Carrots aren’t just for the kitchen any more! Not only are they good for the body inside out — but carrots are actually very helpful in building soft, supple skin and aiding in hair growth and strengthening when applied externally.
Instead of using all those commercially prepared shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc. – which all contain preservatives and chemicals – it’s better to use a natural oil, likewise reducing your risk for unwanted allergic reactions.
Carrot oil is very easy to make at home and it is extremely beneficial for the hair and skin.
Benefits of Carrot Oil
Carrots are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, and a multitude of other antioxidants. Vitamins A and E – in addition to beta-carotene – have wonderful conditioning properties. They moisturizer the skin or scalp on the body, thereby building healthier hair and skin.
The benefits of carrot oil include — but are not limited to:
- healing damaged skin
- warding off the dreaded signs of aging
- stimulating hair growth
- creating luxuriously, soft-to-the-touch hair
- improving blood circulation
- protecting hair and skin from the damaging effects of weather, pollution, dust, sunlight, chemicals, treatments, and the like
- strengthening hair…preventing breakage
How to Make Carrot Oil
Supplies Needed
- Veggie peeler
- Hand grater or food processor
- Crock pot
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Glass mason jar
Ingredients
-2 organically or home grown carrots
-olive, coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil, to cover
-olive, coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil, to cover
Method
- Wash and peel the skin of the carrots.
- Grate carrots with the use of a hand grater or food processor.
- Place the grated carrots in a crock pot and pour the oil of your choice to cover. Note: I used 2 1/4 cups of oil or 18 ounces.
- On your crock pot’s lowest setting, maintain a warm temperature — infusing the oil for a full 24-72 hours. Note: I use the “warm” temperature setting on my crock pot. Try not to allow the temperature of the oil to rise above 100-105 degrees farenheit. You will notice the oil becoming orange in color.
- Once the infusion process is complete, pour the carrots and oil mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and strain.
- Reserve the oil and compost the carrots.
- Label and store the oil in a glass mason jar in the refrigerator until ready for use. Will keep for 6-8 months if stored properly.
To Use
Homemade carrot oil may be used in the following ways:
- Add 5 drops of essential oils of carrot seed and helichrysum to 2 ounces of carrot-infused oil and apply nightly to mature skin. This application will work to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
- Make a Carrot Shampoo Bar
- Create a carrot oil lotion for all over radiant skin.
Please note: This oil is not suitable for use in salves or balms due to the use of fresh carrots during the infusion process. The water content of the carrots may cause the salve to go rancid. It is important to only use carrot oil prepared in this manner when using for direct application or in soaps and/or lotions.
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