Marjoram - Herb for Dogs and Cats

marjoram herb for dogs and cats
3 min read
In this article:
  1. About Marjoram 
  2. Health Benefits of Marjoram
  3. Marjoram Paw Soak, Body Rinse for Dogs and Cats  
  4. Caution
  5. Dosing

1. About Marjoram

Marjoram is a perennial herbal plant that has been as a culinary herb, medicine and fabric dye since ancient times. The Greeks used marjoram as an ingested and topical medicine.

Wild marjoram and sweet marjoram are used for medicinal purposes. The cultivated species such as knotted marjoram, pot marjoram, sweet marjoram and winter marjoram are used for culinary purposes.

Marjoram is a member of the Labiatae family that also includes anise, basil, cumin, dill, fennel, etc.

1.1 Medicinal Properties of Marjoram

Marjoram contains multiple volatile oils that give the plant its medicinal properties. Marjoram is:
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-carcinogen
  • Adaptogenic
  • Anti-fungal 
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-microbial 
  • Anti-septic (mild) 
  • Anti-spasmodic
  • Anti-viral
1.2 Fresh Marjoram Leaves
 
Fresh marjoram leaves are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including:
  • Beta-carotenes
  • Essential oils 
  • Flavonoids, lutein and xanthin 
  • Vitamin A 
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K 
  • Iron 
  •  Magnesium

1.3 Marjoram can be used in various forms
 
Your dog can self-select the options she prefers:
  1. Dry powder
  2. Fresh leaves
  3. Tea, infusion
  4.  Tincture

2.0 Health Benefits of Marjoram for Dogs and Cats

A partial list:
  • Age Related Macular Disease (ARMD)
  • Anti-inflammatory
    • Sweet marjoram contains 10% eugenol an anti-inflammatory
  • External use to alleviate:
    • Arthritis
    • Pain from bruising
    • Muscular pain
    • Sprains
    • Stiff joints
  • Anti-Microbial
    • Apply to skin in the form of cooled tea bag or cloth compress first soaked in the cooled tea
  • Antioxidant – immune system boosting
    • The fresh leaves are high in vitamin C and can be added to your dog’s or cat’s food at meal time
  • Sweet Marjoram is a rich source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for (example)
    • Bone mass building
    • Treatment of canine dementia
  • Anxiety and depression
    1. Add fresh leaves, tea or tincture to food
    2. Or put a few drops of the essential oil on your dog’s collar or bed
  • Appetite stimulant
  • Nausea (sweet marjoram tea)
  • Nerve pain
  • Carminative
  • Cough and cold suppressant
    1. Steep 2 tsps dried marjoram in 8 ounces of boiling water, allow to cool.
    2. Offer the steeped marjoram liquid to your dog or ca.
  • Diabetes
  • Diuretic
  • Digestive disorders
  • Dizziness
  • Gall bladder issues, gall stones
  • Heart issues
  • Liver problems
  • Muscle spasms
  • Paralysis
  • Sleep problems
  • Tummy upset
  •  Vertigo

3.0 Marjoram Paw Soak or Skin Rinse

If your dog is experiencing yeast overgrowth (candida), the calming, cooling, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, vitamin and antioxidant rich properties of marjoram can help soothe irritated, itchy, inflamed paws and skin.
 
Brew a pot of marjoram tea. You can use marjoram tea bags or 1 tsp of dry marjoram for every 8 ounces of boiled water.

Allow the marjoram tea to steep for 15 minutes, then remove the marjoram and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. The marjoram tea is now ready to use as a paw soak of body rinse.

 
4. Cautions

If your dog or cat is allergic to members to the Lamiaceae family of plants, e.g., anise, basil, cumin, dill, fennel, hyslop, mint, sage, oregano, don't use marjoram.
 
If your dog or cat is pregnant or lactating do not use marjoram essential oil.


5.0 Dosing Guideline
Dosing Based on Dog or Cat’s Weight
Weight
Dry Powders

Teas
Capsules/Tablets
Tinctures
1-10 lbs
a small pinch up to 1/8 tsp
less than 1/4 cup, 1-3 times/day
1/2 capsule, 1-3 times/day
1-3 drops, 2-3 times/day
10-20 lbs
1 larger pinch - 1/8 to ¼ tsp
1/4 cup, 1-3 times/day
1/2-1 capsule/tablet, 1-3 times/day
3-5 drops, 2-3 times/day
20-50 lbs
2 pinches - 1 teaspoon
1/4-1/2 cup, 1-3 times/day
1-2 capsules/tablets, 2-3 times/day
5-10 drops, 2-3 times/day
50-100 lbs
2 pinches - 2 teaspoons
1/2-1 cup, 1-3 times/day
1-2 capsules/tablets, 3-4 times/day
20 drops, 2-3 times/day
Over 100 lbs
up to 1 tablespoon
up to 1 cup 3 times/day
adult human dose
adult human dose


Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat
 
For information about my holistic diet, nutrition, wellness services visit my:
 
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For information about my holistic behavioral services visit my:
For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds
 
My holistic behavioral services are available locally in-person and worldwide via video session.
 
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Affiliations to Companies
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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld

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