Characteristics of Bitter Almond
Bitter almond is a different variety of almond and its scientific
name is Prunus amygdalus amara or Amygdalus communis amaris. THE
bitter almond belongs to the same Rosaceae family as the common almond
which produces the 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.

Autumn sheds its leaves and its flowering is long lasting,
from the end of January until March. Its flowers produce a wonderful
aroma and in the end they 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 eating bitter almonds can lead to extremely dangerous
health conditions, especially of young children.

There are cases that report the presence of bitter almonds on trees
sweet almond. This can happen when in the area where the
bitter almonds co-exist edible almond crops, because of it
self-fertilization of trees by pollen carried by the wind or insects.

History of Bitter Almond
Some historical evidence mentions the origin of the bitter almond to have them
its roots in northern Africa, but at the same time, its presence is mentioned, in
western Asia while the wild type of almond (and the bitter variety),
appears in the ancient Greek ecosystem from 8,000 BC.
The tree today, although its fruit is unfit for food,
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 from Greece in the 2nd century BC. and then the fruit traveled
in Spain, Portugal, France and America where the
his culture.

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 also be recommended
monitored by health experts, as due to their toxicity,
limited to a very small number of fruits.
Other fruit kernels such as apricot, plum, peach,
develop the same volatile oils as bitter almonds, which are also considered
poisonous.

Components
Bitter almond essential oil produced after crushing, soaking and
distillation of the nuts of the Prunus amygdalus amara tree.

Chemical composition of bitter almond
Elaine, emulsin, linoleic acid, glycerides, amygdalin (toxic glycoside that
contained only in bitter almonds), volatile oils. Benzaldehyde and
Hydrocyanic acid is the main chemical constituents of bitter almond.

Instructions for use
- Room aroma. Pour a few drops of essential oil into the combustion device
to renew the energy in the space of the room.
- As a natural space and fabric disinfectant 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 once the toxic ingredients have been removed.
*Contact our pharmacist for the preparation of the mixture.

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