Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Daucus carota subsp sativus

Carrot seed essential oil is extracted from the plant with the botanical name Daucus carota.

It is also called wild carrot and Queen Anne’s lace.

The word ‘carrot’ was first recorded in English circa 1530. It was borrowed from Middle French carotte, which itself originated from Late Latin ‘carōta’, from Greek ‘καρωτόν’ or ‘karōton’.

Wild carrot was known to Europeans since prehistoric times. It is thought that carrot came to Europe from Afghanistan and Persia. Greek philosopher, Theophrastus (c. 371 – c. 287 BC) mentions carrots in his ‘History of Plants’ and so does his friend and colleague from the Peripatetic School, Phaenias. Garden carrots have been selectively bread from the wild ancestor in Middle Ages. Wild carrot still grows happily in the Greek countryside.

In Chinese medicine, carrot seed was known to treat dysentery and to remove worms.

What does carrot seed oil smell like?

Carrot seed oil has a sweet, dry and earthy aroma, slightly woody and herbaceous.

Which part of the plant provides the oil?

Dry seeds.

Where has carrot seed essential oil been sourced from?

Central Macedonia, Greece

How is carrot seed essential oil extracted?

Carrot seed  oil is extracted by steam distillation.

This involves using steam from boiling water to extract the essential oil from the plant.

The heat from the steam causes the plant’s cell walls to open allowing the essential oil to be released.

What other oils blend well with carrot seed essential oil?

Carrot seed essential oil blends well bergamot, cedarwood, geranium, juniper berry, lavender, lemon and lime as well as many citrus and spicy oils.

How can I benefit from carrot seed oil?

Carrot seed essential oil is used for common complaints such as skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, skin irritations, rashes, devitalised ageing skin, wrinkles, dull, pallid, tired complexion, loss of tone;
liver support – after the acute phase of hepatitis or bilious attack.

It can be a perfect treatment for ageing and mature skin as well as those dealing with skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Carrot seed oil may be handy to have nearby in the cooler weather, as it is helpful with dealing with cold and flu symptoms due to it’s antiseptic properties.

For anyone suffering from conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism, carrot seed oil massaged into the affected areas may help to stimulate circulation, providing some relief.

Are there precautions I should know about?

Carrot seed essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy.