Natural oils are often used to maintain beauty and youth. Some are better known, 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.
Characteristics
Carrot oil is a yellow medium flowing fluid. It can be of different shades: from pale to saturated amber. The aroma of the product is specific, it resembles the smell of root crops. A bit sweet.
Structure
The chemical composition of the oil may vary depending on the place of growth of the raw material from which it is extracted. Everything has a value: variety, state of ecology, climate. However, it always contains the following components:
- carotol;
- asaron;
- acetic acid;
- pinene;
- limonene;
- Daukol.
In addition, carrot oil contains a large amount of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E) and trace elements (zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, etc.)
Production method
Raw materials for the production of essential oils are plant seeds. A variety of carrots can be any, both wild and cultured.
On an industrial scale, the steam distillation method (steam distillation) is used to extract carrot oil. The water is heated, and its vapors pass through the raw materials, taking along volatile ethers. Then the steam is cooled and gets into the receiver, where the separation of water and volatile ethers occurs.
Also, to obtain carrot ether, the cold pressed method is used. This method allows you to save much more nutrients.
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.
Beneficial features
Carrot oil can be used externally and for oral administration. Here are the properties it has for external use:
- rejuvenates;
- accelerates tissue regeneration;
- moisturizes;
- nourishes;
- relieves inflammation;
- protects against free radicals;
- serves as a UV filter.
Internal oil consumption:
- strengthens the immune system;
- promotes lymph renewal;
- effective diuretic;
- cleanses the body of toxins and toxins;
- helps to remove kidney stones;
- promotes restoration of liver cells;
- stops the blood;
- good for vision.
Application in cosmetology
Carrot oil is most widely used for cosmetic purposes.
- For Tan. 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 lies evenly. But do not abuse it, as the risk of sunburn in the sun also increases.
- For facial skin. The regular use of carrot oil and products with its content improves the complexion, makes it healthy and even. Age spots and freckles become noticeably lighter or almost completely disappear. The oil actively fights against dryness and peeling of the skin, stimulating the production of sebum. Therefore, people with oily skin type are not recommended to use this product, or to do it very carefully.
- For body. It has the effect of rejuvenation and tightens flabby, devoid of tone skin. It becomes noticeably more resilient and elastic.
- For lips. This part of our body is especially vulnerable. Lips often suffer from wind, temperature changes and other adverse conditions. Become dry and begin to peel off. It looks ugly and causes a lot of inconvenience. Carrot oil will not only help protect delicate skin, but also perfectly restore it.
- For hair. 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, it is necessary to 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
The esters of carrot seeds belong to the elements of the Earth. By its effect on the human aura, the aroma of carrot seed oil is able to free it from the shackles of loneliness. And it’s not at all mysticism. Everything is understandable. It has long been noticed that the aroma of carrot ether has a positive effect on the psychoemotional sphere of a person. It calms and gives a feeling of confidence, eliminating nervousness. Makes collected, concentrating mental abilities. As a result, a person transforms and becomes more attractive to 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.
Application in traditional medicine
Oil is effective for acute respiratory infections. To alleviate the condition, inhalation can be done. To do this, 4 drops of the drug must be added to the inhaler and breathe for 5 minutes. The procedure can also be done for preventive purposes, especially during the cold season, in order to protect yourself from the disease.
It is believed that massage of the abdomen with carrot oil helps increase appetite in its absence. And it is even recommended that you fight anorexia in this way.
In case of joint damage with arthritis or arthrosis, it is advised to rub 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.
Method of application: add 4 drops of oil to a small amount of warm water and drink.
How to make carrot oil
At home, cooking oil is not difficult. To do this, you need grated carrots (1 cup) and unrefined vegetable oil (1 cup): sunflower, flaxseed, olive. There are three cooking methods:
- In a water bath. Fill the root crop with oil and place the container with the mixture on steam under the lid. Stand for 15 minutes. Cool and strain so that there are no foreign particles. Close tight. Store best in the refrigerator.
- Pour the carrots with oil and put in a dark place for a day. After this, strain and squeeze out the leftovers. Store in a cool place.
- The oil must be heated to 30-40 ° C and pour them carrots. Add 1 teaspoon of wheat germ oil and mix. Soak the mixture for 1 week, shaking it daily. After filtering.
Such homemade oil is much cheaper than purchased essential. But it is no less effective. It can be used to care for face, body and hair. And for oral administration. Use such homemade carrot vegetable oil in undiluted form.
Combination with other oils
Carrot oil is a moody remedy and is combined with a limited amount of esters. These include:
- cedar;
- sandalwood;
- citrus;
- the Rose;
- geranium;
- vetiver.
Contraindications
There are few of them, but you need to take this seriously. Oil is not used:
- For allergies. Individual intolerance to carrots is a rare occurrence, but it occurs occasionally. Also, the reaction can be to the component that is part of the base.
- During pregnancy.
- With oily skin.
Precautionary measures
Carrot oil is a highly concentrated biologically active substance, so use it, and even more so, take it carefully. Especially it should be removed from children, since for them there is a high risk of getting an overdose of vitamin A.
Essential oil is mixed with the base 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 clothing with oil.
During pregnancy, you can not use carrot oil, as it can cause bleeding, with all the ensuing consequences.
Be sure to do an allergy test.
Storage
To get the maximum benefit from carrot oil, it must be stored correctly:
- The lid must always be tightly closed.
- Keep away from temperature changes.
- Put in a cool, dark place.
Typically, the shelf life of a purchased product 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 passes even on oily skin. Those who dared to take the oil inside to improve vision, noted a positive trend. Vision does improve, and the eyes get less tired.