for visitors who want to try it in Sharm or take it home.

What is marjoram oil?

Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana, also called Majorana hortensis) is a bushy herb from the mint family. It grows 30 to 60 cm tall, with small oval leaves and white or red flowers.

The herb is native to the Mediterranean region. It is grown in many countries, including Egypt, Spain, Hungary, Germany, Poland and France. In the kitchen, the leaves are used as a herb and a garnish.

You may find two kinds of marjoram product:

• Marjoram essential oil. A pure, concentrated oil. The flowering stems contain only about 1 to 2% essential oil. It must be diluted before it goes on the skin.
• Marjoram massage oil. A plant oil, called the base or carrier oil, with marjoram added. Follow the directions on the label.

We stock Lotus marjoram oil, made by TNG, a cosmetics company founded in Egypt. Ask us to show you the label before you buy.

Traditional uses

Marjoram has a long history in folk medicine in many countries. A 2017 review collected these traditional uses. In India, the essential oil has been used to soothe joints and muscular pain. In Turkey, it has been used for headache and rheumatism. In Egypt, the leaves have been used for colds and chills.

Marjoram is also used in aromatherapy massage. In this kind of massage, one or more essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil and massaged into the skin.

Traditional use is not proof that an oil works.

What the evidence says

Most research on marjoram has been done in laboratories and on animals. The 2017 review lists many effects seen in these studies, such as antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Results in a test tube or in rats do not show that an oil works in people.

Studies in people are few and small. In one trial, 48 patients with period pain massaged their lower belly with a cream every day. Half used a cream with lavender, clary sage and marjoram oils, and half used a cream with a synthetic fragrance. Pain scores fell in both groups. Because the cream mixed three oils, the trial cannot show what marjoram does on its own.

More broadly, studies of aromatherapy have shown mixed results.

So enjoy marjoram oil as a massage oil, not as a treatment. See a doctor for pain that is severe, follows an injury or does not get better.

Safety

• Dilution. Do not put pure marjoram essential oil straight on the skin. Undiluted essential oils can make you allergic. Follow the label, or ask our pharmacist how to mix it with a plain oil.
• Patch test. Put a little of the diluted oil on the inside of your elbow for 7 to 10 days before you use it widely. An allergic rash can take several days to appear.
• Eyes. Keep it away from your eyes, and wash your hands after a massage. If oil gets in an eye, rinse it with clean water.
• Damaged skin. Do not use it on broken, irritated or sunburnt skin.
• Sun. Some essential oils can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so use it in the evening.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not use marjoram essential oil. Ask your doctor before you use any marjoram product.
• Children. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before using it on a child. Keep the bottle out of reach.
• By mouth. Do not swallow marjoram oil. Marjoram in food is not the same as a concentrated oil.
• Health conditions. If you have a long-term condition, eczema or sensitive skin, ask our pharmacist first.

If a rash, itching or burning starts, wash the oil off with soap and water and stop using it.

How to use marjoram oil for massage

1. Check the label to see whether it is a ready-mixed massage oil or a pure essential oil.
2. Dilute a pure essential oil as the label says, or ask our pharmacist.
3. Do a patch test first.
4. Warm a small amount between your palms.
5. Massage it gently into your shoulders, back, legs or feet, for example after a long day of walking or swimming.
6. Keep it away from your face, and wash your hands afterwards.

Need a plain base oil? Our coconut oil guide explains how to use coconut oil on the body.

How to choose and store it

Check the label for:

• the Latin name, Origanum majorana;
• whether it is a pure essential oil or a blend, and which base oil it uses;
• directions for dilution and use;
• an expiry date and an unbroken seal.

Keep the bottle tightly closed, in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children. If the smell changes, stop using it.

Need help in Sharm?

Ask about Lotus marjoram oil on WhatsApp or call +20 120 344 2201. Our pharmacists speak English, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian, and can read the label with you. See our other Egyptian natural oils, or order with free hotel delivery on orders from $30.