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Almond bitter
Almond bitter
Prunus dulcis var. amara
Family
Rosaceae
Note
Middle
Part used
Seeds (mandorle amare)
Extraction
Steam distillation (oil FFPA: Free From Prussic Acid)
Plant description

Bitter Almond (Prunus dulcis var. amara) produces seeds rich in amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside which on hydrolysis releases hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid), which is highly toxic. For aromatherapy use the essential oil is always rectified (FFPA) to remove the prussic acid, making it safe. The scent is intense, marzipan-like, bittersweet, with notes of cherry and toasted almond. It is used in perfumery and cosmetics. Pharmacological studies document antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties attributed to benzaldehyde, the main component of the rectified oil.

Origin

Regione Mediterranea, Morocco, Middle East and California; used mainly in the industry aromatic.

Part used

Seeds (mandorle amare)

Extraction method

Steam distillation (oil FFPA: Free From Prussic Acid)

Main uses
  • Perfumery: note characteristic in compositions flowering, cipriate and oriental; aroma sweet-marzapane.
  • Cosmetic: ingredient in emulsioni for mani, soaps and lozioni with fragrance characteristic.
  • Antibatterico: antiseptic properties and antiviral (benzaldeide) utili in products for the igiene.
  • Stomachico: in use traditional (with large caution) for disorders digestive.
  • Afrodisiaco: in the tradition erboristic, considered tonic and eccitant.
Recipes & blends
Fragrance marzapane gourmand

2 drops of Almond bitter FFPA + 3 drops of Vanilla + 2 drops of Sandalwood + 1 drop of Cinnamon in 10 ml of alcohol at 96°.

Sapone mani scented

5 drops of Almond bitter FFPA + 3 drops of Rose damascena in 100 ml of sapone neutro liquido.

Cream mani sweet

2 drops of Almond bitter FFPA + 3 drops of Neroli + 2 drops of Geranium in 50 ml of cream mani neutra.

Harmonization

Blends well with:

Tea Tree (Albero del Tè) Amyris Benzoino Cedro atlantico Citronella Incenso (olibano) Mirra Patchouli Vaniglia Bergamotto Neroli
Contraindications
Use EXCLUSIVELY oil certificato FFPA (Free From Prussic Acid). Avoid use interno. Do not use undiluted on the skin. Avoid during pregnancy. Check always which the product acquistato sia state rettificato.