Sweet Marjoram
Also called: Marjoram
Profile
| Latin Name | Origanum marjorana / Marjorana hortensis |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Lamiaceae/Labiatae |
| Note | Top-Middle |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Herbaceous, Sweet |
| Color | Clear |
| Parts Distilled | Leaves |
| Regions | Egypt, England, France, Hungary, North Africa, Spain |
| Taste | Spicy, Bitter, Sweet |
| Nature | Cooling |
| Affinity | LR, LU, ST |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Monoterpenols (~50%), monoterpenes (~40%) |
| Skin Type | Dry, Burns |
| Dosage | 6% dilution (higher dilution will be narcotic); overuse will numb the emotions resulting in the feelings of loneliness, rejection |
TCM Categories
- Release the Exterior & Cooling (marjoram)
- Clear Heat (LR)
- Regulate Qi
- Expel Damp-Hot Bi
- Fire Excess
- Metal Excess
Functions
- Descend Liver Yang Ascension and clear Liver Fire, migraines, high blood pressure
- Release Wind-Heat and wind-damp-hot bi-obstruction
- Alleviate cough (esp. whooping cough) and expel damp-hot phlegm
- Descend Stomach qi to promote peristalsis and relieve food stasis, reflux, and flatulence
Indications
- Liver Yang Ascension with Wind - migraine headaches, facial tic, epilepsy, vertigo, hypertension (GV-20, GB-20, LR-3, Taiyang)
- Liver and Heart Fire - agitation, anxiety, sexual aggression, tachycardia, insomnia, scanty menses (PC-8, LR-2, CV-14, LR-14, LI- ii)
Topical Applications
Other Applications
- Add 5-10 drops to bath water for its wei stimulating effects - depression (especially from loneliness, isolation, and/or broken-heart) and nervous exhaustion.
- Add 2 drops each of Sweet Marjoram, Cypress, and Thyme Linalool with some honey water and gargle for sore throat.
Specific Protocols
- 6% dilution of Sweet Marjoram (50%), Lavender (20%), and Sandalwood (30%) for Heart Fire and HT/PC Luo Vessels.
- 6% dilution of Sweet Marjoram (50%), Rose (20%), and Frankincense (30%) for Disturbed Shen (feelings of loneliness and isolation).
- 6% dilution of Sweet Marjoram (50%), German Chamomile (30%), and Lavender (20%) for Liver Fire.
- 6% dilution of Sweet Marjoram (40%), Rosemary (30%), and Lavender (30%) for Liver and Gall Bladder Divergent Channels.
- Direct on LR-5 and CV-2 to promote menstruation and to relieve menstrual cramping. Can also reduce sexual drive.
Actions
- Analgesic
- Antispasmodic
- Hypotensive
- Vasodilator
- Nervine
- Emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow)
Contraindications & Cautions
- Asthma?
- Not Used During Pregnancy
- Not for Pubescent Children
Notes
- With bergamot, for someone who has difficulty being in a loving relationship
- Helps being present for rites of passage
Additional Comments
- Sweet Marjoram is an excellent oil for rites of passage (e.g., marriage, funeral, graduation, etc.).
From Class
- Sweet marjoram: Oil that resonates with PC-7 Daling; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)