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(Sweet) Almond
- Prunis
dulcis
The
Almond tree has purplish-black bark, deeply cracked
into small square patches, and can reach heights
of about 6m. Although native of West Asia and North
Africa it is now widely cultivated in warm regions
for its seeds [almond nuts]. The pink flowers, or
white as in some cultivated varieties, open before
the leaves, which are dark green, or yellowish-green
and are oval shaped with a pointed tip and finely
toothed edge. The leaves are often folded along
the midrib into a V shape.
The Romans regarded eating almonds as the ideal
method of countering the effect of alcohol, and
Gerard concurs that 5 or 6 being taken fasting
do keepe a man from being drunk [1597]. They
are also a good source of iron - excellent for anaemia
and iron deficiency sufferers.
The oil makes a wonderful carrier oil, and is very
good for the skin - nourishing and healing, and
particularly effective at keeping the skin spot
and blemish free! Ground almonds / almond meal makes
a sumptuous face mask - make some into a paste by
combining it with some milk (or almond oil if you
prefer not to use milk) and spread over your face
and neck - sit back and relax for 10 minutes, or
as long as you like, before washing it off in circular
motions. Your face will feel beautifully exfoliated,
smooth and nourished! You can add a couple of drops
of your favourite essential oil to the mixture if
you desire - I like to add a little marjoram if
Im feeling hassled, or need my spirits lifting...bliss....
You can also make yourself a healing bath by putting
some ground almonds into a linen bag, or piece of
cloth, and then adding it to the bath, or tying
it underneath the bath taps when filling up.
If you suffer from dry hands, treat yourself to
a smothering of almond oil just before you retire
for the night. If you have any cotton gloves, you
could wear these overnight to keep the oil from
ruining your bed sheets, at the same time as giving
your hands a mini-oil sauna - you will
awake to smooth, nourished hands, and your skin
will love you! |
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