The almond, the king of nuts, is a highly nutritious food, too. The popular Indian name of almond is Badam. It is an effective health-building food for both body and mind. Almond is a valuable food remedy for several common ailments.

Almond is a native of Morocco. It has been cultivated from ancient times. In India it is cultivated mostly around Kashmir and some areas of Himachal Pradesh.

Two varieties of almond are common, the sweet and the bitter. The Sweet variety is best for use. The bitter variety of almonds should not be used as they contain prussicacid, a deadly poison. However they have some commercial importance and are used for producing almond oil, perfume and cosmetic.

Almond is replete with Protein, Minerals, Vitamins and Fats. Fat in almond is unsaturated and it provides one of the most beneficial kind of fat to the system. This is highly beneficial in lowering serum cholesterol levels.

Natural Benefits and Curative properties
Almond is highly beneficial in preserving the vitality of the brain, in strengthening the muscles and in prolonging life. It forms a vital part of all tonic preparation in Ayurveda and Unani Medicines.
Paste of almonds with milk cream and fresh rose buds' paste applied daily over the face is a very effective beauty aid. It softens and bleaches the skin. Its regular use prevents early appearance of wrinkles, black heads, pimples and keeps the face fresh.
A teaspoonful of almond oil mixed with a teaspoonful of amla juice, massaged over scalp, is a valuable remedy for falling hair, thinness of hair, dandruff and premature graying of hair.
Almonds are a useful food remedy for anemia.
The use of almonds has proved highly beneficial in the treatments of chronic constipation. 11 to 15 kernels (of almond) taken at a bed time facilitate clearing of bowel the next morning. Those who suffer from a weak stomach can take seven grams of almond oil with hot milk.
Almond are very useful in case of loss of sexual energy in form of nervous debility and brain weakness. Their regular use strengths sexual prowess.
Wild almonds are considered useful in skin diseases especially eczema.
An emulsion of almonds is useful in bronchial diseases, hoarseness and tickling cough. It is prepared by pounding the nuts and mixing the powdered kernels with orange or lemon juice. A teaspoonful of the oil given with 10 drops of fresh ginger juice, daily thrice, is a useful in asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough.

The skin of almonds should always be removed before use as it contains irritating properties. This can be done by soaking them in water for two hours. Almonds should be thoroughly chewed and they should not be eaten immediately after meals.

(Compiled by Seema Ghildiyal)