Carrot, powderScientific Name: Daucus carota, Apiaceae family Common Names: Carrot, Carot, Carotte, Djane Racene, Hu Lo Po, Jezar, Yarkuki, Zanahoria Parts used: root, leaf, seed Active Compounds: A- retinol, beta carotene and A - carotenoid, farcinol, and cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeazanthin. Carrot contains sodium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, and K, beta carotene protein, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium. Background: The wild ancestor of the carrot may have its origin in Afghanistan. It is in this region that the most diversity of Daucus carota is maintained. The familiar wild carrot plant is known in the West by the common name of Queen Anne’s lace. An Old English superstition asserted that the small purple flower located in the centre of the wild carrot plant was helpful in curing epilepsy. Queen Anne's lace is the closest living relative to Silphion. Silphion was used by the Romans as a spice and a contraceptive but fell away into extinction in the first century AD. Nero was said to have consumed the very last remaining root. In early use, carrots were grown for their aromatic leaf and seed, not the root. The first mention of used of the root in classical sources was in the 1st century AD (CE). Grated raw carrot was given to children to expel worms. It was used as a cataplasm for application to ulcers and sores, to improve memory and relieve nervous tension, and always as a tonic food and for nutrition. Applications: Carminative, anthelmintic, deobstruent, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic, anti-anemic and stimulant. Good for allergies, aneamia, rheumatism, and tonic to the nervous system. With optimized behaviors (adequate rest and a healthy diet) carrot is known to contribute to improved vision; Good for treating diarrhea, constipation, intestinal inflammation, for cleansing the blood, and as an immune system tonic. Carrot is beneficial in weakness, illness and in treating rickets. An English-Danish study found falcarinol may prevent cancer. Carrots are well-known for containing beta-carotene, a pre-cursor in the body's production of vitamin A. Carrots with a rate of 49 in the Glycemic Index provide for more constant blood sugar levels. Vitamin A assists in boosting immune system function and also for healthy vision Some carotenoids, like zeaxanthin and lutein, are important for preventing cataracts and macular degeneration which is a leading cause of visual impairment. It is estimated that 2 million Americans over the age of 40 have advanced cases; 7.3 million people have intermediate cases and are at risk for vision loss. The US government predicts there will be 2.9 million people with advanced macular degeneration by the year 2020. Description: This root vegetable is usually orange or white in color with a woody texture. The edible part of a carrot is a taproot. It is a biennial plant which grows a rosette of leaves in the spring and summer while building up a sizeable taproot, wherein are stored large amounts of sugars for the plant to flower in the second year. The flowering stem grows to about 1 m tall, with umbels of white flowers. The ends of the main stalk and branches bear large compound umbels of tiny white or pinkish flowers. The seeds are one-seeded halves of small spiny fruits called schizocarps. Seeds as purchased for planting have had the spines removed. Carrot flowers are pollinated primarily by honey bees and mason bees. Dosage: The powder can be taken in capsules; added to beverages and foods for its nutritive and medicinal value. Safety: There is no known negative safety information available for this herb. *Excessive consumption of any carotene-rich foods may lead to a condition called carotoderma: the palms or other skin develop a yellow or orange cast. This is presumed to be related to carotenemia, excessive levels of carotene in the blood. The body slowly converts carotene to vitamin A, and the extra carotene is temporarily stored, usually in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and behind the ears. If the cause of the carotenemia is eating excessively high amounts of foods like carrots, the condition will usually disappear after reducing consumption. More Bulk Herbs and Spices Information: Chaparral leafCaraway Seed Cumin Seed Copal Oro Cascara sagrada Celery Seed Carob Beans Chicory For educational purposes only
|
||
|
|