What Is Carrot Seed Oil And What Are The Benefits?

Carrot seed oil is an essential oil that comes from the seeds of the wild carrot plant, or Daucus carota. This European plant is also known as Queen Anne’s lace, though it’s more common than the royal name sounds. Wild carrots are the ancestors of the bright orange, crunchy carrots you buy at the supermarket.

Carrot seed oil is not the same as carrot root extract or carrot oil, so don’t let those other products confuse you. They come from crushing carrot roots in edible oil.

You should never eat carrot seed oil or use it in cooking. Essential oils are powerful, so they’re only for external use.

How Do You Use Carrot Seed Oil?

For the Skin

You can use carrot seed essential oil to help cleanse and protect your skin. With any essential oil, you always need to use a carrier oil to avoid irritating the skin. Coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, argan oil and grape seed oil work well. You can also use a butter or moisturizing cream, such as almond butter or shea butter.

Mix 6–12 drops of carrot seed oil with 1 ounce (6 teaspoons) of carrier oil. Apply the mixture to your skin and massage gently until it’s absorbed. Carrot seed oil can be wonderful for a relaxing foot massage all around your toes.

For Aromatherapy

A popular way to use carrot seed essential oil is for aromatherapy. With a vaporizer or diffuser in the bedroom, you can enjoy the relaxing country scent of Queen Anne’s lace. If you like creating your own scent combinations, carrot seed oil pairs well with spicy aromas such as cinnamon and cedar.

In the Shower

Sprinkle a few drops of the essential oil on your shower’s walls for a heavenly shower. Add several drops of diluted carrot seed oil and carrier oil to your bath, close your eyes and enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.

What Are the Benefits of Carrot Seed Oil?

Carrot seed oil may have several benefits for your skin and emotional wellbeing:

• Antifungal: This natural oil may help fight skin fungi, possibly helping with athlete’s foot and yeast infections.

• Antibacterial: Carrot seed oil can fight several types of bacteria. This may help clear up skin infections. Some people claim it helped their eczema or psoriasis, but you have to take those claims with a grain of salt.

• Anti-inflammatory: Fans of carrot seed oil say that it reduces swelling. It may sooth sore skin or calm headaches by blocking pain receptors.

• Antioxidant: Carrot seed oil appears to have antioxidant nutrients. They may help rejuvenate skin cells, protect them from damage and reduce the signs of aging.

• Anti-stress: The same aromatic compounds in carrot seed oil that help with pain may also reduce anxiety. When combined with fresh surroundings, this may help you unwind.

How many of these benefits are hype? It’s hard to say. There honestly hasn’t been much research done on carrot seed oil because scientists don’t view it as a priority. Our opinion is that you should listen to your body. If it gives you great results — keep using it!

What Alternatives Are There?

Carrot seed oil isn't for everyone. Pregnant women should avoid it completely because it's known to increase the risk of miscarriage. If you prefer to try another relaxing, cleansing option for skin care or aromatherapy, choose tea tree oil or lavender oil.