With the nutty aroma of sweet almonds, but containing a slight hint of cherry, Sweet  Almond Essential Oil can be rather volatile, but it does have some benefits that can be useful for aromatherapy, and it is also used in perfumery.

Although they look very similar to each other, there is a difference between bitter almonds and regular almonds (which we know as “sweet almonds”). By appearance, bitter almonds are slightly shorter and broader in shape, and they should not be eaten as they contain components which can even be fatal.

Although the oil made from Sweet Almonds is a fixed oil that is often used as a carrier oil, but this is not the same as Bitter Almond Essential Oil discussed here.

Properties of Sweet Almond Essential Oil

  • Anesthetic, Anti-carcinogenic
  • Anti-intoxicating, Antispasmodic
  • Bactericidal, Diuretic
  • Febrifuge, Fungicidal
  • Germicidal, Sedative, Vermifuge

Sweet Almond Essential Oil Benefits

Bitter Almond Essential Oil can be used to fight against germs, viruses, and fungi. Because of the toxicity of this oil to many types of animal life, it is also extremely powerful in killing bacteria and other germs.

Another benefit of Bitter Almond Essential Oil is that it has a strong impact on the nerves. Used as a sedative or anesthetic, this oil creates numbness in the body. Again, it is a powerful oil which should only be applied externally and used as a local anesthesia, but should never be used as a total anesthetic.

Because of its diuretic properties, Bitter Almond Essential Oil can be used to help the body rid itself of toxic substances through urine, sweat, and other excretions. As it creates more frequent urination, this oil can help the body to remove toxins, relax, and possibly even lose weight. It may also succeed in lowering the blood pressure as well.

Also, because of its vermifuge properties, this oil can be used to kill intestinal worms, but should be used in very low doses.

Uses of Sweet  Almond Essential Oil

Bitter Almond Essential Oil is particularly effective when used for skin care, particularly in products such as body butters that are thick and rich.

Use diluted Bitter Almond Essential Oil topically to help kill germs on the skin.

Precautions for Sweet Almond Essential Oil

Avoid during pregnancy and breast feeding. Because Bitter Almond Essential Oil contains some traces of prussic acid, it absolutely cannot be ingested and should always be kept away from small children. Perform a patch test on sensitive skin prior to full usage.