Marjoram Essential Oil

If you have spent some time cooking, you are probably familiar with the herb marjoram. When the flowery heads of the marjoram plant are steam distilled, marjoram essential oil is produced. This oil is a marvelous addition to the ingredients used by soap makers and aromatherapists. Marjoram oil offers them a variety of benefits. Emotionally, this herbaceous oil is known to be one of the most sedating, calming and warming of all the essential oils. It releases nervous tension and can often induce hyperactive people to slow down. The physical benefits of marjoram include the relief of headaches, pain reduction of sore muscles and joints and the ability to ease cramping, including menstrual cramps. Marjoram essential oil is also beneficial to the treatment of respiratory illnesses, including colds, bronchitis, asthma and sinusitis. It can combat insomnia and migraines. Marjoram's therapeutic properties include antiviral, antiseptic, analgesic, fungicidal and several others.

Marjoram essential oil has a warm and penetrating aroma that is slightly spicy, herbal and clean. It is a thin oil that is yellow when it is fresh but turns brown as it ages. It contributes a rich middle keynote to a variety of recipes used by soap makers and aromatherapists. Here are just a few recipes featuring marjoram essential oil that you may enjoy trying.

Insomnia Soap

7.5 oz olive oil
7.5 oz coconut oil
7 oz palm oil
1.5 oz castor oil
1.5 oz cocoa butter
7.5 oz distilled water
3.6 oz lye

At trace:

½ -tablespoon marjoram essential oil

½-tablespoon chamomile roman essential oil

½ tablespoon rose essential oil

Blend essential oils and set aside. Pour lye into water and cool to 105 degrees. Melt and heat carrier oils to 105 degrees. Pour lye/water into carrier oils. Bring to trace and add essential oils. Pour into mold, cover and let sit undisturbed for 24 hours. Cure for 3-4 weeks.

I've Got A Headache Soap

5 oz hempseed oil
5 oz coconut oil
6 oz olive oil
2.3 oz lye
6 oz distilled water

At trace:

2-teaspoon rosewood essential oil

1 teaspoons marjoram essential oil

1-teaspoon lavender essential oil

Blend essential oils and set aside. Pour lye into water and cool to 105 degrees. Melt and heat carrier oils to 105 degrees. Pour lye/water into carrier oils. Bring to trace and add essential oils blend. Pour into mold, cover and let sit undisturbed for 24 hours. Cure for 3-4 weeks.

Spice Blossoms Soap

4 oz jojoba oil
8 oz olive oil
2.4 oz coconut oil, 76 degree
1.6 oz cocoa butter
1.9 oz lye
6.08 oz water

At trace:

1-teaspoon ylang ylang essential oil
1-teaspoon mandarin essential oil
1-teaspoon marjoram essential oil

Pour lye into water. Cool to 115 degrees. Heat oils to 115 degrees. Pour lye/water mix into oils. Bring to trace. Add essential oils. Pour into mold, cover and let sit for 24 hours. Remove from mold and cure 3-4 weeks. This makes a 1-pound batch of soap.

Sweet Dreams Bath Oil

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops marjoram essential oil
3 drops clary sage essential oil
1 oz jojoba or sweet almond oil

Blend oils together in small bottle. Shake well to mix. Draw a warm bath and add some of this mixture to the water. Soak for at least 15 minutes.