Background
- Sweet marjoram is a perennial herb used around the world medicinally and is also grown for its aromatic leaves, which are used in herbal culinary mixtures, such as herbes de Provence and za'atar. The essential oil is noted as having a sweet and spicy aroma.
- Sweet marjoram has traditionally been used to relieve muscle spasms, insomnia (inability to sleep), nausea, and headaches. In aromatherapy, marjoram is used to purportedly help calm individuals who have feelings of emotional instability or who are prone to hysteria or irritability. In early research, sweet marjoram has been studied for its effects in relieving symptoms of asthma, eczema, and skin irritation.
References
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