What is bitter almond used for?

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, and itch.

Are raw almonds bitter almonds?

Bitter almonds are a variety of regular, sweet almonds. Bitter almonds contain traces of prussic acid—also known as hydrocyanic acid—in its raw state.

What’s the difference between almonds and bitter almonds?

Almond trees come in either sweet or bitter varieties. Sweet almonds are the ones you eat, and considered safe. Bitter almonds contain cyanide precursors and are not commercially available in the United States. The FDA requires that bitter almond oils are “free from prussic acid (cyanide).”

Can you die from eating bitter almonds?

Eating Bitter Almonds Can Kill You These almonds and their essential oil should never be ingested because they are high in hydrocyanic acid. This cyanide toxicity is potent enough to kill a person.

Is it safe to eat sweet almonds?

Such small amounts of amygdalin are insufficient to produce dangerous amounts of hydrogen cyanide ( 2 ). As a result, sweet almonds are typically considered safe to eat. Almonds can be sweet or bitter. Bitter almonds contain toxic compounds that may cause poisoning and accidental death.

Do Bitter Almonds contain prussic acid?

Bitter almonds contain traces of prussic acid—also known as hydrocyanic acid—in its raw state. Hydrocyanic acid is a solution of hydrogen cyanide and water.

What is bitter almond extract used for?

Bitter almond extract has a natural, sweet, maraschino-cherry-like fragrance, and it is hence used in the preparation of cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, soaps, and other beauty care products. The essential oil holds healing properties, but it should be used with extreme caution to prevent cyanide toxicity. Eating Bitter Almonds Can Kill You