BITTER ALMOND: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Almonds are a familiar type of nut. They can be sweet or bitter, depending on the type of tree that produces them. Sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis) is commonly eaten and does not contain toxic chemicals. Bitter almond (Prunus amygdalus var. amara) does contain toxic chemicals.

People use bitter almond for conditions such as stretch marks, spasms, pain, and cough, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using bitter almond can also be unsafe.

"Bitter almond" volatile oils can also be produced from other related fruit kernels including apricot (Prunus armeniaca), peach (Prunus persica), and plum (Prunus domestica). Similar to bitter almond, these volatile oils are considered toxic.

How does it work ?

There is not enough scientific information available to know how bitter almond might work for any medical condition. Bitter almond contains a poisonous chemical called hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which can cause serious side effects.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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BITTER ALMOND - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with BITTER ALMOND

Dosing

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