Daucus carota Wild carrot (Umbelliferae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Daucus carota
Wild carrot
(1 Page of 5)

The Daucus carota plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wild carrot.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Daucus carota
Common Name:  Wild carrot
Family:  Umbelliferae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Carrots sometimes cause allergic reactions in some people[46]. Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Cultivated and waste land, amongst grass, especially by the sea and on chalk[4, 17].

Medicinal Information: The wild carrot is an aromatic herb that acts as a diuretic, soothes the digestive tract and stimulates the uterus[238]. A wonderfully cleansing medicine, it supports the liver, stimulates the flow of urine and the removal of waste by the kidneys[254]. The whole plant is anthelmintic, carminative, deobstruent, diuretic, galactogogue, ophthalmic, stimulant[4, 7, 9, 13, 21, 165]. An infusion is used in the treatment of various complaints including digestive disorders, kidney and bladder diseases and in the treatment of dropsy[4, 238]. An infusion of the leaves has been used to counter cystitis and kidney stone formation, and to diminish stones that have already formed[254]. Carrot leaves contain significan amounts of porphyrins, which stimulate the pituitary gland and lead to the release of increased levels of sex hormones[254]. The plant is harvested in July and dried for later use. A warm water infusion of the flowers has been used in the treatment of diabetes[213]. The grated raw root, especially of the cultivated forms, is used as a remedy for threadworms[213, 222, 254]. The root is also used to encourage delayed menstruation[213]. The root of the wild plant can induce uterine contractions and so should not be used by pregnant women[213]. A tea made from the roots is diuretic and has been used in the treatment of urinary stones[222]. The seeds are diuretic[213, 218], carminative, emmenagogue and anthelmintic[4, 218]. An infusion is used in the treatment of oedema, flatulent indigestion and menstrual problems[238]. The seed is a traditional 'morning after' contraceptive and there is some evidence to uphold this belief. It requires further investigation[222]. Carrot seeds can be abortifacient and so should not be used by pregnant women[254].

For further Daucus carota gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future