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Limited evidenceWomen's health

Marjoram

A culinary herb tested once, as a tea, in women with PCOS. One small pilot study is not a basis for treating a hormonal disorder.

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What the science says

  • Hormone markers in PCOS Limited evidence

    A randomized controlled pilot study of marjoram tea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome reported improvements in insulin sensitivity and a reduction in adrenal androgen levels. It enrolled 25 women over one month and was explicitly framed as a pilot.

  • Menstrual regularity or ovulation Limited evidence

    No trial has measured whether marjoram affects cycle regularity, ovulation or fertility in PCOS. The existing data stop at blood markers.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe pilot study used 2 g of dried marjoram brewed as a tea twice daily for one month. Capsule doses on the market are not based on any trial.
SafetySafe as a culinary herb. Concentrated extracts and essential oil are not the same thing, and marjoram essential oil should never be swallowed. Traditional use as an emmenagogue means it should be avoided in pregnancy; possible effects on blood clotting warrant caution before surgery.

How to take it

TimingTwice daily as a tea, as in the pilot study.
With food?With or without food.
Worth knowingNever swallow marjoram essential oil — the tea and the oil are not interchangeable, and the oil is not for internal use.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin, DOACs and antiplatelet drugs

    Concentrated marjoram may affect clotting and add to bleeding risk. talk to your doctor before combining, and stop before planned surgery

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does marjoram tea help PCOS?

The evidence is limited: a pilot randomized study of 25 women with PCOS reported better insulin sensitivity and lower adrenal androgens after one month of marjoram tea. No trial has measured cycle regularity, ovulation or fertility.

How much marjoram tea should I drink for PCOS?

The pilot study used 2 g of dried marjoram brewed as a tea twice daily for one month. Marjoram capsule doses on the market are not based on any trial.

Is marjoram safe to take?

Marjoram is safe as a culinary herb, but marjoram essential oil should never be swallowed. Avoid concentrated marjoram in pregnancy, and talk to your doctor if you take blood thinners, since it may affect clotting.

Scientific references

Related in Women's health

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)