Almond oil (Prunus Amygdalus)

Description of Almond oil:
A middle sized tree upto 8 metre in height, leaves simple, flowers white tinged with red, fruits velvety drupes about 3-6 cm long, separating into two valves,on maturity exposing the compressed stones having minute holes. The oil is sweet ,cooling antispasmodic and used in hepatopathy, cough, ulcers etc.

Appearance : Mobile Liquid

Aroma : Sweet nutty aroma reminiscent of almond kernels, cherry aroma.

Color : Golden

Chemical constituents: Almond oil has various chemical compounds that include benzaldehyde, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, lysine, arginine and hydrocyanic (prussic acid).

Extraction: It is extracted by the cold expression of almond seed.

Aromatherapy uses:
The therapeutic properties includes laxative, diuretic, aphrodisiac, demulcent, nutritious, aphrodisiac, lithontripic, emollient. It also helps in strengthening and sense enhancing. Sweet almond oil is used as a moisturizer and as a carrier oil in aromatherapy. It is an effective emollient, softening and smoothing the skin. It is one of the most commonly used carrier oils because it does not leave a greasy residue. It is obtained from the dried kernel of the almond tree. The oil from the almond nut is rich in vitamin A and a superb natural moisturiser. Almond Oil is very beneficial for dry and mature skin, providing necessary moisture.

Cosmetics and Toiletries:
It provides minerals, vitamins and proteins that are essential for beautiful skin. It penetrates skin easily and provides a protective barrier against the elements. Almond oil is used extensively in making candles, freshen potpourri, in soap making, massage oils, bath oil and also as a perfume body oil. This oil is commonly used in skin care preparations for it's moisturizing properties. It is useful for all skin types and is well suited as a massage oil. The oil is used extensively in soapmaking.

Incence:
Almond oil is used in making special kind of incence called Auroshikha Almond Incense which is made from essential oils of almond and ylang ylang. The mild and sweet fragrance of the almond is a reason for its popularity. It has the unique ability to neutralize strong offending odors and is often used as a incence and room freshner.

Almond oil is used to create gem elixir. It can be made by placing a gem stone in sweet almond oil so that the properties inherent in the gemstone are imbued into the oil - blending with accentuating and expanding the healing properties/vibrations of both the stone and the essence oil.

Cultural aspect:
Almond oil is regarded as a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early flowering, symbolizing God's sudden and rapid redemption of His people among the Hebrews. In Bible, the almond is described as "among the best of fruits".

Flavorings:
Almond is most often eaten on its own, raw or toasted, it is used in some dishes. It is often sprinkled over desserts, particularly sundaes and other ice cream based dishes. It is used in making a special kind of dish called baklava and nougat. Almond is used in making butter and is preferred for its less salty taste.

Almonds can be processed into a milk substitute simply called almond milk. The nut's soft texture, mild flavour and light colouring (when skinned) make for an efficient analog to dairy and a soy-free choice. Raw, blanched and lightly toasted almonds all work well for different production techniques and is relished well.

The almond itself contains practically no starch and may therefore be made into flour for cakes and biscuits for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus or any other form of glycosuria. Almond extract is also a popular substitute for vanilla extract among people with diabetes.