Almonds are a nut and the tree that they come from.
- botanical information
- origin
- nutritional information
- preparation
- astrological correspondences
- magick correspondences and uses
- Goddesses and deities
- oil
- Chinese herbology
- Ayurvedic herbalism
- external skin care
- cautions and contraindications
botanical information:
Botanical name: Prunus dulcis, also called Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus is sweet almond , also known as Amygdalus communis
Common name: almond, sweet almond
Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.
Family: Rosaceae (rose)
origin:
Origin: southwest Asia
nutritional information:
Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and antioxidants.
One ounce of dry roasted almonds without salt has 1.0 milligrams of zinc, which is 6% of the U.S. Recommended Daily Value, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Soaked almonds are a food that increases sexual energy and enhances fertility.
See also Chinese herbalism below for Chinese gender and Chinese flavor.
preparation:
You can put a selection of nuts along with a little bit of olive oil into a blender and make fresh nut butter. Nut butter on bread (or in pita pockets) is a healthy on-the-go snack.
astrological correspondences:
Astrological planet: Mercury
magickal correspondences and uses:
Almond oil is an excellent base oil for dilluting valuable essential oils. Pour your base oil into the sterilized glass jar. A typical amount is 1/8th of a cup of base oil.
Gender: masculine (traditional western European magickal gender)
Western element: air
Magickal uses: devotion, love, money, self-sufficiency
Mercury spells: Almond (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to Mercury matters (overcoming addiction, breaking bad habits, communication, divination, eloquence, intelligence, mental powers, psychic powers, self-improvement, study, travel, and wisdom). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses. See the article on Mercury for a list of herbal substitutes for almond.
Magickal substitutions: Rosemary usually may be safely substituted for any herb in magick spells and rituals. Roses may safely be substituted for any flower.
Magical Uses Money, prosperity, wisdom information courtesy of |
deities associated with almonds:
- Artemis (Greek Goddess)
- Chandra (India Goddess)
- Cybele (Roman Goddess)
- Hecate (Greek Goddess)
- Ptah (Kemetic/ancient Egyptian God)
- Rhea (Greek Goddess)
- Zeus (Greek God)
base or carrier oil:
Base Oil: Sweet almond oil can be used as a base (or carrier) oil for both aromatherapy and magick.
Aroma: Light; slightly sweet and nutty.
Texture: Slightly oily (leaves a slightly oily feeling on skin). Absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Clear, with a tinge of yellow.
essential oil:
Safety Information: Bitter almond essential oil (Prunus dulcis var. amara) is hazardous and should not be used in aromatherapy, ingested, or come in contact with the skin.
health care uses:
Health Notice: Attempting to be an amateur doctor is potentially dangerous to your health. This web page is not professional medical advice. Nothing on this website should be considered as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. Persons should seek the advice of qualified health providers. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional. See the article on healing for recommended healers.
Chinese herbalism:
Chinese gender: slightly yang (warm)
Chinese flavor: slightly bitter
Ayurvedic herbalism:
Ayurvedic Doshas: for almond seed V- KP+ Pitta increases; Kapha increases; Vata decreases
For more information, see the article on Ayurvedic medicine.
external care:
External skin care: Sweet almond oil in Belli Elasticity Belly Oil: Reduce the risk of stretch marks with Bellis bestseller for stretching skin. Rapid stretching of skin can tear the underlying connective tissue, resulting in scars known as stretchmarks. Luxurious, quick-drying oil is an advanced blend of Vitamin E, gotu kola extract, and collagen hydrolysates that was clinically proven to decrease the risk and severity of stretch marks by 39%! Heavenly scented with lavender, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil, it soothes the senses while nourishing and moisturizing the skin to prepare it for stretching. Use morning and night on stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Belli Elasticity Belly Oil
External skin care: Almond oil in Rhonda Allison Growth Factor Serum: Silky everyday moisturizer with potent rejuvenating nutrients. Youll love the silky feel of this nutrient-rich serum, for day or nighttime use. Contains a high concentration of epidermal growth factor to support tissue regeneration and cellular repair after microdermabration, AHA exfoliants, enzymes, and post-peel. Supports skin structure with antioxidants and essential oils of tangerine, lemon, rosewood, and bergamot. Apply daily to freshly cleansed skin. Rhonda Allison Growth Factor Serum
cautions and contraindications:
Essential oil warning: Bitter almond essential oil (Prunus dulcis var. amara) is hazardous and should not be used in aromatherapy, ingested, or come in contact with the skin.
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See also bitter almond, nuts, foods, and trees.