The healing powers of carrot
CARROT, daucus carota, is a well- known household vegetable. Carrot is native to Eurasia and northern Africa. It belongs to the umbelliferae family of plants, and grows up to 80cm high, with tiny leaves. Both the plant and the root are referred to as carrot. A biennial plant [lasts only for two seasons], car- rot grows very well in its first season and stores a surplus of food in its root, which becomes big, fleshy and large and orange coloured due to the presence of carotene. In the second season the root becomes woody and less nutritious and delicious. As early as 1500 BC, the skin friendly effect of carrot was well known. Carrot is the king of cosmetic herbs. Its skin-friendly property is due to the presence of provitamin A. The root contains pectin, a glycosidic sub- stance with absorbent and ant diarrheic actions. It also contains potassium, phosphorus and essential oil. Its pecu- liar aroma and vermifuge effect are due to the presence of essential oil. Carrot also contains vit...