Prunus dulcis

Prunus dulcis
Family:Prunus dulcis; Antitumor; Demulcent; Emollient; Nutritive; Pectoral.
Common name:Almond
As well as being a tasty addition to the diet almonds are also beneficial to the overall health of the body being used especially in the treatment of kidney stones gallstones and constipation. Externally the oil is applied to dry skins and is also often used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy. The seed is demulcent emollient laxative nutritive and pectoral. When used medicinally the fixed oil from the seed is normally employed4]. The seed contains 'laetrile' a substance that has also been called vitamin B17. This has been claimed to have a positive effect in the treatment of cancer but there does not at present seem to be much evidence to support this. The pure substance is almost harmless but on hydrolysis it yields hydrocyanic acid a very rapidly acting poison - it should thus be treated with caution. In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being. The leaves are used in the treatment of diabetes. The plant contains the antitumour compound taxifolin.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:20 []