Habitat

Originally a native of central and western Asia, Almond is cultivated in India in the Kashmir region, at elevations of between 760m to 2,400 m.s

Morphology Description (Habit)

It is a tree, with oblong-lanceolate, minutely serrate leaves; the flowers are solitary, pink or nearly white and showy; the fruit is a pubescent drupe; the seed is flattened, long and oval, with a brownish seed coat.

Principal Constituents

A globulin called amandin.

Pharmacology

Almonds are extensively used in confectionery and also for pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. Almond kernels are considered a highly nutritious, demulcent and stimulant nervine tonic in indigenous medicine. They are also considered lithontriptic and diuretic.