When we think of essential oil, we do not often think of carrot seed oil; however, this essential oil has a wide range of health benefits. In this article, we will look at some of the most common uses for carrot seed essential oil and how it might benefit you.
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What Is Carrot Seed Essential Oil?
Carrot seed oil comes from a plant known as Queen Anne’s Lace or simply wild carrot. The plant features beautiful white flowers and roots which have a carrot-like aroma. It is important to remember that carrot seed oil is not the same as carrot oil, a different substance created by crushing carrot roots.
The essential oil is extracted from the carrot seed through a cold-pressing process, and the plant can be found growing all over the world, including in Europe, Australia, and across North America.
Uses And Benefits Of Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Carrot seed essential oil can be used in aromatherapy and used as a topical treatment in a massage. It provides us with a wide range of benefits that we will take a closer look at.
Anti-fungal Properties
There has been a lot of research on the anti-fungal properties of carrot seed essential oil, and it looks promising. It is thought that carrot seed essential oil has the power to kill off certain types of fungus, which can be responsible for causing conditions such as oral or vaginal thrush.
These conditions can be irritating and painful, but through the use of this oil, the fungus may be killed and relief provided.
It Has An Anti-Oxidant Effect
Carrot seed essential oil has been shown to have a potent antioxidant effect that can be beneficial in many ways. One of the many reasons this can be used to our advantage is that products that can provide an anti-oxidant effect are excellent in tackling the signs of skin aging, such as lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
What’s more, it is believed that the oil can increase the elasticity of the skin, which further improves its appearance where aging is concerned.
In addition to this, it is thought that the antioxidant properties of the essential oil can be very beneficial in the health of the liver, therefore preventing liver damage. This detoxification process may also aid in the prevention of conditions such as jaundice and gout.
Improve The Hair And Skin
When it comes to maintaining healthy skin and hair, there are a wealth of products available on the market, but it may be a simple as using carrot seed essential oil to prevent damage and keep skin and hair looking their best.
Carrot seed oil is known to have a high anti-inflammatory effect, and this makes it ideal for treating skin conditions from acne to eczema, providing relief from redness and pain. In addition to this, the oil has some excellent anti-bacterial properties, which can keep the skin cleansed and free from infection.
With high levels of vitamin A, this particular essential oil is very good at keeping the hair healthy and strong and can be applied to the head for massage purposes.
Natural Sun Screen
Staying safe in the sun is imperative in avoiding conditions such as burns and skin cancers. One of the great benefits of carrot seed essential oil is that it contains a natural sunscreen equivalent to a factor of 25-30!
What’s more is that the oil will allow the ‘healthy’ rays from the sun through to the skin, giving you that all-important vitamin D boost. Of course, it is never advisable to remain out in the sun for long periods of time, so even whilst using carrot seed oil, staying covered and shaded is always the best option.
Stomach Health
Some scientific studies have demonstrated that carrot seed essential oil may be beneficial in the healing and prevention of stomach ulcers. The carrot seed oil contains a compound known as alpha-pinene, which may be responsible for this particular effect.
It is also believed that carrot seed essential oil can aid in keeping the digestive tract healthy and working to its best.
Reduce Stress Levels
When used in a diffuser or inhaled, it is believed that carrot seed oil can promote lower levels of stress. The deep, earthy aroma of this particular essential oil can be extremely relaxing and calming.
Anti-bacterial Properties
There have been several pieces of research to look at how the oil might kill certain types of bacteria. We have discovered that the alpha-pinene found in carrot seed essential oil can be beneficial. This provides a great anti-bacterial effect within carrot seed essential oil. It has been discovered that it is instrumental in combating E-coli, Listeria, and Staphylococcus.
In addition to this, the oil is thought to have the power to treat infections due to its antiseptic properties meaning that it can make an excellent addition to your first aid kit when treating open wounds.
Safe Use Of Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Whilst it is always wise to err on the side of caution when it comes to using essential oils by ensuring you follow the general safety advice, there are some more specific things to keep in mind when using carrot seed essential oil.
- There is some evidence to suggest that carrot seed oil may induce vomiting.
- Undiluted carrot seed oil might cause a burning sensation when applied to the skin, it is always advisable to use any essential oil with a carrier oil when applied to the skin.
- Some people may experience an allergic reaction to this oil if you are allergic to birch, celery, mugwort or other related plants you may be allergic to carrot seed essential oil.
- Carrot seed essential oil could bring on a lowering of the blood pressure.
- It is known that this particular oil has a similar effect to oestrogen, for this reason, it should not be used alongside medication which has similar effects.