Tonka Bean
Dipteryx odorata
Synonyms:
Tonquin Bean
Family:
Fabaceae/Leguminosae, Pea family
Origin:
South America
Part(s) used:
fruit
Special constituents:
Coumarin (1-3%)
Correspondance:
14 (Cunningham)
Uses:
Incense, fixative, bringer of happiness
Tonka 
Tonka Description:
Tonka Beans are the fruits of the species Dipteryx odorata. The fruits are collected and dried, then soaked in alcohol for 12-15 hours and dried again. After this procedure, small white crystals of coumarin are visible on the outside of the beans.
Tonka Beans have a strong scent of coumarin. The scent is sweet and a bit like hay. In large amounts coumarin is toxic for the heart, but it is not a problem to use a little bit of Tonka Beans in incense or as a spice in bread. Tonka Beans have also been used as a substitute for vanilla. The scent of Tonka Beans is very special, and must be tried! They are not very expensive to buy, and a few beans last long, even if you get very fond of it.
The entire bean can be used as an amulet to promote happiness. The sweet aroma also blends well into love amulets or perfumes used to attract a partner.
A fatty substance, Taquin butter, is extracted from the beans. It is used as an insecticide and moth repellant. From the Taquin butter, an absolue is extracted; it is used in the perfume industry but not in aromatherapy, as it contains a high percentage of coumarin.
The scent blends well with:
Benzoin, Vanilla, Patchouli, Geranium, Sandalwood, Rose - all strong flower notes. Also good with citrus notes.