MARJORAM ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Marjoram is a plant in the Lamiaceae family of plants. Other plants in this family include basil, chia seeds, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. It is very similar in appearance to oregano and is often mistaken for it.
Marjoram contains lots of essential oils, the most allergenic are considered to be carvone, eugenol, limonine and linalool. These are all linked with allergic contact dermatitis. Eugenol is a chemical compound which can also cause contact allergies - this is what gives the food flavour and fragrance. These contact reactions are sometimes mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Marjoram contains lots of essential oils, the most allergenic are considered to be carvone, eugenol, limonine and linalool. These are all linked with allergic contact dermatitis. Eugenol is a chemical compound which can also cause contact allergies - this is what gives the food flavour and fragrance. These contact reactions are sometimes mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Food Intolerances
Marjoram is low in FODMAP which stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Marjoram is a food high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
An allergy to marjoram is linked to contact allergic dermatitis, this is due to the many essential oils which the leaves of the herb contain, including limonene and eugenol.
Cross Reactivity
As there are no identified food allergens in marjoram cross reactivity is linked to other aromatic herbs in the same family of plants inlcuding mint, oregano, sage and thyme.
Other plants which contain eugenol include allspice, bay leaf, basil, cinnamon, turmeric, clove, mace, nutmeg, pepper, ginger, oregano and thyme.
Note that this list is not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Other plants which contain eugenol include allspice, bay leaf, basil, cinnamon, turmeric, clove, mace, nutmeg, pepper, ginger, oregano and thyme.
Note that this list is not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Resources
Websites
Allergen Encyclopedia - Marjoram
DermNet NZ - Allergic contact dermatitis to essential oils
DermNet NZ - Limonene and Linalool
Articles and Journals
Spice and Herb Frauds: Types, Incidence, and Detection: The State of the Art, 2023
Biological Properties and Prospects for the Application of Eugenol — A Review, 2021
Angioedema Due to Lamiaceae Allergy, 2018
Labiatae Allergy: Systemic Reactions Due to Ingestion of Oregano and Thyme, 1996
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