Bitter almond essential oil is a type of essential oil that is known to contain prussic acid which is also known as cyanide that is a well known poison. The bitter almond extract is commonly obtained from the bitter almond tress that is native to North Africa as well as Western Asia. The bitter almond tree is also cultivated to a large extent in Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia and morocco. Bitter almond essential oil is obtained by crushing the almond kernels in a press to first get the fixed oil.
Bitter almond essential oil should never be used in any form of therapy because an ingestion of just 75ml of bitter almond essential oil is known to result in human death. Most of the benefits of bitter almond oil are attributed to its toxic properties. In most cases where it is used for medicinal aspects, bitter almond essential oil is only used externally and even if it has to be used internally then it has to be used in extremely small quantities. One of the uses of biter almond extract is that it is used a febrifuge in the case of those who suffer from frequent fevers. Bitter almond essential oil is used as a febrifuge because the bitterness and toxicity of the bitter almond extract tends to restrict the growth of various infections which may be caused by virus, bacteria, protozoa and so on which in turn helps in reducing the fever.
Bitter almond extract is also used as a vermifuge because the poisonous nature as well as the bitterness of the bitter almond essential oil is known to be highly effective in getting rid of intestinal worms. It is also necessary to take care that the bitter almond essential oil should be administered in extremely small quantities. Some of the other uses of bitter almond essential oil is that when mixed with water to form a mild concentration, it may be applied on ones skin and hair as this tends to keep the skin and hair of the individual free from insects, germs and fungi. In some cases after the toxic components of bitter almond essential oil are removed, on account of its aroma, bitter almond essential oil is also used to flavor certain edible preparations. In some industries it is also used for the purpose of flavoring. Bitter almond essential oil is also used as an anesthetic and a sedative.