Carrot Oil Uses

Carrot oil, also known as Queen Anne's Lace, comes from -- you guessed it -- carrots. According to the online drug index, Drugs.com, carrot oil is a non-toxic derivative of the carrot seed. Though clinical studies in humans are limited, carrot oil has been used for generations as an alternative therapy for a variety of ailments including muscle stiffness, skin problems and vasoconstriction. Ingestion of large quantities of carrot oil can potentially have neurological side-effects, as it contains myristicin -- a psychoactive agent.

Fragrance

Carrot oil is used to add scent to many products such as soap, candles, laundry and dish-washing detergent, creams and perfumes. It is also used to make an essential oil used for massage and aromatherapy. Most of the carrot oil used in aromatherapy originates in Europe, though the carrot originated from Afghanistan. Carrot seed oil is known to relieve stress and exhaustion due to its natural earthy fragrance.

Food

Carrot oil is often used as a food coloring agent in things like desserts, condiments, meat and soups. Most commonly carrot oil, since it comes from carrots, is indirectly used to serve as the basis of stews, braises and soups, giving them a thicker, richer texture. Carrot oil is high in vitamin A and beta-carotene; it also contains complex B vitamins and vitamins C, D, E and K. Most of us have heard from our grandmothers or mothers of how important carrots are for eyesight and skin health. According to an article published on the website Essential Oils entitled "Carrot Seed Essential Oil Information," there appears to be some truth to that theory.

Hair and Skin Care

Carrot oil can improve the appearance of skin.

Carrot oil is known to cause vasodilation, or widening of the veins; as a vasodilator, it helps increase blood flow to the skin's surface, which can improve the appearance of your skin. In alternative medicine, it is often used as a facial treatment and in hair creams and oils to improve the health and look of both. There are countless products designed for African-American hair types especially, which are made with carrot oil. Carrot oil is recommended for detangling very brittle, dry hair.

Colic and Teething

Carrot seed is also used as an alternative medical treatment to relieve colic in babies. Boil a carrot with a few sprinkles of fennel in a half a pint of water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain, cool and feed to your baby. The natural oils in carrots can help soothe teething pain in older babies who are able to chew properly. Allow your older baby or toddler to chew on a carrot to help sooth gum pain. Only use this method if you are certain your child is fully capable of eating raw carrots to avoid choking.