Organic Carrot Seed Oil: The Real Reason that Bugs Bunny Never Ages

Mom was right about this one, too. Carrots are extremely healthful for your eyes, given that they’re chock-full of Vitamin A and carotenoids (the name of that doesn’t seem like such a coincidence anymore). You can return the favor by sharing all of the equally spectacular advantages of carrot seed oil, advising her on its ability to rejuvenate skin, eliminate intestinal worms, remove toxins from the body, protect from macular degeneration, and even regulate obstructed menstrual cycles!

You could fairly call carrot seed oil the underdog of the essential oils, as it isn’t popularly marketed or even extremely well known. It isn’t the most aromatic or flavorful of the lot—characterized by its viscous golden-brown hue and a woody root-like fragrance—but it packs a powerful punch given its anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Not to be mistaken with carrot root oil, carrot seed essential oil is derived from the dried seeds of the wild carrot plant (botanically termed daucus carota, and referred to as Queen Anne’s Lace in Europe). It has been used for centuries by multiple civilizations including the ancient Greeks, Chinese, and Indians.

The benefits begin with the mere fragrance… but shouldn’t end there.

Believe it or not, you don’t need to even touch carrot seed oil to reap some of its benefits—just smelling it can be enough (though we highly recommend that you do both). Its soft earthy smell is shown to relieve stress and exhaustion when used in vapor therapy. This in turn boosts the liver and the digestive and respiratory systems of the body, even helping to ease muscle pains. As an even more efficient and effective method, you can dilute carrot seed oil in a bath, further easing your muscles, detoxifying your body, and increasing the manufacture of red blood cells due to the oil's stimulating properties.[i] The aroma of carrot seed oil helps produce a secretion of hormones and enzymes that makes you feel more alert by stimulating brain functions and nerves.

At the surface level, it looks good…

With a spectrum of chemical constituents that include a-pinene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, geranyl acetate, carotol, camphene, and y-terpinene, carrot seed oil is primarily characterized by beta-carotene, revered for its “anti-aging” properties as it does an outstanding job of keeping the skin soft and supple while helping to prevent damage from free radicals. Its formative action, when applied on the epidermal cells, keeps wrinkles at bay and fights skin problems that range from psoriasis and eczema to weeping sores and liver (age) spots. As such, carrot seed oil can be found in a number of sunscreen creams and lotions, as well as in a variety of cosmetic products—especially those that work to provide you with rejuvenated and youthful skin.[ii]

What’s incredible for your skin is just as spectacular for your hair, so don’t hesitate to use carrot seed oil for rejuvenating and strengthening your locks. Major proven benefits include stimulated hair growth, improved blood circulation and strengthened hair roots, smooth and silky hair with significantly less breakage, and added protection from sun radiation damage.

For hair conditioning: Heat up ½ cup of carrot seed oil and apply it gently onto your hair, massaging your scalp with your fingers in circular motions for about 15 minutes; cover with a shower cap and let it dry for 30-60 minutes; rinse thoroughly.

As a daily anti-aging facial oil: Mix 1 tbsp. carrier oil of your choice + 4 drops carrot seed essential oil + 2 drops rose essential oil + 4 drops frankincense essential oil and apply to skin; best for dry or mature skin.

Nourishing face serum: Mix 1 tbsp. rosehip seed oil + ½ tbsp. jojoba oil + ½ tbsp. pomegranate seed oil in 1 oz. glass bottle. Add 5-10 drops Vitamin E oil + 10 drops lavender essential oil + 3 drops helichrysum essential oil + 2 drops carrot seed essential oil. Use daily to moisturize and heal skin.[iii]

Carotenoids, topically applied or ingested, have been shown to directly reduce the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, and even to inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells. Containing over 600 identified carotenoids, carrots are an unparalleled source of antioxidants; carrot seed oil likewise reigns as a source of antioxidants that's practically brimming with carotenoids. Carrot seed oil itself has a natural SPF of 35-40, though that doesn't mean slathering yourself in carrot cake and baking out in the sun is a good idea; take precautions and practice sun-safe behavior at all times, treating carrot seed oil as a safety net to minimize collateral damage or any damage that occurs despite your best efforts at sun protection.

Delving deeper, it’s even better…

Carrot seed oil has proven itself a worthy ally in combatting digestive issues, as well as liver and gallbladder disorders (including hepatitis, colitis, and enteritis). Given its styptic properties, this oil also stimulates and regulates the proper functioning of the lymph system, furthermore helping the body heal abscesses, boils, and ulcers.[iv] In particular, carrot seed oil has historically been associated with a more healthy liver, kidney, and gallbladder. It has also been used to soothe flatulence and stomach acidity.

The antioxidant and anticancer effects of wild carrot oil extract have been recognized since ancient times, and recent studies continue to confirm carrot seed oil’s lifesaving properties. A study by the University of Surrey broadcasted how daucus carota oil extract (DCOE) attested to a significant increase in cancer cell death and decrease in respective cell proliferation.[v] By eliminating toxins in the body—like uric acid present in blood, tissues, and joints—carrot seed oil can even help cure arthritis and rheumatism.[vi] Carrot seed oil also demonstrates powerful antifungal properties, with a study at the University of Opole showing how carotol—a main constituent of carrot seed oil—inhibited the radial growth of fungi by at least 65%.[vii]

The essence of balance…

As noted in Lueng’s Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, data indicate that carrot seed oil is nontoxic.[viii] When used in moderation and under proper instructions, carrot seed oil can be a life-altering and even lifesaving remedy. That said, too much of any good thing can be dangerous. Overdosing can cause convulsions, vomiting, or (in the case of pregnant women) bleeding; like all essential oils, its use is not recommended during pregnancy. As carrot seed oil is very stimulating, it should also be avoided by those suffering from epilepsy and asthma.

[i] http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/carrotoil.html

[ii] http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/carrotoil.html

[iii] http://www.minimalistbeauty.com/rosehips-carrot-seed-facial-serum-recipe-for-mature-dry-or-damaged-skin/

[iv] https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=43HyCe20IvMC&pg=PA196&dq=carrot+seed+oil&hl=en&sa=X&ei=cZ-FU5SWDITp8AXY2IKgAw#v=onepage&q=carrot%2520seed%2520oil&f=false

[v] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22815230

[vi] http://www.goodhealthacademy.com/health-benefits/carrot-oil-for-hair-and-skin/

[vii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15666536

[viii] https://books.google.gr/books?id=kIP2Lf9H4dkC&printsec=copyright&source=gbs_pub_info_r#v=onepage&q&f=false