Bitter Almond

Other Names: Almendra Amarga, Almendro Amargo, Amande Amère, Amandier à Fruits Amers, Amendoa Amarga, Amygdala Amara, Amygdalus communis var. amara, Amygdalus dulcis var. amara, Bitter Almond Oil, Bitter Almond Tree, Bittere Amandel, Bittere Mandel, Bittere Mandeln, Bittere-Amandelboom, Bittermandel, Bittermandelbaum, Bittermandeltræ, Bittermandeltraed, Karvasmanteli, Mandorla Amara, Mandorlo Amaro, Mindal' Gor'kii, Prunus amygdalus var. amara, Prunus communis var. amara, Prunus dulcis var. amara, Volatile Almond Oil.
The bitter almond comes from the bitter almond tree (prunus dulcis, var. amara).

Special Precautions of Bitter Almond

• Do not use bitter almond. It is considered UNSAFE. It contains a poisonous chemical called hydrocyanic acid (HCN). Serious side effects can occur such as slowing of the nervous system, breathing problems, and death.
• It is UNSAFE for anyone to use bitter almond, but some people have extra reasons not to use it:
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE for you and your baby to use bitter almond if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Surgery: Bitter almond can slow down the nervous system. Anesthesia and other drugs used during surgery do this as well. Using bitter almond along with these medications can slow down the central nervous system too much. Stop using butter almond at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Benefits and uses of Bitter Almond are

Almonds are a familiar type of nut. They can be sweet or bitter, depending on the type of tree that produces them. Sweet almond is produced from one type of almond tree (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis) and does not contain poisonous chemicals. Bitter almond comes from a different type of almond tree (Prunus amygdalus var. amara) and does contain toxic chemicals. Despite serious safety concerns, people make medicine from the center (kernel) of the bitter almond. It is used for :

• Spasms.
• Pain.
• Cough.
• Itch.