Plant Profile

Marjoram

Compiled by the Omnia Sana editorial team from the plant database ·Last updated August 15, 2026

Origanum majorana

Family: Lamiaceae · Parts used: Flower, Leaf · Also known as: sweet marjoram, knotted marjoram

The complete database record: 3 documented constituents, 6 pharmacological actions, 10 traditional / indicated uses, with 17 cited sources.

Botanical Description

Tender perennial subshrub (Lamiaceae), often grown as an annual in cold climates, 20-60 cm tall, with square, downy, much-branched stems. Leaves are opposite, small, grey-green and ovate. Tiny white to pale pink, two-lipped flowers are borne in distinctive knot-like clustered spikes, the origin of the common name 'knotted marjoram'.^[6]

Height: 20-60 cm

Habit: Bushy, downy perennial subshrub (often grown as an annual)

Leaves: Opposite, small, grey-green, ovate

Flowers: Tiny, white to pale pink, two-lipped, in knot-like clustered spikes

Stem: Square, downy, much-branched

Root: Fibrous perennial rootstock (in warm climates)

Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)

Flowering Period: July-September

Habitat & Distribution

Native to Cyprus, Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean, and widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb in gardens worldwide; prefers full sun and well-drained, often calcareous soils.^[6]

Harvesting

The aerial flowering parts are cut just before or at flowering (summer), when essential-oil content is highest, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated place.^[9]

Parts: Leaf, Flower

Season: Summer, just before or at flowering

Key Constituents

Essential oil (terpinen-4-ol, sabinene hydrate, thymol, carvacrol)^[9]

The volatile oil, dominated by terpinen-4-ol and cis-sabinene hydrate in true sweet marjoram, gives most of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Essential (volatile) oilThymolCarvacrolTerpenes / terpenoids

Rosmarinic acid and phenolic acids^{[6, 8]}

Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Rosmarinic acid

Flavonoids^[8]

Minor antioxidant constituents of the leaf.

Flavonoids

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14]}

Antimicrobial^{[4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14]}

Antioxidant^{[2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14]}

Antispasmodic^{[1, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Digestive aid^{[6, 7, 12, 13, 14]}

Sedative / sleep support^{[6, 12, 13, 14]}

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →

Bloating^{[12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Bloating

more plants for bloating →detailed sources →

Indigestion^{[12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Indigestion

more plants for indigestion →detailed sources →

Infection (general)^{[4, 12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2

Label: Infection (general)

more plants for infection (general) →detailed sources →

Inflammation (general)^{[3, 12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2

Label: Inflammation (general)

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

more plants for insomnia / sleeplessness →detailed sources →

Menstrual cramps^{[12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Menstrual cramps

more plants for menstrual cramps →detailed sources →

Muscle spasm^{[1, 12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 2

Label: Muscle spasm

more plants for muscle spasm →detailed sources →

Skin irritation^{[12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Wounds^{[12, 13, 14]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1

Label: Wounds

more plants for wounds →detailed sources →

Traditional Use & History

Marjoram has a long Mediterranean culinary-medicinal tradition as a digestive carminative and mild sedative for indigestion, cramping and poor sleep, and as an antiseptic for minor wounds and infections. Modern research confirms antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from its essential oil and phenolic constituents.^{[6, 8]}

Preparations

Infusion (tea)^{[12, 13, 14]}

Dried herb steeped in hot water as a digestive, calming tea.

Essential oil (topical)^[4]

Diluted essential oil applied for muscular aches or minor skin infections.

Dosage

Infusion (tea)^{[12, 13, 14]}

Duke (2002) suggests about 1-2 g dried herb as tea, three times daily, or equivalent preparations. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy.

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14]}Caution

Generally very safe as a culinary herb. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts and avoided in pregnancy. Theoretically may interact with anticoagulants. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14, 15]}Caution

Duke (2002) rates marjoram (Origanum majorana) as +++ and notes antiviral, antispasmodic, COX-2 inhibitory, and antiseptic activities at the experimental level (score 1). It demonstrates antiherpetic activity in vitro. The plant contains rosmarinic acid and thymol, which contribute to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Dose: 1–2 g dried herb as tea three times daily or equivalent preparations. Duke notes the plant is generally well-tolerated with no significant contraindications at usual herbal doses (Duke, 2002).

Herb-Drug Interactions

Sedatives Cns Depressants^{[16, 17]}Caution

Mechanism: Marjoram is traditionally used as a calming, sedative herb; taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants (including alcohol) it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Harvest Readiness

^[11]

Part: flower

Signals: Cut the flowering tops as flowering begins, in summer.

Basis: traditional

Source Quote: The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be used fresh or dried.

Species Confirmed: 1

Notes: PFAF (REF-3304); the plant is cut as flowering begins (in flower June-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

^[11]

Part: leaf

Signals: Gather the leaves just before the plant begins to flower (late spring to summer), or through the first year.

Basis: traditional

Source Quote: Harvest leaves from the first year all year, but they are best in late spring to summer, just before the plant begins to flower.

Species Confirmed: 1

Notes: PFAF (REF-3304); the leaves are best gathered just before flowering (late spring to summer). Single lineage -> provisional.

External Identifiers

GBIF ›Wikidata ›

References & Sources

Rehman, N.U., Ansari, M.N., Ahmad, W. and Ali, A (2024) 'Calcium Channel Inhibitory Effect of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.): Its Medicinal Use in Diarrhea and Gut Hyperactivity', Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition), 29(2), pp. 47. doi:10.31083/j.fbl2902047 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.31083/j.fbl2902047
Hussein, Z. and Yasir, S.M (2022) 'Origanum majorana attenuates ciprofloxacin-induced nephropathy in rats', Wiadomosci Lekarskie, 75(12), pp. 3046-3049. doi:10.36740/WLek202212126 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.36740/WLek202212126
Elfiky, A.M., Ibrahim, R.S., Khattab, A.R., Kadry, M.O. and others (2025) 'Exploring the therapeutic potential of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) in polycystic ovary syndrome: insights from serum metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 25(1), pp. 67. doi:10.1186/s12906-025-04774-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04774-5
Waller, S.B., Cleff, M.B., de Mattos, C.B., da Silva, C.C. and others (2021) 'Protection of the marjoram (Origanum majorana Linn.) essential oil in cutaneous sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis', Natural Product Research, 35(17), pp. 2977-2981. doi:10.1080/14786419.2019.1678617 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1678617
Haj-Husein, I., Tukan, S. and Alkazaleh, F (2016) 'The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study', Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 29(1), pp. 105-111. doi:10.1111/jhn.12290 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12290
Bouyahya, A., Chamkhi, I., Benali, T., Guaouguaou, F.E. and others (2021) 'Traditional use, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacology of Origanum majorana L', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 265, pp. 113318. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113318 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113318
Al-Howiriny, T., Alsheikh, A., Alqasoumi, S., Al-Yahya, M. and others (2009) 'Protective Effect of Origanum majorana L. 'Marjoram' on various models of gastric mucosal injury in rats', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 37(3), pp. 531-545. doi:10.1142/S0192415X0900703X Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X0900703X
Bina, F. and Rahimi, R (2017) 'Sweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities', Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), pp. 175-185. doi:10.1177/2156587216650793 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216650793
Paudel, P.N., Satyal, P., Satyal, R., Setzer, W.N. and others (2022) 'Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil from Nepal', Molecules, 27(18), pp. 6136. doi:10.3390/molecules27186136 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27186136
Makrane, H., Aziz, M., Mekhfi, H., Ziyyat, A. and others (2019) 'Origanum majorana L. extract exhibit positive cooperative effects on the main mechanisms involved in acute infectious diarrhea', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 239, pp. 111503. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.005 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.005
Plants For A Future 'Origanum majorana (Sweet Marjoram)'. Available at: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Origanum+majorana Traditional / reference
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Origanum+majorana
Baser, K.H.C (2008) 'Biological and pharmacological activities of carvacrol and carvacrol bearing essential oils', 14(29), pp. 3106--3119. doi:10.2174/138161208786404227 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/138161208786404227
Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism
Seidler-Lozykowska, K. et al (2016) 'Essential oil content and composition of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) grown in Poland', 62(1), pp. 37--45. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Essential%20oil%20content%20and%20composition%20of%20sweet%20marjoram%20%28Origanum%20majorana%20L.%29%20grown%20in%20Poland
Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201
Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003

Selected studies & references

ReviewTherapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review source↗ (2024)

ReviewTraditional use, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacology of Origanum majorana L. source↗ (2021)

ReviewSweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities source↗ (2017)

ReviewSafety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care source↗ (2004)

RctThe effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study source↗ (2016)

PreclinicalExploring the therapeutic potential of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) in polycystic ovary syndrome: insights from serum metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation source↗ (2025)

PreclinicalCalcium Channel Inhibitory Effect of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.): Its Medicinal Use in Diarrhea and Gut Hyperactivity source↗ (2024)

PreclinicalChemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil from Nepal source↗ (2022)

All 16 studies in the Knowledge Finder →

Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions - always check before use.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.

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