Latin name: Daucas carota
Source country: Europe
Appearance: Yellow thin liquid
Aroma: Earthy, musty, not particularly pleasant.
Derivation: The oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant.
Chemicals: The major component (40%) of the oil is carotol - a sesquiterpene alcohol.
This gives carrot seed oil antifungal properties. The pharmacologically active constituents
of the oil are three flavones - luteolin, and two longer chain similarly derived compounds.
Uses: Itis used mainly in cosmetics and food aromatisation. It has a high percentage of
carotenes and hence vitamin A and it is this which gives carrot seed its importance in
cosmetics. It is reputed to be good for stimulating and regenarating the skin providing
elasticity to the skin. It may help with some skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.
It may help with wrinkles and age spots. Therapeutically it has a detoxifying effect on the
liver and digestive systems and can be used in a burner, or in a bath, or in creams and
lotions.
Note: As with all pure essential oils, dilute appropriately with a suitable carrier oil before
using on the skin. Do not take essential oils internally.
Not to be used during pregnancy
