Why is Wild Carrot Seed so Unique?
When you think of Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil you might have in mind the conventional orange root vegetable. However, it actually comes from the seed of the Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) plant, commonly known as Queen Anne's Lace.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PLANT
The Wild Carrot plant can grow between 1-4 feet tall, with fern-like leaves and hairy stems that hold a flat cluster of tiny white blooms, sometimes with a burgundy colored floret in the center.
Be careful of a look-a-like plant called Poison Hemlock. It’s pretty easy to tell the difference. Poison Hemlock stems are smooth and purple or with purple splotches whereas Queen Anne’s Lace stems are hairy. Poison Hemlock smells bad, but Wild Carrot smells just like carrots! Queen Anne’s Lace also has three-prong bracts extending from the base of the flower where Poison Hemlock does not. Knowing the difference can save a life.
Another look-a-like plant is yarrow. Yarrow is also known as milfoil which is a reference to its feathery appearance from fern-like feathery leaves. These bright green frilly leaves are one of the defining characteristics that make yarrow stand out from look-alike plants. The stalk grows to about 2-3 high and ends in clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. The flowers are usually white and can sometimes be light pink. Yarrow is non-toxic.
Watch my video below to see how I distill wild carrot seed!
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil is steam distilled from the dried seeds of the Daucus carota (Queen Anne's Lace). Essential oil can only be obtained through the distillation process. Essential oils are concentrated and should be used sparingly, and diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Wild Carrot Seed Hydrosol is also obtained from the same process that extracts the essential oil. Please be aware of safety and essential oil use.
Carrot Carrier Oil is derived by macerating (soaking) the common garden variety carrot root into another oil such as olive oil and then straining it. Also known as a carrot root oil infusion.
Carrot Seed Carrier Oil is obtained by infusing a vegetable oil with cold-pressed Wild Carrot seeds. This is a fatty acid carrier oil and is not the same thing as the essential oil.
BENEFITS FOR THE SKIN
Wild Carrot Seed Hydrosol. Keep your face ageless with Wild Carrot Seed Hydrosol. Daucus carota (wild carrot) seed is widely used in facial care for bright and vibrant skin. Due to its carotol content it has the ability to rejuvenate the look and feel of skin which makes it a great ingredient for mature skin. Carrot seed firms and tones and brings new life to skin. It addresses imbalances in both dry or oily skin types and is reputed for helping with sensitive skin.
Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil is a great addition to any anti-aging formula for the face because of its ability to rejuvenate dry and mature skin. Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil is abundant in carotenoids (a class of phytonutrients) which are powerful antioxidants [See 1] that protect human cells and decrease skin damage from ultraviolet exposure. It's antibacterial [See 2] and anti-inflammatory making it great for mature skin. It improves the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging and is great for toning and tightening and helps sagging skin.
The major constituent in Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil is carotol which is responsible for its antifungal properties and is what gives it it’s wonderful skin healing properties. Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil is one of the best skin revitalizing essential oils.
PRODUCTS WITH WILD CARROT SEED
Because of the furanocoumarin content in wild carrot seed essential oil, which causes photosensitivity, when applying carrot seed essential oil (diluted) to the skin, you should stay out of direct sunlight for at least forty-eight hours. For this reason, some may wish to use a wash-off product, such as Wild Carrot Soap, without that restriction.
BENEFITS FOR AROMATHERAPY
Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil is uplifting, soothing and helps clear away mental stress. It has a refreshing and grounding effect and is known to diminish feelings of fatigue and anxiety. Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil’s aroma is sweet, earthy, root-like and is uniquely complex that it can almost be a perfume in itself. It blends well with cedarwood, cypress, geranium, and orange.
SAFETY TIPS
- Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil is very potent, and a little goes a long way - usually one or two drops will do. Its best used diluted with another oil
- It contains a large amount of furanocoumarin, which causes photosensitivity. When you apply the oil to your skin, keep out of direct sunlight for at least forty-eight hours
- Do not take internally
- Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- For safety information, read my Essential Oil Guides.
Do you have experience with Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil? Leave your comments below.
With lots of love and youthful skin,
3 comments
@Ms Quynh, Carrot oil, which is a carrier oil and not an essential oil, does have a slight ability to protect skin from the sun. It does not, however, have a known SPF and should not be used as a sunscreen.
Hello
I have both wild carrot seed oil and essential oil. But it’s said that it can prevent UV sun damage for skin. So it’s suggested to apply on skin when go out.
Why on earth would you leave the warning about furanocoumarins till the very end of this article?!!