Damascus, (SANA) –The almond is highly revered in some cultures where it is mentioned numerous times in the holy books and myths. Almond tree is a native to the Mediterranean climate region of the Middle East.

 It was spread by humans in ancient times along the shores of the Mediterranean, mainly in Spain and Syria. Syria ranks third in worldwide almond production after the U.S and Spain .It produces 150, 000 tons of almond nuts annually. Almond trees are mainly planted in Homs governorate, central Syria.

The almond is a small deciduous tree, growing to between 4 and 12 meters in height, with a trunk of up to 30 centimeters in diameter.

The young twigs are green at first, becoming purplish when exposed to sunlight, then grey in their second year. The flowers are white or pale pink with five petals, produced singly or in pairs before the leaves in early spring.

The almond contains many chemical elements that are necessary for human body and used in medical and pharmaceutical industries.

It reduces cholesterol rate in blood and its sweet nuts are anti-spasm; they help treating anemia and insomnia.

Almond nuts contain approximately 54% oil. The oil is good for application to the skin as an emollient. The lightweight oil has a pleasant aroma and can be used in cosmetic industries.

Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of sweet almonds. It has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin during a massage session.

Ruaa AL-Jazaeri/ Rasha Milhem/Kh.Aridi