Carrot: Health Benefits, Home Remedies, Nutrition & Precautions

Introduction

Carrot — known as Gajar in South Asia — is more than just a crunchy orange vegetable; it’s a natural medicine for health, beauty, and energy. Packed with beta-carotene, vitamins, and minerals, carrots boost eyesight, purify the blood, strengthen the heart, and bring a radiant glow to the skin. Whether eaten raw, juiced, or cooked, this humble root is a complete wellness food that blends taste with healing power.

Botanical & Traditional Information

Botanical Name: Daucus carota
Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Common Names: Carrot, Gajar
Unani Temperament (Mizaj): Sard o Tar Darjah Do — Cold and Moist in Second Degree
Part Used: Root (mainly), Leaves and Seeds (occasionally in Unani medicine)

Carrot, known as Gajar in traditional medicine, has long been valued for improving eyesight, purifying blood, strengthening the heart, enhancing fertility, and beautifying the skin.

Nutritional Composition (Per 100 g of Fresh Carrot)

• Calories: 41 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9.6 g
• Fiber: 2.8 g
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Vitamin A (Beta-carotene): 835 µg
• Vitamin C: 6 mg
• Vitamin K, B6, Folate: Trace but essential
• Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron

Scientific Research Highlights

Modern science supports the traditional wisdom of carrots:

• Eye Health: Beta-carotene and lutein protect against night blindness and macular degeneration.
• Heart Health: Antioxidants lower LDL cholesterol and improve cardiovascular function.
• Cancer Prevention: Carrot juice reduces oxidative stress and helps inhibit certain cancer cells.
• Skin Health: Vitamin A and antioxidants rejuvenate the skin and delay aging.

Medicinal Benefits of Carrot

• Improves eyesight and prevents night blindness
• Strengthens liver and purifies blood
• Regulates cholesterol and supports heart health
• Enhances fertility in both men and women
• Improves digestion and relieves constipation
• Detoxifies kidneys and promotes urine flow
• Reduces menstrual cramps and balances hormones
• Boosts immunity and energy levels
• Rejuvenates skin and clears acne
• Improves brain function and memory
• Strengthens bones and teeth
• Promotes healthy hair and scalp

Remedies Using Carrot Alone

Weak Eyesight: Drink one glass of fresh carrot juice daily for one month.
Constipation: Eat one raw carrot before breakfast daily.
Anemia & Weakness: Drink one glass of carrot juice twice daily to increase hemoglobin.
Glowing Skin: Apply fresh carrot juice to the face for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Kidney Detox: Drink carrot juice mixed with water on an empty stomach for 10 days.
Weak Immunity: Eat 2–3 boiled carrots daily to strengthen the immune system.

Remedies Using Carrot with Other Natural Ingredients

Heart Health: Carrot juice + honey + few drops lemon; drink before breakfast.
Male Fertility: Grated carrot + desi ghee + honey; eat at night.
Cough & Cold: Carrot juice + honey; take twice daily.
Skin Brightening: Carrot juice + rose water; apply 20 minutes.
Liver Health: Carrot + beetroot + cucumber juice (100 ml each); drink daily.
Menstrual Pain: Carrot juice + pinch turmeric; drink warm.
Weight Loss: Carrot + cucumber + lemon juice before meals.
Children’s Weakness: Boiled carrot in milk until soft and sweetened.
Joint Pain: Carrot juice + small piece of ginger every morning.

Culinary & Home Uses

• Carrot Soup: Strengthens digestion and immunity.
• Carrot Pickle: Boosts appetite and improves digestion.
• Carrot Halwa: Nourishes brain and body.
• Carrot Salad: Cleanses blood and aids digestion.
• Carrot Juice: Best tonic for eyes, heart, and skin.

Side Effects & Precautions

• Overuse ( > 2 glasses/day ) may cause carotenemia (yellowing of skin).
• Diabetics should limit intake due to natural sugars.
• Safe for pregnant women in moderate amounts.

Conclusion

Carrot (Gajar) is truly nature’s perfect gift — food and medicine combined. It nourishes every organ of the body, from eyes to heart and skin to brain. Regular use, whether raw, juiced, or cooked, ensures internal cleansing, vitality, and a radiant glow.

FAQs About Carrot

External References

1. Healthline – Carrots: Nutrition, Benefits, and Uses
2. NCBI – Carrot and Human Health: Benefits and Limitations