The almond tree grows to a height of about 23 feet. It is botanically classified as a drupe, and is a popular garden tree because of its pink-white flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the kernels. The nuts are first macerated in warm water for 12-24 hours before the oil is extracted. Not present in the raw seed, it is during this process that prussic acid is formed. Most commercial bitter almond oil is rectified to remove all prussic acid, i.e. free from prussic acid. The essential oil is a colorless liquid with a characteristic 'marzipan' scent.

Bitter almond is claimed to have anesthetic, antispasmodic, narcotic, and vermifuge qualities. This oil may be helpful in the treatment of constipation, bronchitis, coughs, heartburn, bladder and kidney disorders, aches and pains, and complexion problems.

Rectified bitter almond is used is used for food flavorings, mainly confectionery. Bitter almond is native to western Asia and North Africa, and is now being cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region, Israel, and California.

Chemical constituents are benzaldehyde (95%) and prussic acid (3 %).