Bitter Almond Oil

Bitter Almond Oil is an essential oil that is rarely used in its pure, unadulterated natural state due to its inherent toxicity.

Toxicity
The oil of the bitter almond contains cyanide (also known as Prussic Acid), which is poisonous to humans. Because of demand for the scent of Bitter Almond oil, there are versions of the oil available on the market that are Free From Prussic Acid (FFPA) and don't contain cyanide.

History
Bitter almond extract was once used medicinally until it was discovered to contain cyanide, which can be deadly. Companies started to produce FFPA oils, because there was still a market for bitter almond oil, since the scent is very unique. Some companies began to produce this oil by using cherry pits instead of almonds, which can smell similar to almonds.