Carrot seed oil is probably not what comes to mind when you think of aromatic essential oils that smell so good we insist on running the diffuser as often as we can. After all, carrots aren’t known for their aroma, but they are know for their skin benefits… but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Carrot seed essential oil is made from the seeds of daucus carota, which is the Latin name for the family of plants that include the orange carrots that we all know and love. The oil is made from the wilder version of the plant family called wild carrot or Queen Anne’s lace. Actually those orange carrots that we are all so familiar with did not exist in their current state until the 17th century. Dutch farmers cultivated orange carrots to honor William of Orange. All the other colors of carrots took a back seat to the orange carrot from that point forward.
Although most of the beta-carotin is found in the root of the plant, according to Valerie Ann Worwood’s book The Complete Book of Essential Oil & Aromatherapy, carrot seed oil contains beta-carotin along with other vitamins and minerals. Beta-carotin is what our bodies convert into Vitamin A. We all need Vitamin A for healthy skin and good vision.
Carrot seed oil also contains carotol which is a liquid sesquiterpenoid alcohol and is one of those great chemical compounds that helps with skin-rejuvenation.
Before we move on to the benefits of this essential oil, let me go over some other oils that you might see listed under the same name. There are 3 kinds of oils made from carrots:
The Essential Oil of Wild Carrot Seed
This is the oil we’re focusing on today. It’s made, like I stated above, from the seeds of the wild carrot plant. The seeds are cold pressed to produce carrot seed essential oil. However, in some instances the essential oil can be extracted distillation. Spark Naturals carrot seed essential oil is cold pressed. This plant is also called Queen Anne’s lace, Bishop’s lace,or bird’s nest. This oil will be labeled as an essential oil.
Cold-Pressed Carrot Seed Oil
Is cold pressed from carrot seeds (the orange carrots that you eat), not wild carrot seeds. Sometimes this oil is labeled (or called) carrot seed oil which can be confusing. This oil is sometimes labeled as a carrier oil. (Daucus carota, sativus)
Macerated or Infused Carrot Oil
This is an oil infusion made with the roots or leaves of carrots. These are often homemade but can be found at your favorite herbal store. Sometimes labeled as an herbal oil.
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Cedarwood, Geranium
Plant Parts Used
Seeds of the wild carrot plant. (Daucus carota)
Extraction
The seeds of the wild carrot plant are cold pressed. (Note: Spark Naturals carrot seed oil is cold pressed, other brands might distill the seeds)
How To Use Carrot Seed Oil:
Health
Use On Sensitive Skin–If your skin reacts to every kind of moisturizer or treatment, try applying a few drops of carrot seed oil with a carrier oil. Remember to always spot test.
Mature Skin–Because carrot seed oil has carotol it could help wrinkled skin look younger. Apply a few drops with a carrier oil regularly if you have problem areas you want to work on.
Muscle Pain–Put a few drops in a warm bath to help with minor muscle pain.
Respiratory Wellness–Put a few drops in an diffuser to help keep sinuses clear.
Hair–Carrot seed oil helps to condition hair. Spray a few drops in a water and vinegar solution on your hair after shampooing to help condition it.
Sun Damage Prevention/Damaged Skin–Although carrot seed oil has not been proven to be a sunscreen it can help prevent some of the damage the sun causes.
Dry Skin–If you suffer from dry skin use a few drops of carrot seed oil mixed with a carrier oil to help soothe your skin.
Mood
Promotes Calmness–Diffuse a few drops of carrot seed oil mixed in distilled water if you’re anxious about an upcoming event or project.
Helps With Insomnia By Promoting Relaxation–If have been having trouble sleeping diffuse carrot seed oil an hour or two before going to sleep.
Cleaning/Other
Antiseptic–Carrot seed oil can be added to homemade soaps and cleaner to help to kill germs.
Blends
Eye Cream with Carrot Seed Oil
6 teaspoons Jojoba Oil
10 drops Carrot Seed Oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Beeswax Pellets
5 teaspoons Rose Water
Heat beeswax, jojoba oil, and rose water in a double boiler. Heat over low heat until beeswax is melted. Stir well and remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients and pour into 4oz Mason jar. Use under and around eyes twice a day.
Dry Skin After Bath Oil
6 tablespoons of your favorite Carrier Oil
10 drops Frankincense or Myrrh
10 drops Geranium
1 drop Clary Sage
15 drops Lavender
1 drop Ylang Ylang
9 drops Bergamot
10 drops Carrot Seed Oil
Combine all oils in a glass bottle. One with a dropper works great. Apply to problem areas like elbows and knees after bath.
Better Skin Body Butter
1/2 cup Mango Butter
1/8 cup Avocado Oil
25 drops Lavender Oil (or more)
10 drops Carrot Seed Oil
Combine mango butter and avocado oil in a double boiler over medium heat. Remove from heat and place in the fridge for about an hour. Remove from fridge and add essential oil. Then place ingredients in a stand mixer and mix until light and fluffy. Store in an airtight container. If you live in a hot environment you might have need to store the body butter in the fridge.
Cautions
There are no known side effects to using carrot seed oil, however, pregnant women should not use this oil as a precaution to not disturb the uterus or interfere with normal hormones.
If you choose to ingest essential oil do so with caution. Carrot seed oil can help with respiratory problems but taking too much can cause convulsions and vomiting.
Always consult your healthcare professional before ingesting anything for medicinal use.
Don’t forget that I highly recommend Spark Naturals for all your essential oil needs, and when you use coupon code AWCOW you’ll get 10% off your purchase. Click here to order their carrot seed oil.
