Wild carrot: properties, uses and recipes

The wild carrot (Daucus carota) is a plant whose medicinal uses have been known since ancient times for its valuable properties, especially cleansing properties and its benefits for the eyes.

A variety of wild carrot, of unknown origin, has given rise to the cultivated carrot, which has been bred to produce thicker, more flavorful roots.

Wild carrot properties

The carrot contains a essential oil with pinene, limonene, carotol, daucol and asarone in the seeds, as well as sucrose, pectin, mucilage and vitamins.

In addition, the exceptional rich in beta-carotene of the carrot, which makes this vegetable the most effective food for the supply of vitamin A.

Beta-carotene is the phytonutrient responsible for its characteristic orange coloringexerts an antioxidant action and becomes vitamin A when it is assimilated by the body.

The carrot also has properties digestive, carminative, liver protective and antidiarrheal.

Health benefits

Carrot beta-carotene, by acting as a antioxidantprotects body tissues from the action of free radicals, mitigating the development of degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer.

In addition, regular consumption of carrots stimulates the production of melanin in the skin, protecting it from UVA radiation from the sun.

But maybe one of the most recognized benefits of carrots is its beneficial effect on eyesight. It is known that a vitamin A deficiency will lead, among other symptoms, to greater difficulty in night vision. Thus ophthalmologists recommend eating carrots periodicallyespecially in cases of progressive myopia and when damage to the retina appears.

The carrot is also a good source of mineral salts, especially iron. The intake of 100 g covers 15% of the daily needs of this mineral. This explains why it is indicated as a natural remineralizer for the body, in anemic states, weakness and convalescence, exhaustion and asthenia.

carrot juice it is an excellent remedy cleansing and detoxifyingwhich is recommended against rheumatic pain, gout and as an aid to control sugar and fat levels in the blood.

wild carrot seeds

The seeds of the wild variety of carrot share the same properties with fennel or anise..

are effective to whet your appetite and prevent bloating and gasas well as to increase milk production in the lactating mother.

carrot home remedies

With carrot or wild carrot we can prepare various home remedies with which we will make better use of its properties and benefits:

Carrot tea for diarrhea: Very useful for seasonal diarrhea, including infantile ones, is the infusion that associates the carrot with other astringent plants, such as the wild rose –boneless rose hips–, loosestrife and condurango bark, in equal parts. How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes, infuse another 10, strain and drink throughout the day, until the symptoms disappear.Purifying and diuretic infusion for gout: In this infusion the carrot is combined with black radish, black currant and the leaves of the crown of friar (Globularia alypum), in equal parts.How to prepare it: Boil for just 1 minute, leave to rest for 10, strain and drink on an empty stomach and before dinner, two glasses a day. In case of hypertension, taking carrot infusion as a diuretic should be consulted beforehand with a specialist.Carrot juice for the eyes: It is recommended carrot juice with cranberries, which is made by mashing three farmed carrots and adding a tablespoon of dried cranberry berries. Two glasses a day are recommended, not more, because it could cause constipation.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”