Overview
The wild carrot is an herbaceous plant which grows up to 30-60 cm of height. It is edible when young but with the age, it grows to be fibrous and woody. Wild carrot is an excellent vegetable with a good quantity of antioxidants. The leaves are bristly pinnate in a pattern which separates into thin segments. Its flowers are small and white, dense umbles and clustered. The endosperm of this herb grows before the embryo. The function of the red tiny flower is to attract insects.
Where is the Wild Carrot Seed Found?
Wild carrot is cultivated all over India in the regions having a temperate and cold climate. It is also native to Europe and southwest Asia, North America and Australia temperate regions.
What is the Botanical name of Wild Carrot Seed?
Daucus carota
To which Family does Wild Carrot Belong to?
Umbelliferae
When is this Herb Harvested?
Seeds are harvested throughout the autumn in late summer. For safety purpose, its leaves are harvested with gloves and sleeves to protect skin.
What is its Scientific Classification?
- Kingdom – Plantae
- Order – Apiales
- Family – Apiaceae
- Genus – Daucus
- Species – D.carota
What are the Different names of Wild Carrot in Various Languages?
- Hindi Name – Gajar
- English Name – Carrot
- Kannada Name – Gajjari, Carrot.
- Marathi Name – Gajar
- Telugu Name – Gajaru Gadda.
What are the Different Synonyms used for Wild Carrot?
Gajaram, Grunjana, Shikimoola, Naranga kanda, Peetaka, Naranga varnaka, Shikhimoola, Shikhakanda, Vartula, Granthimoola, Yavanestha and Dindeeramodaka.
What are the Medicinal Properties of Wild Carrot Seeds?
- Taste (Rasa) – Sweet(Madhura), Bitter(Tikta)
- Qualities (Guna) – Light for digestion(Laghu), Pungent (Tikshna)
- Vipaka – Undergoes sweet taste after digestion (Madhura)
- Potency (Veerya) – Hot (Ushna)
What is its Effect on Tri-Dosha?
Wild carrot seeds reduce vitiated Kapha and Vata dosha (Kapha Vatahara), Induces appetite (Deepana) and Grahi.
What are its Medicinal Action?
- Diuretic
- Anti-Lithic
- Carminative
- Emmenagogue
What are the Chemical Constituents of wild Carrot Seeds?
It contains flavones including chypsin, apigenein and luteolin. Wild carrot seeds also consist of furanocoumins, 5-methoxysoralen and 8- methoxysoralen. Its seed consists of an oil which is a renal irritant and can cause diuretic activity. The tuber of this plant contains alpha and beta carotenes.
What are the Medicinal uses of Wild Carrot Seeds?
- It is used to treat piles.
- This herb strengthens cardiac muscles.
- Wild carrot seeds are used as an abortifacient in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated with the use of this herb.
- Vitamin A deficiency can be treated by the consumption of this herb.
- It improves digestion and appetite.
- This herb consists of anti-oxidant, eliminates free radicals.
- Wild carrot herb can be used to lower the blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
- It boosts up the immunity and increases body’s strength to fight against infections and diseases.
- This herb has hepato-protective actions, it protects the liver against various diseases and infections. It helps in jaundice too.
- Wild carrot seeds have absorbent action and hence help to treat diarrhea and other similar conditions.
- It treats anorexia and improves digestion.
- This herb has anthelmintic action. It eliminates or kills the worms in the body.
- Wild carrot seeds can be used to treat various eye disorders.
- It helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases by lowering the blood cholesterol level.
- This herb has reno-protective action. It protects the kidney against harmful chemicals and drugs.
- Wild carrot seeds have anti-inflammatory action, relieves the pain, redness, and swelling of the affected area.
- This herb has anti-bacterial action. It protects the body against bacterial infections.
- It treats gas and flatulence.
- This herb is used to treat coughs and soreness of throat.
- Its tea is helpful in treating gout and should be taken once a day.
- Wild carrot seed is used to treat ulcers and its associated pains.
- A warm infusion of Wild carrot seed is used to treat diabetes.
- These seeds are helpful in cold, cough, asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- It helps to relieve joint pains due to increased uric acid.
- Wild carrot treats water retention and bladder ailments.
- It has anti-lithic action, helps to prevent or clear out sand and gravel from the kidneys.
- Carminative action of this herbs helps to calm and settle the stomach and easing flatulence.
- It has a diuretic action.
What are the Possible Side-Effects of Wild Carrot Seeds?
High doses of this herb can cause
- Kidney damage
- Nerve problems
- Skin Rashes
What are the Contradictions?
- Wild carrot seeds are unsafe to take during pregnancy. It can make the uterus to contract and might start menstruation which will lead to miscarriage.
- During breastfeeding also it should be avoided.
- Wild carrot seeds can trigger an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to mugwort, birch, spices, celery, and similar plants. This allergic reaction is named as Celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome.
- Use of wild carrot seeds may cause kidney ailments worse as it irritates the kidney. So avoid taking it in overdose.
- This herb increases the risk of getting sunburn after exposure to UV light or Sun. One should not take carrot if being treated by UV light.
- It may affect blood pressure. This herb may interfere with blood pressure control during and after the surgical procedure. If you are taking it to stop it before at least 12 weeks before a scheduled procedure.
