Green Thumb Enthusiasts, Let’s talk about Carrots

Welcome to this month’s edition of our blog, where we are looking at carrot tissue infused oils and carrot seed essential oil. These oils not only bring a burst of colour to your skincare but also pack a powerhouse of nutrients! While both carrot seed essential oil and carrot infused carrier oil come from carrots, they differ significantly in terms of extraction methods, composition, and uses.

What Are Carrot Tissue Infused Oils?

Carrot tissue infused oils are created by steeping carrot root or carrot leaves in a carrier oil. This process extracts the beneficial compounds, including beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, and antioxidants, making the oil a nourishing addition to your beauty and wellness routines.

Benefits of Carrot Tissue Infused Oils

Skin Nourishment: Rich in antioxidants, these oils help combat free radicals, promoting youthful, radiant skin. They can help improve skin elasticity and tone.
Natural Glow: The beta-carotene in carrot oil can help to give your skin a beautiful glow while also providing a natural source of hydration.

How to Make Your Own Carrot Tissue Infused Oil

Ingredients:
Fresh carrots (or carrot tops)
Carrier oil (such as olive, coconut, sweet almond or jojoba oil)
A glass jar with a tight lid
Instructions:
Prepare the Carrots: Wash and chop the carrots into small pieces. If using tops, rinse them thoroughly.
Combine: Place the carrot pieces in the glass jar and cover them with your chosen carrier oil, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Infusion: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot for 1-2 weeks. Shake it gently every few days to help the infusion process.
Strain: After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a clean jar.
Store: Keep your infused oil in a cool, dark place, and it should last for several months.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Source: Extracted from the seeds of the Daucus carota plant, commonly known as wild carrot or Queen Anne's lace.
Extraction Method: Typically obtained through steam distillation.
Composition and Uses: Highly concentrated and rich in components like carotol, beta-carotene, and various other volatile compounds. This concentration means it has potent therapeutic properties. It is often used in aromatherapy, skin care, and natural perfumes. It’s valued for its ability to promote skin health, reduce the appearance of scars, and support overall skin rejuvenation.

Both oils offer unique benefits, so your choice depends on your specific needs. Essential oils primarily contain volatile compounds, which contribute to their aromatic properties and therapeutic effects. However, they do not contain significant amounts of vitamins in the way that oils from whole plant materials or infused oils do.

Happy infusing and diffusing and until next time, stay rooted in nature!