Carrot Seed Essential Oil│Uses, Benefits, & Side Effects

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

A crop of the Apiaceae family, carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carota) is a globally-distributed root vegetable. Due to its high content of provitamin A, carrot ranks 10th in nutritional value against 39 other fruits and vegetables.¹

Through the process of steam distillation, carrot seed essential oil is derived from the plant’s dried seeds.² Carrot seed essential oil has been noted to have a mildly sweet, earthy scent. Typically, the oil is intensely hued, due to the high content of orange antioxidant pigments, known as carotenoids.

Carrot seed essential oil was traditionally used to alleviate inflammation and digestive problems. Today, carrot seed essential oil is commonly used in perfumes, natural health and food products.³ In recent times, carrot seed essential oil has been observed to have antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.¹

Carrot Seed Essential Oil Uses

With several beneficial properties, carrot seed essential oil can be used for a number of everyday uses. With antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities, carrot seed essential oil may be ideal for natural skin care, hair care and stress-relieving aromatherapy.

Carrot Essential Oil Skincare

Carrot seed essential oil may help prevent dryness, discolouration and help protect skin from damaging free radicals. For a natural moisturizer, combine 3-5 drops of carrot essential oil with 1 Tsp. of carrier oil, such as safflower oil or coconut. Apply the mixture directly onto skin in a circular motion.

Carrot seed essential oil may also provide natural sun protection. Based on a 2009 study published in Pharmacognosy Magazine, carrot seed essential oil demonstrated a natural SPF of 38-40.⁴ To benefit from its sun protection properties, apply the moisturizer daily as a complementary method to traditional sun care.

Carrot Essential Oil Aromatherapy

Add 5-10 drops of carrot seed essential oil into a diffuser filled with water. Alternatively, boil 2-3 cups of water and add the essential oil for a homemade diffuser. 

Read More:  Top 5 Essential Oil Diffuser Guide

Carrot Essential Oil Relaxing Bath Recipe

The calming aroma of carrot seed essential oil can be used to enhance an ordinary bath. Add 5-10 drops of carrot seed essential oil and 1 cup of Epsom salt to warm, running water. For a complex fragrance, add 2 drops of rose, and 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil.

Carrot Massage Oil Recipe

For a relaxing massage, add 4-5 drops of carrot seed essential oil to 1 Tbsp. of carrier oil. Gently massage over the body until the mixture is absorbed.

Carrot Essential Oil Hair Care

Promote healthy looking hair and reduce the appearance of dandruff by applying 12 drops of carrot seed essential oil onto the scalp and massaging gently for 5-10 minutes before going to bed. Wash out thoroughly with a mild shampoo the following morning.

Alternatively, combine 20-30 drops of carrot seed essential oil with frankincense hydrosol (an aromatic scent widely used as an ingredient in facial care products) or your everyday shampoo and apply to the hair, before rinsing thoroughly.

Read More: Essential Oils for Hair

Natural Carrot Essential Oil PMS Remedy

Hormonal imbalance and bloating caused by fluid retention can cause constipation and mood swings. To ease this, in a bowl blend 4 drops of carrot seed essential oil, 4 drops of lemon essential oil, 2 drops of geranium essential oil and 2 Tsp. of a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Massage onto the stomach in circular motions to help relieve cramping, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil Sleep Aid Recipe

Commonly used as a natural sleep remedy, carrot seed essential oil may aid in the holistic treatment of insomnia. Add 3 drops of carrot seed essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the vapor before going to bed. For a more concentrated aroma, add 1 drop each of lavender and carrot seed essential oil to the corner of your pillow.

Read More: Essential Oils for Sleep

Benefits of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot seed essential oil contains polyphenols and carotenoids, noteworthy constitutes which work to create a powerful, volatile oil. Below, we discuss the major health benefits associated with the inhalation and topical use of carrot seed essential oil.

The Benefits of Carrot Seed Essential Oil are:

1. Antibacterial Properties
2. Antifungal Properties
3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Antibacterial Activity of Carrot Essential Oil

In a study published in the Journal of Essential Oil Research, researchers investigated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of carrot seed essential oil against several popular bacteria strains.⁵

The results indicate that carrot seed essential oil appears to act against gram-positive bacteria strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.⁵ In humans, these bacteria strains are associated with several types of infections or food poisoning.^6,7 Compared to wild carrot seed essential oil, commercially available carrot seed essential oil was observed to have the strongest antibacterial activity.⁵

In a 2003 study, scientists evaluated the effect of 60 essential oils on the common bacteria, Helicobacter pylori. It’s estimated that up to two-thirds of the global population has the bacteria, which is attributed to gastrointestinal conditions, stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.⁸

Researchers tested the essential oils against several strains of H. pylori, including antibiotic resistant ones in an isolated, laboratory setting. Of the 60 essential oils, carrot seed essential oil was the most active, significantly inhibiting bacteria growth after only one hour, indicating the quick-acting effect.⁸

Antifungal Properties of Carrot Essential Oil

Along with antibacterial properties, carrot seed essential oil has been noted for its antifungal activity. In a 2016 study, carrot seed essential oil demonstrated antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans, and slight activity against strains of Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp.²

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Carrot Essential Oil

In the same study, carrot seed essential oil was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity. To test this, carrot seed essential oil was used in an in vitro model of inflammation. After a period of 24 hours, the essential oil decreased nitric oxide (N.O.) production by 19%. N.O. is commonly thought to be a mediator of inflammation and data from this study is one of the first to indicate the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties.²

Side Effects of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot seed essential oil is considered generally safe for diluted, topical use and inhalation. Always follow and read the instructions on the product label.

Consult a health care professional prior to use on small children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not consume carrot seed essential oil, unless under the direct supervision of a health care professional.

Where to Buy Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Previously, high quality essential oils could only be bought at specialty health stores, or through expensive multi-level marketing companies. Now, due to advancements in technology, extremely high grade essential oils can be purchased over the internet at very reasonable prices.