Natural oils are often used to maintain beauty and youth. Some are more famous, others less. Carrot oil can hardly be called popular, not everyone knows about it. Although it is very useful. About how wonderful this tool is and what properties it has, and will be discussed in this article.
Features
Carrot oil is a medium-viscosity yellow fluid. It can be of different shades: from pale to rich amber. The aroma of the product is specific, reminiscent of the smell of root crops. Slightly sweet.
Composition
The chemical composition of the oil may differ depending on the place of growth of the raw materials from which it is extracted. Everything matters: variety, state of ecology, climate. However, it always contains the following components:
- carotol;
- azaron;
- acetic acid;
- pinene;
- limonene;
- daukol.
In addition, carrot oil contains a large amount ofvitamins (A, B, C, D, E) and trace elements (zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, etc.)
Delivery method
The seeds of the plant serve as raw materials for obtaining essential oil. Carrot variety can be any, both wild and cultivated.
On an industrial scale, carrot oil is extracted using the steam distillation method (steam distillation). Water is heated, and its vapors pass through the raw material, taking away volatile ethers along the way. Further, the steam is cooled and enters the receiver, where the stratification of water and volatile ethers occurs.
Also, cold pressed method is used to obtain carrot ether. This method allows you to save much more useful substances.
In any case, the yield of the finished product is very small - about 3%. Therefore, the price is high.
The finished product is used both in pure form and diluted with vegetable cosmetic oils. Also, carrot seed oil is added to cosmetics that can be bought at the store.
Useful properties
Carrot oil can be used externally and orally. Here are the properties it has when applied externally:
- rejuvenates;
- accelerates tissue regeneration;
- moisturizes;
- nourishes;
- reduces inflammation;
- protects against free radicals;
- serves as a UV filter.
Internal use of oil:
- strengthens immunity;
- promotes lymph renewal;
- effective diuretic;
- cleanses the bodyfrom toxins;
- helps clear kidney stones;
- helps restore liver cells;
- stops blood;
- good for eyesight.
Use in cosmetology
The most widely used carrot oil is for cosmetic purposes.
- For tanning. Carrots are the main source of vitamin A. Its presence protects the skin from damage and restores it. Also, this vitamin contributes to the fact that the tan is better manifested and lays down evenly. But do not abuse it, as the risk of sunburn also increases.
- For facial skin. Regular use of carrot oil and products containing it improves the complexion, makes it he althy and even. Age spots and freckles become visibly lighter or almost completely disappear. The oil actively fights dryness and flaking of the skin, stimulating the production of sebum. Therefore, people with oily skin types should not use this product, or use it with extreme caution.
- For the body. It has a rejuvenating effect and tightens flabby, toneless skin. It becomes visibly firmer and more elastic.
- For lips. This part of our body is especially vulnerable. Lips often suffer from wind, temperature changes and other adverse conditions. They become dry and begin to peel off. It looks ugly and causes a lot of inconvenience. Carrot oil not only helps to protect delicate skin, but also perfectly restores it.
- Forhair. You can do aroma combing or add a few drops of the product to a tablespoon of shampoo when washing your hair. The oil stimulates growth and makes the strands smooth and incredibly shiny. For aroma combing, apply a few drops of oil on a wooden comb, evenly distributing it along the entire length, and comb the hair for several minutes.
Aromatherapy properties
Ethers of carrot seeds belong to the elements of the Earth. By its effect on a person's aura, the aroma of carrot seed oil can free him from the shackles of loneliness. And it's not all about mysticism. Everything is quite understandable. It has long been noticed that the aroma of carrot ether has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional sphere of a person. It calms and gives a feeling of confidence, eliminating nervousness. Makes collected, concentrating mental faculties. As a result, a person is transformed and becomes more attractive to the people around him. Accordingly, loneliness ceases to be a problem.
To achieve an aromatherapy effect, you need to add only 3-4 drops of oil to the aroma lamp.
Use in traditional medicine
Oil is effective for acute respiratory infections. To alleviate the condition, you can do inhalations. To do this, 4 drops of the product must be added to the inhaler and breathe for 5 minutes. The procedure can also be done as a preventive measure, especially during the cold season, to protect yourself from the disease.
It is believed that massage of the abdomen with carrot oilpromotes an increase in appetite in its absence. And it is even recommended to fight anorexia this way.
When joints are affected by arthritis or arthrosis, it is advised to rub the oil into the skin directly in the area of the affected joint.
The use of carrot oil inside is possible after consulting a doctor. Here are the diseases for which it is recommended to do this:
- gout, arthritis, rheumatism (especially during an exacerbation of the disease);
- vision problems or their prevention;
- acute lack of vitamin A in the body.
How to use: add 4 drops of oil to a small amount of warm water and drink.
How to make carrot oil
It's easy to make butter at home. This will require grated carrots (1 cup) and unrefined vegetable oil (1 cup): sunflower, linseed, olive. There are three cooking methods:
- In a water bath. Pour the root crop with oil and put the container with the mixture on steam under the lid. Withstand 15 minutes. Cool and strain so that there are no foreign particles. Close tightly. Best stored in the refrigerator.
- Pour carrots with oil and put in a dark place for a day. Then strain and squeeze out the rest. Store in a cool place.
- The oil needs to be heated to 30-40 ° C and pour carrots into it. Add 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil and stir. Keep the mixture for 1 week, shaking it daily. After strain.
So homemadeoil is much cheaper than purchased essential oil. But it is no less effective. It can be used for face, body and hair care. And for ingestion. You can use this homemade carrot vegetable oil undiluted.
Combination with other oils
Carrot oil is a capricious remedy and is combined with a limited amount of esters. These include:
- cedar;
- sandal;
- citrus;
- rose;
- geranium;
- vetiver.
Contraindications
They are few, but you need to take it seriously. Oil not used:
- For allergies. Individual intolerance to carrots is rare, but sometimes occurs. Also, the reaction may be to the component that is part of the base.
- During pregnancy.
- For oily skin.
Precautions
Carrot oil is a highly concentrated biologically active substance, so use it, and even more so take it inside, you need to be careful. It should be especially removed from children, as they are at high risk of overdosing on vitamin A.
Essential oil is mixed with the base oil before use: a couple of drops per teaspoon of the base.
After using carrot oil, the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, if you are not going to sunbathe or you do not want exposure to UV rays, do not go outside on a sunny day. Or cover the application area with clothingoils.
Carrot oil should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause bleeding, with all the ensuing consequences.
Be sure to do an allergy test.
Storage
To get the most out of carrot oil, it needs to be stored properly:
- The lid should always be tightly closed.
- Keep away from temperature extremes.
- Place in a cool, dark place.
Usually, the shelf life of the purchased funds is no more than 2 years.
Reviews
Reviews about carrot oil are mostly positive. Girls note its beneficial effect on hair and dry skin. Especially with peeling. The condition of the skin as a whole also improves, acne disappears even on oily skin. Those who dared to take the oil orally to improve their vision note a positive trend. Vision really improves and eyes get less tired.
