What is wild carrot?
Wild carrot is a biennial plant. During the first year only leaves are formed. The second year the plant forms a single 1m long erect stem with small white flowers. The wild carrot root is small, tap shaped. As apposed to the cultivated carrot the roots of the wild carrot are unpalatable. The carrot flowers are small, whitish and grow in clusters. The seeds are flat and green. The stems and leaves are covered with coarse hairs. Parts usedAll parts of the wild carrot can be used. Mainly the aerial parts are used but also the carrot roots. Oil can be extracted form the wild carrot seeds.
Phytochemicals
These are typical phytochemicals found in wild carrot: wild carrot contains many phytochemicals: asarone, monoterpenoids, furanocoumarins, apigenin, luteolin, chrysnin, terpene-4-ol, carotol.,
geraniol,
flavonoids,
quercetin,
limonene,
kaempferol.
Benefits of wild carrot
Wild carrot is a diuretic, stimulant and carminative. The wild carrot seeds are used to treat digestive problems including indigestion, colic, diarrhoea, flatulence and dysentery. The dried leaves are used to treat bladder and kidney problems.
The phytochemical terpene-4-ol is probably responsible for the diuretic properties of wild carrot.
Other facts
Wild carrot originates from Europe and central parts of Asia. Cultivated subspecies of wild carrot are grown around the world.
Other names
Birds' nest, Queen Anne's lace and bees' nest.
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