Almond shell cut – Amygdalus communis

Derived from the almond tree, one of the world's first cultivated fruit trees, the almond shell is often used in cosmetics and natural preparations. Once ground or infused, it can be used in skin care, tonic formulations, or as an ingredient in traditional hair care products.

Description

The almond shell is the hard outer covering that surrounds the seed. Light to dark brown in color, it is fibrous and slightly porous. When cut, it appears as rough fragments. Used since ancient times in body care and plant dyes, it remains a valuable artisanal ingredient.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Almond shell, almond hull
• Latin name: Amygdalus communis
• Family: Rosaceae
• Part used: Shell (husk) of the fruit
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Mediterranean Basin, Asia Minor
• English name: Almond shell
• Name in German: Mandelschale
• Name in Spanish: Cáscara de almendra
• Name in Italian: Guscio di mandorla
• Name in Arabic: قشرة اللوز (Qishrat al-Lawz)

Main virtues

Astringent, toning, purifying: almond shell is used in skin-purifying decoctions or as a base for traditional mouthwashes. It is also used as a plant ingredient in certain artisanal dyes or to strengthen hair preparations.

Main constituents

Tannins, lignin, cellulose, flavonoids, traces of organic acids.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 to 2 tablespoons for 500 ml, boil for 10 to 15 min.
• Mouthwash: warm decoction used as a traditional mouth rinse.
• Tincture: long maceration in alcohol for external use (coloring, tonic lotion).

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Recommended for external use only.
• Do not ingest the raw or improperly prepared shell.
• Store away from moisture and light.

History and origin

Cultivated for over 4,000 years, the almond tree was already known to the Egyptians and Greeks. While the almond has long been used for its nutritional benefits, the shell has found uses in traditional treatments, notably as a purifying infusion or as a gentle abrasive in body preparations.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: jar or airtight bag away from humidity.
• Packaging: kraft bag or opaque metal box.
• Appearance: Irregular brown fibrous fragments.
• Odor: neutral to slightly woody.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Historical texts of Mediterranean ethnobotany
• References in natural artisanal cosmetics
• Traditional herbal preparation manuals

🔎 Information

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