The health benefits of carrot seed essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, disinfectant, detoxifier, antioxidant, and an anticarcinogenic. Moreover, it is a carminative, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, stimulant, cytophylactic, tonic, and a vermifuge substance.
Carrot Seed Essential oil
Carrot seed essential oil is extracted by steam distillation, primarily from the dried seeds of wild carrot (Daucus carota) and also from the dried plant itself. The wild carrot is common in Europe, though it is often known by another name in that region, which is “Queen Anne’s Lace”. Apart from its components like alpha pinene, beta pinene, gamma-terpinene, limonene, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, beta bisabolene, carotol, and geranyl acetate, carrot seed oil is also rich in carotene and vitamin A, both of which are very beneficial for the eyes and are effective antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Let’s explore more of the impressive health benefits of this essential oil below.
Antioxidant Properties
Carrot seed essential oil can help you retain your youth. Antioxidants in this essential oil repair the damages done to your tissues by oxidants (free radicals) and stop them from doing further harm. These antioxidants protect your skin from wrinkles, keep your hair from turning white, your joints from stiffening, your muscles from weakening and your eyesight from declining. They can protect you from macular degeneration, sexual weakness, weak digestion, some forms of cancer, and other problems related to aging.
Treats Infections
This powerful essential oil can treat infections and protect against their effects, according to a research study by Jorge M. Alves-Silva et al. (Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2016). It has antiseptic properties, including its ability to prevent tetanus. Carrot seed oil can be used for the treatment of infections on the skin and in open wounds. When ingested, it effectively helps to treat infections of the throat, mouth, colon, stomach, intestines and urinary system. It is extremely effective in treating sores, gangrene, psoriasis, ulcers, rashes, carbuncles, and other such problems. It is used for the treatment of viral infections of the respiratory system, including bronchitis. It is effective in fighting other viral infections as well, including the flu, mumps, coughs, colds, and measles. [1] [2]
Detoxifies the Body
Carrot seed oil has the ability to detoxify the blood, tissues, muscles, and internal organs like the liver and kidneys. According to a study titled “Nutritional and Health Benefits of Carrots and Their Seed Extracts”, an animal study conducted by Singh et al. showed that the oil extract had hepato-protective and cardioprotective properties. It can neutralize excess bile secreted by the liver and cure infections in cases of jaundice. It eliminates toxins like uric acid from the blood, tissues, muscles, and joints, thereby helping to treat and slow the progression of edema, arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. [3]
Cold-pressed carrot seed oil is used in cosmetics for anti-aging properties in skincare. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Expels Gases
Do you feel like you’re ballooning up from all of the gas that you’ve accumulated in your system? If you’ve ever felt this way, then carrot seed oil can keep your feet firmly on the ground. It will help to expel gases from the intestines. You will probably feel so relaxed and light that you will think you can really fly!
Diuretic Properties
Carrot seed oil is diuretic in nature, meaning that it increases urination. It may seem that there is no apparent benefit of this property, but you will be surprised to see that urination alone can keep you safe from many ailments. Each time you urinate, fat (almost 4% of the volume), toxic substances like uric acid and bile, and microbes that cause infections in the urinary system and otherwise, are removed from the body with urine. Furthermore, it reduces blood pressure and cleans the kidneys. It is also helpful in clearing out the renal calculi.
Emmenagogue
When something is an emmenagogue, it means it eases the process of menstruation, making it less painful and more regular. This particularly helps when someone is suffering from irregular or obstructed menses.
Stimulant
We all know the meaning of a stimulant, and carrot seed oil delivers in this way as well. It stimulates both circulation and metabolic function. It also stimulates the secretion of hormones, enzymes, gastric juices, bile, and the peristaltic motion of the intestines, thus keeping all the organic systems active and efficient. It also stimulates brain functions and nerves, thus making you more alert and active.
Eliminates Worms
Carrot seed oil can kill, but not you, don’t worry. More specifically, it can eliminate the worms in your intestines. It can help children get rid of this annoying problem, which can result in malnutrition and other harmful conditions.
Acts as Tonic
Something that tones the body is a tonic and carrot seed oil definitely falls into this category. It tones up tissues and muscles and increases their efficiency; it tones the liver, stomach, and the flow of digestive juices, thus bringing the entire digestive system to normalcy. It also tones the skin and prevents it from hanging loose or showing signs of aging.
Stimulates Growth
Carrot seed essential oil stimulates the growth of new cells and tissues.
Other Benefits
It is widely used in aromatherapy due to its mild and soothing earthy aroma which is very effective in relieving stress and anxiety and giving a refreshing feeling. It is good for the skin and protects it from developing wrinkles. Carrot seed oil also relieves muscle aches, treats anorexia, enhances the production of erythrocytes, and improves your eyesight.
Application: You can use the oil in an aromatherapy diffuser. If you are planning to use it topically, it is best to combine it with other essential and carrier oils. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil are all good carrier oils.
Word of Caution: There are no known risks of the essential oil, but pregnant women should avoid it since research has not been conducted to tell which attributes and stimulating qualities are passed to the fetus. According to “Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals”, carrot seed essential oil contains terpinen-4-ol, which has a diuretic effect. Excessive use can cause irritation to the kidneys. It is advised to always consult your medical doctor before using essential oils. [4]
Blending: Although there are different blends for different purposes, carrot seed oil mixes well with Bergamot, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Avocado, Cedar Wood and Geranium oil.
