Characteristics of Bitter Almond

Bitter almond is a different variety of almond and its scientific name is
name is Prunus amygdalus amara or Amygdalus communis amaris. The
Bitter almond belongs to the same family of Rosaceae as the common almond
which produces sweet almonds. It is a native tree that grows in many
and different parts of the world, even in the most barren places with rich
sunshine. The height of the tree can reach 10 meters.

In autumn it sheds its leaves and its flowering is long-lasting,
from late January to March. Its flowers produce a wonderful
aroma and eventually turn into a fruit with a particularly bitter taste and toxic
characteristics. The bitter almond tree produces green fruits that contain
cyanide oil and the toxic substance benzaldehyde. It is important to mention
that consuming bitter almonds can lead to extremely dangerous
health conditions, especially for young children.

There are cases reporting the presence of bitter almonds on trees
sweet almond tree. This can happen when the area where the trees grow
bitter almond trees coexist with edible almond crops, due to the
self-pollination of trees by pollen carried by the wind or insects.

History of Bitter Almond

Some historical evidence indicates that the origin of the bitter almond tree has the following origins:
its roots in North Africa, but at the same time, its presence is referred to in
western Asia while the wild type of almond (and the bitter variety),
appears in the ancient Greek ecosystem since 8,000 BC.
The tree today, although its fruits are unfit for eating,
It is cultivated in Spain, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.
Almonds have been found in the tombs of Egyptian kings in 1325 BC.

Some other historical data show the spread of the tree in Italy,
starting in Greece in the 2nd century BC and then the fruit traveled
in Spain, Portugal, France and America where it also began
his cultivation.

Today, bitter almonds have been valued for their medicinal properties.
They contain vitamin B17, which is considered one of the most powerful anti-cancer agents.
substances of nature. Their consumption should be recommended and
monitored by health experts, as due to their toxicity,
is limited to a very small number of fruits.
Other fruit pits such as apricot, plum, peach,
they develop the same volatile oils as bitter almonds, which are also considered,
poisonous.

Ingredients

Bitter almond essential oil produced after crushing, maceration and
distillation of the dried fruits of the Prunus amygdalus amara tree.

Chemical composition of bitter almond essential oil

Elain, emulsin, linoleic acid, glycerides, amygdalin (toxic glycoside that
contained only in bitter almonds), volatile oils. Benzaldehyde and
Hydrocyanic acid is the main chemical component of bitter almonds.

Instructions for use

- Room fragrance. Pour a few drops of essential oil into the burner
to renew the energy in the room.
- As a natural disinfectant for space and fabrics diluted with water, vinegar and
orange essential oil.*
- The wonderful aroma of bitter almond essential oil is used
widely used in the production of beverages, cosmetics, soaps, when found
integrated with other products and provided that the toxic ingredients have been removed.
*Contact our pharmacist for the preparation of the mixture.

Useful tips

- The use of bitter almond essential oil should be avoided during
pregnancy, breastfeeding and by children.
- Bitter almond essential oil is intended for external use, to
it is always used diluted in water in the combustion device.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.