Botanical Name: Prunus amygdalus Batsch var. amara (bitter); var. sativa (sweet).
Family: Rosaceae
Introduction:
Latin name : Prunus – (Gk. proune. Lat. prunus = a palm tree, all spp either grown for fruits or ornaments: amygdalus – amyss = to lacerate, from Hebrew word – meaning vigilant. Its early blossom heralds spring.
Names in different Indian languages
| English | Almond |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Badam |
| Kannada | Badamu |
| Malayalam | Badam |
| Sanskrit | Vaataam |
| Tamil | vatamkottai |
| Telugu | Badamvittulu |
| Unani | Baadaam Shireen, Loz |
| Folk |
Synonyms
Vaataama, Vaataada
Prunus amygdalus Batsch var. amara (bitter); var. sativa (sweet).
Prunus dulcis (Miller) D.A. Webb
Prunus communis Fritsch
Mygdalus communis Linn
Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata
| Charaka | |
|---|---|
| Susrutha | |
| Vagbhata |
Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants)
Morphology
A medium sized tree. Its unripe fruits are sweet and sour and are used as a vegetable. Seed – almond, its pulp is consumed.
Distribution & Habitat
Cultivated in Kashmir
Chemical constituents:
globulin, amandin
Properties:
Guna : guru, snigdha;
Rasa : madhur;
Virya : ushna;
Vipaka : Madhur
Karma –
Netrya, vrishya, kaphakari, balyam
nutritious, demulcent , stimulant nervine tonic, laxative
Srotogamitva:
Dosha : Vataghna, kaphakar ( contraindicated in pitta disorders). .
Dhatu : Shukra (aphrodisiac), rasa (galactogogue, useful In dysmenorrhoea), rasayan (for weight gain) contraindicated in blood disorders.
Mala : Mutra (ikshumeha, dysuria), sweda (paste – antipruritic).
Local application of almond oil is effective in vaginal pruritus.
Indication:
Daha, raktapitta vikara
Hypercholesterolemia, gastritis, general debility
Part used:
Seed pulp and its oil.
Dosage:
Powder 2-4 g
Uses : Locally it cures skin disorders, pruritus and bacterial infections. It is also applied in vaginal pruritus. Oil of sweet almond is also used externally in skin disorders. Ashed rinds are used in toothpowder. Oil of sweet almond is massaged on the scalp to increase the stamina. Almond oil is used in various vata disorders, chronic constipation, dry cough, semen disorders, Leucorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea. It is a good aphrodisiac, galactogogue and.a health tonic. Also useful in dysuria and ikshumeha (as it does not contain starch). A preparation made from almond called badam pak is consumed during winter for weight gain and to increase the strength.