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ALMOND
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(Prunus Amygdalos)
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Other Names
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Greek Nuts, Jordan Almond
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Description
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Almonds are native to California, the Mediterranean, and Southern
Europe. The
tree grows 10 - 20 feet tall, and produces large soft rose to white flowers, that usually appear in
pairs, and bloom from May through June.
The fruit appears in August.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Almond makes an excellent facial scrub and cleanser. The kernel makes one of the
best facial scrubs nature can offer.
The oil has sedative qualities and it is a soothing
ingredient in internal medicines.
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Combinations
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Constituents
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Bitter Principle, Emulsin, Glycosides, Tannins.
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Action
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Demulcent, Emollient.
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Food Values
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Traces of Vitamin C, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, Foliate.
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Part Used
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Kernels.
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Collection
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Collect when the fruit splits to reveal the nut.
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Preparation
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Oil
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Rub into rough areas of the skin.
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Almond Meal
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Grind a handful of almonds and use as a facial scrub.
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Growing Directions
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Purchase your trees from your local nursery. Buy trees that are 3 - 4 feet
tall with a good root system and no disease.
Plant them in the winter to allow the roots to develop before
the spring growth. Before planting soak the roots for about 1 hour. Dig the hole just large enough
for the root system. Place the tree in the hole then replace the soil and water
thoroughly.
Good soil and excellent drainage are essential for growing a healthy Almond
tree. To
maximize fruit production ensure your tree has lots of sunlight, especially in the early
morning. It
also requires regular watering, but be sure not to over water. Fertilize your Almond trees at
least once a year. Almonds are susceptible to some insects, check with your local
nursery.
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History
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Almonds were cultivated in the Middle East for
centuries. According to Greek Mythology, the Almond originally was a grieving
nymph named Phyllis, who had been deserted by her lover. The Gods took pity on her
and turned her into a tree that burst into bloom when her lover finally
returned.
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Additional Information
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1. Recent studies show Almonds may prevent heart
disease.
2. Almond Oil is a more potent cholesterol reducing agent than even Olive
Oil.
3. At the Health Research and Study Center in Los Altos, California, Almond
Oil was shown to lower serum cholesterol levels in people who consumed it in place of saturated
fats.
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Cautions
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None
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Masculine
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Planet:
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Mercury
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Element:
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Air
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Deity
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Attis, Hermes. Mercury
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Powers:
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Money, Prosperity, Wisdom
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Magickal Uses:
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Use the bark and the leaves of the Almond in prosperity and money
spells. Place
Almonds in your pocket, and they will lead you to treasures. Climb an Almond tree to ensure
success. Magickal wands are made from Almond wood because it is a plant of Aich,
which is the elemental ruler of the magick wand..
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