Almond (Badam) Benefits, Dose, Side Effects – Ayurveda Details
Almond – Badam – known as Vatada in Ayurveda, is mainly used for the treatment of nerve disorder, general debility, to improve the memory power and increase the sexual vigor.
Botanical name – Prunus amygdalus Baill.
Family- Rosaceae
Table of Contents
Vernacular names
Names in different languages:
Hindi name- Badaam
English name – Almond
Tamil name- Vaadumai
Kannada name – Badami
Unani name – Baadam Shireen
Almond tree is a small, naturally found and also cultivated tree in the region of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and temperate regions of India. It grows up to a height of 6-8m bearing red flowers.
Sanskrit synonyms
Vata vairi- Pacifies the vata dosha
Netropama phala- Beneficial for the eyes
Vatama- Reduces the vitiated vata dosha
Classical categorization
Charaka- Phala varga
Bhavaprakasha- Amradi phala varga
Sanskrit verse
Properties, health benefits
Properties:
Rasa (Taste) – Madhura (Sweet)
Veerya (Potency) – Usna – it is slightly hot in nature.
Guna (Quality) – Snigdha (Slimy), Guru (Heavy)
Vipaka- Madhura (Undergoes sweet taste after digestion)
Karma (Properties) – Vatahara (Reduces vata dosha), Pitta Kara (Increase pitta dosha), Vrsya (Aphrodisiac), Balya (Provide strength)
Pharmacological action – Tonic, Aphrodisiac, Laxative, Lithotriptic, Diuretic
Varieties
2 types – Sweet Almond and Bitter almond
Substitute
Terminalia catappa (Combretaceae)
Ayurvedic health benefits of Almond:
Vrushya – aphrodisiac, improves vigor
Vatahara – useful in treating disorders of Vata Dosha imbalance such as neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, bloating, etc
Shukrala – improves sperm and semen quantity and quality
Raktapitta –useful in bleeding disorders such as nasal bleeding, heavy periods, etc
Its fruit pulp is balances Vata and Pitta Dosha. It slightly increases Kapha Dosha
How to consume?
How to consume almonds?
Many experts opine that, it is better to soak almonds in water over night, next day, peel the skin off, and consume it on empty stomach.
Soaking and peeling the skin off helps to absorb the almond nutrients better.
Dose per day: For regular consumption, 5 almonds per day is a good dose.
Almonds can also be enjoyed in other ways such as – its powder, boiled with milk along with breakfast, using it in making porridge, kheer etc, making powder and mixing with beverage drinks such as horlicks etc.
Almond oil for Nasya – Almond oil can be used as nasal drops. 2 drops of this oil can be administered to each nostril. It is good for hair, skin, dandruff, eczema etc. It has nourishing effect on the body and sense organs.
Part Used– Seed and its Kernel
Dosage- Seed Powder 3-5 g, Oil – 3 – 10 ml , Seed – 7- 10 seeds
Chemical constituents
The chief protein of almond is amandin. Amandin has about 12% arginine content. The bitter kernels of almond contain about 3-3.5% arginine whereas the ripened sweet almond kernel is free of arginine. The bitter almond oil containing hydrocyanic acid is used as antispasmodic and sedative. Owning to the presence of amygdalin, the bitter almond is unfit for human consumption. The seed oil contains myristic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid. The seed contains prunasin, daucosterin.
Uses of Vatada (Almonds):
- The powder of almond is taken in a dose of 5- 8 g with milk as a nerve tonic and as memory booster.
- Almond is used as health promoter. Hence it is an ingredient in many commercially available health drinks, health powders.
- It is used in the preparation of many confectionaries, sweets as adjuvant to enhance the taste of the product.
- The lehya (type of ayurvedic confectionery) is prepared and given to patients suffering from low back ache, migraine headache and women suffering from irregular menstruation in a dose of 5-8 g with milk.
Ayurvedic formulations
Important formulations containing Vatada:
- Spark royal capsule- Spark royal strengthens and tones the sexual glands. It supports the healthy production of sex hormones and is very good for increasing sexual ability. It also increases stamina and libido and acts as a restorative nutrient.
- Ella Herbal Hair Oil – Manufactured by Lalas.
- Many of the health drinks available in the market contain almonds. It ensures stamina, boosting the immunity and memory.
- Jivaniyadi Ghrita
- Amritaprasha Ghrita
- Mahamayura Ghrita
Research articles
Research articles related to Vatada (Almonds):
- Therapeutic application of almonds- Almonds are good sources of anti-oxidant nutrients. Almonds contain proteins and certain minerals such as calcium and magnesium. They are a rich source of vitamin E, dietary fiber, B-vitamins, essential minerals mono-unsaturated fats and phytosterols which have cholesterol lowering properties.
- In treating amnesia- Diminished cholinergic transmission and increase in cholesterol levels appear to be responsible for the development of amyloid plaques and dementia in Alzheimer patients, PA may prove to be a useful memory-restorative agent. It would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this plant in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Antioxidant Defense and Hepatoprotectionby Procyanidins from Almond (Prunus amygdalus) Skins – Procyanidins, polymeric flavan-3-ols, are known to possess antioxidant, antiatherogenic, and anticarcinogenic properties. ASP also potently enhanced the expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and antioxidant response element (ARE)-reporter gene activity in vitro. APAP-induced hepatotoxic markers including AST and ALT in mice were inhibited by ASP administration.
Precaution, Side effects
Precaution –Potential toxic risk
The study revealed a wide range of cyanide concentrations in commonly available bitter almonds and apricot kernels, in contrast to almond syrup, which is exempt of hydrocyanic acid and remains a product without any risk to human health.
Side effects:
Excess almonds – more than 8-10 per day may cause bloating, constipation and nausea.
Almonds are considered safe during pregnancy, lactation and in children.
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Can
this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets,
Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most
of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product
per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Nuts, almonds, blanched
Taste
– sweet
Properties – unctuous, heavy
Potency – not very hot (as it is softened in water)
After digestion taste transformation ( Vipaka ) – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta nourishing (due to decreased hotness)
Kapha nourishing (is vrishya and balya)
Nuts, almonds, dry roasted, without salt added
Taste – sweet
Properties – not very unctuous, not very heavy
Potency – hot
After digestion taste transformation ( Vipaka ) – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta increasing
Kapha neutral (due to decreased unctuousness and heaviness)
Nuts, almonds, dry roasted, with salt added
Rasa – sweet, slightly salty
Guna – not very unctuous, not very heavy
Veerya – hot
Vipaka – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta increasing (salt also increases Pitta)
Kapha neutral (due to decreased unctuousness and heaviness)
Nuts, almonds, oil roasted, with salt added
Rasa – sweet, slightly salty
Guna – unctuous (oil roasted), not very heavy
Veerya – hot
Vipaka – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta increasing
Kapha nourishing (even though heaviness is slightly reduced, it is unctuous)
Nuts, almonds, oil roasted, with salt added, smoke flavor
Rasa
– sweet, slightly salty
Guna – unctuous (oil roasted), not very heavy
Veerya – hot
Vipaka – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta increasing
Kapha nourishing (even though heaviness is slightly reduced, it is unctuous)5
Nuts, almonds, oil roasted, without salt added
Taste – sweet
Properties – unctuous (oil roasted), not very heavy
Potency – hot
After digestion taste transformation ( Vipaka ) – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta increasing
Kapha nourishing (even though heaviness is slightly reduced, it is unctuous)
Nuts, almonds, oil roasted, lightly salted
Rasa – sweet, slightly salty
Guna – unctuous (oil roasted), not very heavy
Veerya – hot
Vipaka – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta increasing
Kapha nourishing (even though heaviness is slightly reduced, it is unctuous)
Nuts, almond paste
Taste – sweet
Properties – unctuous, slightly less heavy (as almond paste is prepared by adding small quantity of water)
Potency – not very hot
After digestion taste transformation ( Vipaka ) – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta nourishing (due to decreased hotness)
Kapha nourishing
Nuts, almond butter, plain, without salt added
Rasa – sweet
Guna – unctuous, heavy
Veerya – not very hot
Vipaka – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta nourishing (due to decreased hotness)
Kapha increasing
Nuts, almond butter, plain, with salt added
Rasa – sweet, slightly salty
Guna – unctuous, heavy
Veerya – hot (salt is hot in potency)
Vipaka – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta increasing (salt is Pittakara)
Kapha increasing
Nuts, almonds, honey roasted, unblanched
Rasa – sweet
Guna – not very unctuous, not very heavy (roasted)
Veerya – hot
Vipaka – sweet
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Pitta nourishing ( roasted almond is Pitta increasing, but honey is Pitta
balancing)
Kapha balancing (roasted almond is Kapha neutral due to decreased unctuousness
and heaviness, but honey is Kapha balancing)
Author:
Dr.B.K.Prashanth M.D (Ayu), Ph.D
E mail: drprashanthbk@gmail.com
24 comments on “Almond (Badam) Benefits, Dose, Side Effects – Ayurveda Details”
Ravi
Respected Doc
I would request you to throw some light on what form (raw or dried or soaked or baked or fried) the qualities namely virya and vipak of the material Ayurveda refer to. How do the four parameters change as the state of the materials change ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, as per my knowledge, there will be no change in veerya or vipaka between Raw, dried, soaked, baked / fried almonds.
Vinay S Gouri
Dear Doctor,
This is confusing. While you say it eases migraine by savoring the lehya (not sure name of, can you help of the leha name?), it is also said that it increases Pitta and I am told headache and Migraines are due to Pitta increase. So these are contrasting right? Kindly throw light and remove our darkness 🙂
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Let me try 🙂
It is Ushna Veerya – hot potency – So, anything which is hot, naturally increases Pitta. So also, almond.
But it has some Pitta balancing attributes as well – sweet taste, heaviness, sliminess etc – So, it is not as hot as – pepper or ginger.
So, nutrition rich, Vitamin E rich, improves digestion (migraine is often related with digestion problems), so useful in migraine.
Usually migraine happens with a combination of Vata and Pitta, rather than Pitta alone.
Vinay S Gouri
I acknowledge with complete gratitude that you have completely removed our darkness 🙂 people like you who excel in a particular field and also willing to contribute to humanity is a rare combination to have and we are blessed to have a person like you..
By the way, I found one confectionery called “Badami Rasayana by S N Pandit, Mysore”. Does this one fit the bill?
Raje
Dear Dr
Nice article…very informative
1) Which is the best way (soaked etc…)
2) best time to take almond.. (i.e. before breakfast, with breakfast or before sleeping at night)
3) How many almonds at a time …
4) is it ok..if almond powder boiled with milk for morning breakfast..
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Many experts opine that, it is better to soak almonds in water over night, next day, peel the skin off, and consume it on empty stomach.
Soaking and peeling the skin off helps to absorb the almond nutrients better.
For regular consumption, 5 almonds per day is a good dose.
Almonds can also be enjoyed in other ways such as – its powder, boiled with milk along with breakfast, using it in making porridge, kheer etc.
Rajni gulihar
Please tell how and when. To use almonds
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Many experts opine that, it is better to soak almonds in water over night, next day, peel the skin off, and consume it on empty stomach.
Soaking and peeling the skin off helps to absorb the almond nutrients better. a
For regular consumption, 5 almonds per day is a good dose.
Aruna
Will drinking badam nut milk give us the same benefits as eating badam? I get flavoured (like carrot, beetroot, turmeric and chocolate) organic with no preservatives milk to drink. Please advise.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, the dry roast nuts will carry all their natural benefits even if they are added with jaggery etc.
It will be useful.
Another way is to roast them in ghee, powder them and mix with any food that the child might be taking.
Firoz
Hi sir will soaking the almond changes its usna to sita. As any usna food i take will constipate me
Tank you
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It decreases ushna property to some extent for sure.
Dr k k mishra
Dear Dr Namaskar
I am a retired ayurved physician served ,40 yrs I bless you for u r knowledge and happy that u r carrying the nation,s anciant science with the gratitude thanks
Dr k k Mishra
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Thank you very much sir 🙂 Namaste.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, you an soak almonds in the morning and take it at night. You can peel almond skin after soaking.
Samuel
Sir, thank you for your dedication to people’s health.
1) is a mix of almonds, dates, warm milk and ghee suitable for a morning drink ?
2) with less time to prepare, is a mix of almonds and ghee suitable as a snack ?
Aps
You are doing a great job by helping people on Ayurveda . Thanks so much for that . Have heard that few drops of sweet almond oil can be taken with milk . Is it beneficial and can be taken for how long ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Welcome 🙂
Can be taken with hot / lukewarm milk. 5 drops + half a cup of milk can be taken for 2 months time.
Aps
Thanks dr hebbar . Many ppl say that mamra almonds are the ones to be consumed for more benefit . Is it true ? As they are costly
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Every almond is pretty much same.
Maanoj Rakhit
Doctor,
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2016/06/16/almond-badam-benefits-dose-side-effects/Doctor,
1. Among Almond, Akhrot and Pista, if taken by a person whose constituent is Pitt’ then whether Badam or akhrot or pista will increase pitt’ in such body?
2. You said 5 badam a day. Is there an upper limit beyond which badam and or akhrot and or pista per day should not be taken by such a person with pitt’ characteristics?
3. You have mentioned that some expert say…now this is not so confidence building. Reader does not know which expert? What’s their respective standing? Is there some authoritative Sanskrit text? May be you mentioned but I missed it.
4. Title mentions …Side effects…” but does this article mentions that?
5. When some experts opine that the skin should be peeled off. Does this match with your expertise? Many say …’peel off the skin of many fruits and lose all those true qualities of the fruit or vegetable that lie just beneath to skin…”. Since you would know better I am asking you (please do not treat it as questioning)…
Regards,
MR
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
1. Not to a very great extent.
2. More than 5 – 10 grams per day of each, may cause nausea, or high Pitta symptoms.
3. Read about soaking almonds here
http://www.naturallifeenergy.com/should-i-soak-almonds-benefits-of-soaking-almonds/
4. We had included potential toxic effect. Now also added side effects.
Krushna
Hello sir,
Thanks a lot for such information. I have one question, that is, can we eat soaked nuts with sprouts and can we eat soaked nuts with soaked methi and soaked sesame seeds as first thing in the morning.