Carrot Seed Essential Oil: A Guide to Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Carrot seed oil has a wide range of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immunity and fighting infection. It can be used topically or inhaled, and is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few side effects to be aware of, and it should not be used by pregnant women or young children.

What is Carrot Seed?

Carrot seed (Daucus carota) is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family that grows up to 3 feet tall.1,2 The plant has thin, branched stems and finely divided leaves that are green or purple in color. Small white or light pink flowers bloom in mid-summer, followed by edible seeds.

The seeds have a strong, earthy flavor and are often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. They can be eaten whole, ground into a powder or used to make essential oil.

Different types of Carrot Seed:

There are two types of carrot seed essential oil:

Carrot seed oil: This is the most common type and is made by steam distilling the dried seeds.

Carrot seed absolute: This type is made by solvent extraction and is rarer and more expensive.

The majority of research on carrot seed has been conducted using the essential oil, so it is not clear if the absolute produces different effects.

How Carrot Seed Essential Oil is made?

Carrot seed essential oil is made by steam distilling the dried seeds of the Daucus carota plant.

The oil is a yellow or amber color and has a woody, earthy scent.

Carrot seed oil is not as well known as other essential oils, but it has a wide range of potential health benefits.

What is the botanical name of Carrot Seed?

Daucus carota

What is the chemical composition of Carrot Seed Essential Oil?

The chemical composition of carrot seed oil varies depending on the type of extraction used.

Carrot seed oil made by steam distillation typically contains around 70-80% carotol, while the absolute contains about 30% carotol.1,2

The other compounds present in carrot seed oil include:

limonene

terpinene-4-ol

alpha-pinene

myrcene

beta-bisabolene

sabinene

What are Carrot Seed Essential Oil benefits?

Carrot seed oil has a wide range of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immunity and fighting infection.

1. Reduces Inflammation

Carrot seed oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. The oil can also be helpful in treating inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

2. Boosts Immunity

Carrot seed oil has been shown to boost immunity by stimulating the production of white blood cells.

3. Fights Infection

Carrot seed oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This means it can help fight off bacterial and fungal infections.

4. Promotes Digestion

Carrot seed oil can help improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices.

5. Reduces Stress

Carrot seed oil is a natural sedative and can help reduce stress and anxiety. The oil can also help improve sleep quality.

6. Improves Skin Health

Carrot seed oil is rich in antioxidants and can help protect the skin from damage. It can also help treat acne, eczema and psoriasis.

7. Reduces Toxicity

Carrot seed oil has detoxifying properties and can help remove toxins from the body.

8. Supports Weight Loss

Carrot seed oil can help support weight loss by stimulating metabolism.

9. Reduces Pain

Carrot seed oil has analgesic properties and can help reduce pain.

10. Increases milk production

Carrot seed oil has been traditionally used to increase milk production in lactating mothers.

What are ways to use Carrot Seed Essential Oil?

Carrot seed oil can be used in a variety of ways.

It can be added to lotions and creams, diffused in the air, or applied directly to the skin.

1. Add to lotions and creams

Carrot seed oil can be added to lotions and creams to improve their moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

2. Diffuse in the air

Carrot seed oil can be diffused in the air to freshen the smell of a room and promote relaxation.

3. Apply directly to the skin

Carrot seed oil can be applied directly to the skin to treat inflammatory skin conditions.

It can also be used as a massage oil.

4. Add to bathwater

Carrot seed oil can be added to bathwater to improve the health of the skin.

5. Add to shampoo

Carrot seed oil can be added to shampoo to improve its cleansing and moisturizing properties.

6. Add to soap

Carrot seed oil can be added to soap to improve its cleansing and moisturizing properties.

Carrot Seed essential oil should not be used by:

1. Pregnant women

2. Nursing mothers

3. Children

4. People with bleeding disorders

5. People with diabetes

6. People with high blood pressure

7. People taking blood thinners

8. People with sensitive skin

How can I use Carrot Seed Essential Oil internally?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be used internally in a number of ways.

1. Add to water or juice

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be added to water or juice to help improve digestion.

2. Add to smoothies

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be added to smoothies to help improve digestion.

3. Take in capsule form

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be taken in capsule form to help improve digestion and reduce toxicity.

4. Use in recipes

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be used in recipes to help improve digestion and reduce toxicity.

How can I use Carrot Seed Essential Oil topically?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be used topically in a number of ways.

1. Apply to the skin

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be applied to the skin to help treat inflammatory skin conditions.

2. Add to lotions and creams

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be added to lotions and creams to improve their moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

3. Use in massage

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be used in massage to help reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Add to bathwater

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be added to bathwater to help improve the health of the skin.

5. Add to shampoo

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be added to shampoo to improve its cleansing and moisturizing properties.

6. Add to soap

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be added to soap to improve its cleansing and moisturizing properties.

7. Use in a compress

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be used in a compress to help reduce inflammation.

How can I use Carrot Seed Essential Oil in aromatherapy?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil can be used in a diffuser to freshen the smell of a room and promote relaxation.

Great Essential Oil diffuser blends for aromatherapy with Carrot Seed Essential Oil:

1. Relaxation Blend: 3 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of chamomile oil, 2 drops of carrot seed oil

2. Pain Relief Blend: 3 drops of peppermint oil, 2 drops of eucalyptus oil, 2 drops of carrot seed oil

3. Digestion Blend: 3 drops of ginger oil, 2 drops of fennel oil, 2 drops of carrot seed oil

4. Immune Booster Blend: 3 drops of rosemary oil, 2 drops of clove oil, 2 drops of carrot seed oil

5. Skin Care Blend: 3 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of carrot seed oil, 1 drop of frankincense oil

6. Hair Care Blend: 3 drops of rosemary oil, 2 drops of carrot seed oil, 1 drop of lemon oil

7. Stress Relief Blend: 3 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of chamomile oil, 2 drops of carrot seed oil, 1 drop of ylang ylang oil

What are the side effects of Carrot Seed Essential Oil?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil is generally safe for most people when used as directed. However, some people may experience skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using Carrot Seed Essential Oil. Children and people with bleeding disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, or who are taking blood thinners should also avoid using Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil is considered a photosensitive oil, which means it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you use Carrot Seed Essential Oil, be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil should not be used on broken or irritated skin. If you have any medical conditions, consult your healthcare provider before using Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

How Carrot Seed has been used historically as an alternative medicine?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil has been used historically as an alternative medicine for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, skin conditions, and pain. Carrot Seed Essential Oil was also used in the Middle Ages to treat infections and promote healing. In traditional Chinese medicine, Carrot Seed Essential Oil is used to treat digestive issues, skin conditions, and pain. Carrot Seed Essential Oil is still used today as an alternative medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

What blends well with Carrot Seed Essential Oil?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil blends well with other essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger, fennel, rosemary, clove, lemon, and ylang ylang.

What does not blend well with Carrot Seed Essential Oil?

There are no known oils that do not blend well with Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

What are Carrot Seed Essential Oil side effects?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil is generally safe for most people when used as directed. However, some people may experience skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using Carrot Seed Essential Oil. Children and people with bleeding disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, or who are taking blood thinners should also avoid using Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil is considered a photosensitive oil, which means it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you use Carrot Seed Essential Oil, be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil should not be used on broken or irritated skin. If you have any medical conditions, consult your healthcare provider before using Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

What does Carrot Seed Essential Oil smell like?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil has a earthy, woody smell with a hint of sweetness.

Can I make Carrot Seed Essential Oil at home?

No, Carrot Seed Essential Oil cannot be made at home. It can only be extracted from the carrot seeds at a plant.

What is the shelf life of Carrot Seed Essential Oil?

The shelf life of Carrot Seed Essential Oil is 2-3 years.

Is Carrot Seed Essential Oil safe for kids?

Carrot Seed Essential Oil is not recommended for children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

Is Carrot Seed Essential Oil safe for pets?

There is no known toxicity of Carrot Seed Essential Oil to pets. However, as with any essential oil, it is best to use caution and consult your veterinarian before using Carrot Seed Essential Oil on your pet.

DIY recipes using Carrot Seed Essential Oil:

1. DIY Carrot Seed Essential Oil Sunscreen:

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup of coconut oil

-1/4 cup of shea butter

-1/4 cup of beeswax

-1 tablespoon of zinc oxide

-10 drops of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax.

2. Remove from heat and stir in the zinc oxide and Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

3. Pour into a glass jar and let cooling completely before using.

4. Apply to skin before spending time in the sun.

2. DIY Carrot Seed Essential Oil Lip Balm:

Ingredients:

-1 tablespoon of beeswax

-2 tablespoons of coconut oil

-1 tablespoon of shea butter

-10 drops of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler, melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter.

2. Remove from heat and stir in the Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

3. Pour into a glass jar and let cooling completely before using.

4. Apply to lips as needed.

3. DIY Carrot Seed Essential Oil Soap:

Ingredients:

-1 cup of soap base (coconut oil soap, glycerin soap, etc.)

-1/2 teaspoon of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Melt the soap base in a double boiler.

2. Remove from heat and stir in the Carrot Seed Essential Oil.

3. Pour into a mold and let cool completely before using.

4. DIY Carrot Seed Essential Oil Massage Oil:

Ingredients:

-1/4 cup of carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc.)

-10 drops of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the carrier oil and Carrot Seed Essential Oil in a glass jar.

2. Shake well to combine.

3. Apply to skin as desired and massage into the skin.

5. DIY Carrot Seed Essential Oil Sugar Scrub:

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup of sugar

-1/4 cup of carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc.)

-10 drops of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar, carrier oil, and Carrot Seed Essential Oil in a glass jar.

2. Shake well to combine.

3. Apply to skin as desired and massage into the skin. Rinse with warm water.