Sweet (Gan) flavor and neutral thermal nature. Acts on Spleen, Liver, and Lung meridians.

Active compounds:Among all vegetables, carrots contain the most ß-carotene, an antioxidant more potent than a vitamin.E. Not only does it defy aging and promote gastrointestinal functions, but ß-carotene also effectively fights against cancer. The potassium succinate in carrots reduces blood pressure while its dietary fibers ease constipation. Helps night blindness

Clinical Usage and Indications:

• Strengthens Spleen promoting digestion, the fullness of epigastrium and abdomen, and irregular bowel movements: Cook with brown sugar making a soup or cook with radish to make a dish.
• Protects against cancer, arthritis, and autoimmune disease
• Tonifies liver improving eyesight. Blurred vision and night blindness due to liver deficiency. Cook with pork fat or with pork liver.
• Descends Qi, stops cough. Cough due to Lung Heat and whooping cough. Drink fresh carrot juice, decoct with Da Zao (black jujube)
• Clears Heat, Inducing detoxification. Carrots are very good at cleansing internal Heat. Measles or incomplete eruption of measles and fever. Cook with Bai Ji Li (Fructose Tribuli Terrestris), Hu Sui (coriander). Make a tea to promote the eruption of measles.
• Experimental investigations indicate that carrot extract acts to lower blood sugar providing benefits to people living with diabetes.

Directions:It is best to boil or stew them with oil because vitamin A is not easily absorbable with the raw ones. Eat either raw or cooked. Pound to get juice.

Precaution:Not recommended for those with Spleen or Stomach Deficient Cold. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene; however, excessive intake would make the skin yellow.

From The Tao of Tummy © book