Marjoram for Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

A 2021 study found that people with Parkinson’s disease who drank marjoram tea daily had significant improvement in non-motor symptoms and depression compared to placebo over 30 days. The effect is thought to be due to enhanced antioxidant defense. Marjoram is not suitable for long-term use as it contains hydroxyquinone, which may be carcinogenic (could cause cancer). Long-term studies are lacking and there may be other side effects.

Chahra C, Anis H, Bissene D, Mejda S, Jihène M, Salma N, Manel N, Sana BA, Hedi K, Maha BF. The effect of Origanum majorana tea on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled pilot study. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2021 Oct;91:23-27. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.08.013. Epub 2021 Aug 25. PMID: 34455218.

Chahra C, Sawssen M, Anis H, Salma N, Manel N, Sana BA, Maha BF. Effect of Origanum majorana tea on oxidative stress biomarkers in Parkinson's disease: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Neuroscience. 2025 Nov 10;587:139-145. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.09.047. Epub 2025 Oct 4. PMID: 41052623.

“ABC Herbalgram Website.” Herbalgram.org, 2026, www.herbalgram.org/resources/commission-e-monographs/monograph-unapproved-herbs/marjoram/