Wild Carrot
Botanical Description & Habitat
Daucus carota
Family
Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Common Names
Beesnest Plant
Bird's Nest Root
Daucus
Queen Anne's Lace.
Avoid confusing the wild carrot with the more common cultivated carrot (Daucus carota subspecies sativus). The wild carrot has an inedible tough whitish root, while the cultivated carrot has an orange-red edible root.
Habitat
The wild carrot is native to Asia and Europe and has been brought to America from England.
Description
Is a biennial or annual herb with a multi-branched stem, which can grow 4ft high. It possesses a white, tough root that is inedible.
The seeding takes place during August and September and the aerial parts should be collected then or between June and August.
Medicinal Parts
Aerial parts and seeds- dry
Historical Properties And Uses
Wild carrot has been used traditionally for bladder infections, lithuria, and gout. It has also been considered for kidney stones in combination with Hydrangea, Gravel Root, or Pellitory of the Wall.
The oil of the carrot seed has been used for a variety of conditions including cancer, dysentery, flatulence, indigestion, gout, heart disease, kidney problems, and uterine pain. It is also known as a diuretic, nerve tonic, and as an aphrodisiac.
In food it is used as a flavoring agent and its fragrance is exploited in the making of soaps, detergents and perfumes.
Method Of Action
Wild carrot has demonstrated significant antifertility activity in animal studies, as well as weak oestrogenic activity due its coumarin content. The seed oil of the wild carrot is also attributed to have barbiturate like effects.
CNS hypnotic effects, anticonvulsant activity, spasmodic and antispasmodic activity, and hypotensive effects have been demonstrated in vitro.
Wild carrot is traditionally considered as a diuretic, and its constituent terpinen-4-ol is thought to provide for this property.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Excessive use of wild carrot may interfere with hormonal medications and therapy. It is also theorized that the herb may interact with blood pressure medications, as well as drugs used for cardiac conditions.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Excessive doses of wild carrot can cause renal irritation due to its diuretic mode of action. Although generally non-sensitizing and non-irritating, hypersensitivity reactions and dermatitis might occur.
Preparation & Administration
Three times a day:
Dried herb
2-4g
Liquid extract
1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-4 mL
Tincture
1-2mL
Note: This "Herbal" Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Brinker, Francis Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998
Facts and Comparisons, Natural Products Review, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000.
Hoffman, David. The New Holistic Herbal. Element Books Ltd., Third Edition, 1990
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996
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