Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | July, 2011


Aside from its culinary uses, Almond is ground coarsely to make an exfoliate scrub for face and body. Almonds can be processed into a milk substitute called almond milk. Cough syrups are made using sweet Almonds. Almond oil can be used as an emollient, massage oil, as well as a wood conditioner for some woodwind instruments.


Almond

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Prunus amygdalus)

The Almond tree is native to the Middle East and South Asia. The Almond is the edible seed that this tree is cultivated for, especially in California. The tree grows to heights ranging from 12 to 30 feet. Finely serrate leaves grow on thorny branches and large pale pink or white flowers occur in pairs usually. Almonds are toxic unless they are domesticated.



Common Names:

Greek nuts, Jordan almond



Almond

Uses:

Aside from its culinary uses, Almond is ground coarsely to make an exfoliate scrub for face and body. Almonds can be processed into a milk substitute called almond milk. Cough syrups are made using sweet Almonds. Almond oil can be used as an emollient, massage oil, as well as a wood conditioner for some woodwind instruments.


Applications:

Scrub:
Add a handful of roughly ground almonds to 1 cup of mayo or plain yogurt. Gently rub on parts of the body needing dead cells removed. Be careful to avoid eyes.


Warnings:

Do not use bitter almond as it contains cyanide and is poisonous.

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.