Words On Wellness: Wild Carrots
Along parched headlands and roadsides colored all shades of brown grasses, we see the last bright white native flowers like wild carrot (Daucus pusillus), yarrow and everlasting. These plants pack strong medicine, but are easily overlooked. Wild carrot is a smaller version of its English cousin Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), which has naturalized east of the Rockies and is the original ancestor of sweet carrots we enjoy today. White-lace umbrella-shaped flower heads fold up to look like bird’s nests as they age and seeds are produced. This fully edible plant has hairy stems and stalk, an important identification feature separating carrots from deadly members of the same family, such as Poison Hemlock which has a hairless stalk. Roots of wild carrots smell like carrot – also a key attribute. In Europe dried roasted roots were ground into a powder and used as a coffee substitute. Flower clusters are still french-fried for a gourmet treat -- its aromatic seeds used for seasoning soups and stews. All carrots wild or otherwise, are edible and flavorful from top to toe, but wild carrots hold strong medicine.
Boldly cleansing, wild carrot supports the liver and dissolution of gallstones, plus stimulates the flow of urine and removal of waste by the kidneys. It’s leaves, seeds and flowers can be prepared as a tea for digestive complaints and indeed were added to classic “bitters” formulas for indigestion. An infusion of leaves was traditionally used to counter cystitis and kidney stone formation or diminish stones that have already formed. It also helps to rid the body of excess uric acid in gout conditions. Flower, leaf and root are usually harvested in mid to late summer (while leaves are green and flowers bright) but seeds are harvested now. Grated raw root, is a classic remedy for threadworms/pinworms, a common parasite in children. The roots and seeds are strongly diuretic, antiparasitic and were used in treatments for dysentery, urinary stones and windy colic. They also encourage delayed menstruation and can induce uterine contractions, so should not be used by pregnant women. Please note that some people experience contact dermatitis with this plant. Still, the essential oil made from carrot seed is commonly added to face creams and cosmetics for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, while carrot’s earthy aroma lowers stress and anxiety.
Image by TheOtherKev from Pixabay
