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Photo of Wild Carrot Seed

Wild Carrot Seed

南鹤虱 · Nán Hè Shī

Targets intestinal worms and parasitic itch

Properties

NeutralNeutral botanicalBitter, Pungent

Concerns

Digestion

What it does

Wild carrot seed kills intestinal worms and eases the cramping pain of worm infestation. In TCM, it works on roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. It also calms parasitic itch in genital areas. Slightly toxic, so doses stay low and short-term. Different species from common carpesium, but the two share similar uses and are substituted.

How to take it

Capsule

Decoct 3–9g of wild carrot seed in water for 25 minutes. Take fasted in single dose for parasites, under practitioner direction. Short-term only.

See a TCM practitioner. Conventional anti-parasitics are first-line

Safety

  • Slightly toxic. Stay within practitioner-prescribed doses
  • Modern pharmaceutical anti-parasitics are safer first-line
  • Skip during pregnancy
  • Stop use if you develop nausea, dizziness, or visual disturbances
  • Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Wild carrot seed (Daucus carota) is the small, hairy seed of the wild ancestor of cultivated carrots. In TCM, it's used as one of two herbs both called Hè Shī ('crane louse') for their resemblance to a louse on a crane's wing. The Nán ('southern') variety distinguishes it from common carpesium fruit. Modern medicine has mostly replaced these traditional anti-parasitics with safer pharmaceuticals.