It’s blooming in the fields and roadsides all around us now, so it seemed a good time to look into some of the Queen Anne’s Lace uses and benefits. Also known as Wild Carrot, this is another weed worth knowing about.

Scientifically known as Daucus carota, Queen Anne’s Lace, is a versatile plant with a rich history of uses dating back thousands of years. This biennial flower, also known as wild carrot, is native to temperate regions of Europe and southwest Asia, but is now widespread across North America and Australia.

A harbinger of summer, Queen Anne’s Lace dazzles the eye with its delicate, lacy umbels of tiny white flowers, but it’s not just a pretty face – it offers a multitude of benefits that are sometimes overlooked.

Taxonomy of Queen Anne’s Lace

Before diving into the uses and benefits of Queen Anne’s Lace, let’s explore its place in the biological hierarchy:

• Domain: Eukarya
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Apiales
  • Family: Apiaceae
    • Genus: Daucus
      • Species: D. carota

Common Names of Queens

Daucus carota, or Queen Anne’s Lace, is known by a variety of common names around the world, which can vary significantly depending on the region. Here are some of its most frequently used common names, listed in alphabetical order:

• Bee’s Nest
• Bird’s Nest
• Bishop’s Lace
• Crow’s Nest
• Devil’s Plague
• Garden Carrot
• Lace Flower
• Queen Anne’s Lace
• Wild Carrot

Common names often reflect the plant’s appearance or characteristics. For example, “Bird’s Nest” and “Crow’s Nest” refer to the shape of the dried flower umbels, which curl up to form a nest-like shape.

The scientific name for Queen Anne’s Lace, Daucus carota, comes from the ancient Greek word “Daucus”, δαῦκος (daûkos), meaning wild.

The word “carota” is derived from Latin and simply translates to “carrot”. Its origins are somewhat uncertain, but it’s believed to have roots in the Indo-European word “ker-“, meaning “horn”, due to the horn-like shape of the carrot.

Now that we’ve got her identified, let’s get to know the wild carrot a bit more.

Queen Anne’s Lace Uses and Benefits

Uses for Queen’s Anne’s Lace

Culinary Uses

Wild carrot, also known as Queen Anne’s Lace or Daucus carota, is the progenitor of the cultivated carrot we eat today. Different parts of the wild carrot can be used for culinary purposes, but caution must be exercised because it closely resembles several poisonous plants, such as water hemlock.

1. Root: The root of the wild carrot can be used similarly to the domestic carrot. However, it’s smaller, woodier, and less sweet. It’s best harvested in the plant’s first year, before the root becomes too tough, and can be used in soups, stews, or eaten raw and in salads. If harvest later, it can be juiced or used to contribute flavor and nutrients to soup stock.
2. Seeds: Wild carrot seeds are aromatic with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. They’ve been used as a seasoning or spice, and sometimes as a replacement for caraway seeds.
3. Flowers: The flower heads can be used to make jelly with a unique, sweet flavor. The flowers can also be used to garnish dishes. Some like to bread and fry them, although this is the least healthy way to consume them any food.
4. Leaves: The young leaves of the wild carrot can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. However, they have a somewhat strong, carrot-like herbal flavor, so you may prefer to use them more as an herb than as a leafy vegetable.

Please be careful if you’re considering foraging for wild carrots and be 100% sure of identification before consumption, and harvest responsibly for sustainability.

Medicinal Uses

Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota), has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. However, please note that while these traditional uses exist, not all have been rigorously scientifically tested or proven.

1. Seeds: Ethnobotanical uses include:
   • abortifacient / natural contraception
   • antiseptic
   • aphrodisiac
   • cancer
   • carminative
   • cough
   • diarrhea / dysentery
   • diuretic – to help stimulate kidney function and relieve edema
   • tumors
   • stimulant / tonic
   • stomachic, for appetite and digestion
2. Seeds: Scientifically proven benefits include:^[1]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16093236/
   • antibacterial
   • bactericidal activity against a number of strains:^[2]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16093236/
3. Root:
   • bladder issues
   • diuretic
   • kidney stones
   • poultice applied topically to help heal wounds and soothe skin irritation
4. Leaves: The leaves of the Queen Anne’s Lace plant have been used traditionally to treat:
   • poultice can be applied to wounds and insect bites.
   • urinary tract infections
     See also, lamb’s ear plant uses.
5. Flowers: The flowers are typically made into a tea or infusion and used traditionally for:
   • candida
   • digestive issues

A 2016 study proved Queen Anne’s Lace flower essential oil to be effective against certain bacteria, including candida.^[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249369/

Low concentrations of Queen Anne’s Lace essential oil inhibited more than 50% of candida albicans filamentation in a 2016 study.

STUDY: New Claims for Wild Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carota) Essential Oil^[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249369/

Craft and Decoration Uses

Queen Anne’s Lace, with its lovely lacy flowers and delicate structure, has been used in various craft projects. Here are a few examples:

1. Dried Flower Arrangements: The flower heads of Queen Anne’s Lace dry well and retain much of their beauty, making them a popular choice for dried flower arrangements. They can be used in their natural color or spray-painted to fit a particular color scheme, or dyed with food coloring.
   See How to Dye Flowers With Food Coloring.
2. Pressed Flowers: The delicate structure of Queen Anne’s Lace makes it a great candidate for pressing. Pressed flowers can be used to make greeting cards, bookmarks, or to embellish picture frames or other household items.
   Examples of real pressed and dyed Queen Anne’s flowers on Amazon.
3. Natural Dye: The roots of the plant can be used to make a natural dye. The color obtained can vary from cream to beige depending on the chemical used to extract and set the dye.
4. Potpourri: The dried flowers and seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace can be used in homemade potpourri for a subtle, sweet carrot scent.
5. Jewelry: The delicate flowers can be encased in resin to create unique pieces of jewelry such as pendants or earrings.
6. Wreaths: Dried Queen Anne’s Lace can be used to make beautiful, rustic wreaths for home decoration.
7. Candle Decoration: Pressed Queen Anne’s Lace can be incorporated into the design of homemade candles, adding a botanical element.

Benefits of Queen Anne’s Lace

Promotes Skin Health

Wild carrot, also known as Queen Anne’s Lace or Daucus carota, has been traditionally used in skincare for its various purported benefits. However, it’s important to note that not all of these uses have been extensively studied or validated by scientific research.

1. Roots: Wild carrot roots can be infused into an oil that’s then applied topically. The root contains beta-carotene and other antioxidants that are believed to promote skin health.
   • Usage: The roots are usually dried and then infused in a carrier oil (like olive oil or almond oil) for several weeks. The resulting oil can be applied directly to the skin.
   • Benefits: The antioxidants in the root, such as beta-carotene, can help protect the skin from environmental stressors. They may also promote skin healing and overall skin health.
2. Seeds: Wild carrot seed oil is used in skincare for its claimed rejuvenating properties.
   • Usage: Essential oils, tinctures and extracts from the seeds can be taken internally and applied to the skin.
   • Benefits: Wild carrot seed oil is often used in anti-aging products due to its supposed ability to rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkles. It is also said to help with skin elasticity and is used for healing damaged skin.
3. Flowers: The flowers can be used to create soothing lotions and creams.
   • Usage: Flowers can be infused in a carrier oil, similar to the roots, and then this oil can be used to create lotions or creams.
   • Benefits: Products made from the flowers can be soothing and hydrating for the skin.

Supports Digestive Health

Queen Anne’s Lace, has been traditionally used in various cultures to support digestive health. However, it’s important to remember that while these traditional uses exist, not all have been scientifically tested or proven.

1. Seeds: The seeds of the Queen Anne’s Lace plant have been used traditionally as a carminative, which means they may help to relieve flatulence and soothe the digestive tract.
   • Usage: Seeds can be chewed or made into a tea. For the tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of seeds in hot water for about 10 minutes, then strain and drink.
   • Benefits: The seeds may help to relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating.
     For more beneficial seeds, you may be delighted to learn about basil seed benefits.
2. Root: The root of the wild carrot contains dietary fiber, which can help promote regular bowel movements and overall digestive health.
   • Usage: The root can be cooked and eaten, or made into a tea or decoction.
   • Benefits: The dietary fiber in the root can help to promote regular bowel movements, support a healthy gut microbiome, and overall digestive health.
     For more on potent roots, check out how to grow turmeric.
3. Flowers: The flowers have also been used in traditional medicine, often made into a tea, to help soothe the digestive tract.
   • Usage: The flowers can be steeped in hot water to make a tea.
   • Benefits: This tea may help to soothe upset stomachs and other minor digestive complaints.

Always consult the appropriate wellness advisor before using wild carrot or any other herbal remedies for medicinal purposes.

Contributes to Biodiversity

The wild carrot plant, can contribute to biodiversity in several ways:

1. Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the wild carrot are attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. This helps to support the local ecosystem by encouraging the presence and diversity of pollinator species.
   See also, pollinator flowers for bees.
2. Food Source: The foliage and roots can be a food source for various insect larvae and small mammals. This adds another layer to the local food chain, supporting a variety of wildlife.
   See also, biointensive gardening.
3. Soil Health: The deep roots of wild carrot can help prevent soil erosion, contribute to soil health by drawing up more nutrients, as well as helping improve the overall soil structure.
   See also, what your weeds tell you about your soil health.
4. Genetic Diversity: As the progenitor of the domestic carrot, the wild carrot contributes genetic diversity that could be important for future crop breeding efforts. This is especially significant in the face of climate change, where traits from hardy naturalized plants may be bred into domestic species to help them adapt and survive changing conditions.

However, it’s important to note that while the wild carrot can be a positive contributor to biodiversity in its native habitats, it can become invasive in some areas outside its native range. In these cases, it could crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity.

Thus the role of D. carota in supporting biodiversity may be context-dependent by region. Conscientious management and adjustments as needed will help ensure that wild carrot supports biodiversity without becoming a threat to native species.

For other favorite wild medicinal plants, check out our articles on edible weeds, daisy fleabane, and also this article on wild lettuce.

Poisonous Queen Anne’s Look Alike

The wild carrot, Queen Anne’s Lace, closely resembles the toxic Water Hemlock plant. So be certain on your identification before harvesting any plant.^[5]https://www.fws.gov/story/dont-touch-these-plants

In Summary

Queen Anne’s Lace is a remarkable plant, beloved for its elegant beauty as a wildflower, but as with so many plants, it has so much more to offer! Whether gracing a field with its summer blooms, garnishing a dish with its roots, or serving a therapeutic purpose, Queen Anne’s Lace exemplifies the profound interconnectedness of nature and human life.