Bitter Almond
Bitter almond is also known as Prunus dulas var. amara which falls under the family of Rosaceae. Bitter almond is also known as Amygdalus communis var. amara, P. amygdalus var. amara, P.communis and A.dulcis.
Botanically bitter almond is categorized as drupe and the almond tree may grow approximately up to 7.8 meters and it is pinky white blossom. There are two types of almond tree. The sweet almond and the bitter almond. Bitter almond is producing essential oil not the sweet almond. The sweet almond oil / fixed oil is produced by pressing the kernel from bitter and sweet almond trees. Not to be confused a fixed oil is not an essential oil
Bitter almond is commonly found in north Africa and western Asia but it has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region.
The major differences between fixed oil and essential oil are on the facts that it does not contain prussic acid or any benzaldehyde and contains cosmetic and medical properties. It can be used as treatment for coughs, bronchitis, heartburn, disorders affecting the bladder, kidney and biliary duct as well as a laxative. It may soften the skins, reduce muscular pain and stimulate clear complexion.
Bitter almond generally is used for anaesthetic, vermifuge an anti spasmodic. The bitter almond essential oil extraction is performed by steam distillation from the kernel. First, the nuts are pressed and macerated in warm water for 12 – 24 hours before the extraction of the oil. This stage lead to the formation of prussic acid. This prussic acid is removed from the bitter almond oil.
The bitter almond essential oil is characterised by light colorless liquid with a marzipan scent. Bitter almond’s essential oil may contain 95% benzaldehyde and 3 % of prussic acid. Prussic acid is also known as hydrocyanic acid or cyanide which is a poison.
Bitter almond oil which has been rectified / modified has been used as an almond scent or marzipan in food flavoring such as confectionery. However bitter almond oil is no loner used as internal medication.
Bitter almond is also known as Prunus dulas var. amara which falls under the family of Rosaceae. Bitter almond is also known as Amygdalus communis var. amara, P. amygdalus var. amara, P.communis and A.dulcis.
Botanically bitter almond is categorized as drupe and the almond tree may grow approximately up to 7.8 meters and it is pinky white blossom. There are two types of almond tree. The sweet almond and the bitter almond. Bitter almond is producing essential oil not the sweet almond. The sweet almond oil / fixed oil is produced by pressing the kernel from bitter and sweet almond trees. Not to be confused a fixed oil is not an essential oil
Bitter almond is commonly found in north Africa and western Asia but it has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region.
The major differences between fixed oil and essential oil are on the facts that it does not contain prussic acid or any benzaldehyde and contains cosmetic and medical properties. It can be used as treatment for coughs, bronchitis, heartburn, disorders affecting the bladder, kidney and biliary duct as well as a laxative. It may soften the skins, reduce muscular pain and stimulate clear complexion.
Bitter almond generally is used for anaesthetic, vermifuge an anti spasmodic. The bitter almond essential oil extraction is performed by steam distillation from the kernel. First, the nuts are pressed and macerated in warm water for 12 – 24 hours before the extraction of the oil. This stage lead to the formation of prussic acid. This prussic acid is removed from the bitter almond oil.
The bitter almond essential oil is characterised by light colorless liquid with a marzipan scent. Bitter almond’s essential oil may contain 95% benzaldehyde and 3 % of prussic acid. Prussic acid is also known as hydrocyanic acid or cyanide which is a poison.
Bitter almond oil which has been rectified / modified has been used as an almond scent or marzipan in food flavoring such as confectionery. However bitter almond oil is no loner used as internal medication.