wild carrot – Daucus carota

Description

While the flowers are made into jelly or used to produce a cream colored natural dye, the roots, leaves and seeds are used to make teas and infusions. This herb should not be used during pregnancy, however, or if there is a history of kidney or bladder disease. Wild carrot is an umbelliferous plant naturally occurring in meadows and other undisturbed places throughout most of the world. It is a member of the carrot family that earned its name because its taproot smells just like the garden variety of carrot. Also known as Bishop?s Lace, Bird?s Nest and, most commonly, as Queen Anne?s Lace, wild carrot was cultivated as a vegetable by the ancient Romans as well as by early American colonists, who also used the herb to flavor wine. With the exception of sugar beet, wild carrot root contains more sugar than any other vegetable. The leaves, seeds and delicate lacey flowers are traditionally used in teas or as seasoning for soups and stews.
cosmetic Infuse in oil for making salves and cosmetic creams.
culinary Use in herbal tea blends.
industrial This essential oil of this herb is used in perfumery and cosmetics industry.
safety May increase the effects if diuretic medications. Do not use during pregnancy. The roots and seeds contain compounds that stimulate uterine contractions.