Tonka Beans (whole)
Dipteryx odorata
Venezuela

Tonka Beans (whole) - Dipteryx odorata - from Venezuela. These seeds of the large tropical Tonka tree have the fragrance reminiscent of newly mown hay or a freshly cut meadow. They have a high coumarin content, which provides a sweet, herblike fragrance.

Tonka beans were and may still be used as an adulterant to vanilla. The beans are used to flavor tobaccos and snuffs. The essential oil is widely used in the perfume industry.

Tonka beans are often used in sachets and potpourri. They are said to lighten one's mood and be emotionally balancing.

Use in small amounts.

Family: Fabaceae

Synonyms: tonquin bean, Coumarouna odorata

Origin: tropical South America, West Africa

Parts Used: seeds (a.k.a. beans)

Aroma Description: rich, warm, coumarin-herbaceous, tobacco-like, caramel-like. They have a high coumarin content, which provides a sweet, vanilla, herblike fragrance

Emotional Attributes: creative, love, balancing, grounding

Cosmetic Uses: perfumery, aromatherapy; used in sachets and potpourris, etc., has excellent fixative properties

Culinary Uses: once used to flavor candy, beverages, medicinal preparations, etc. but now banned in the US and other countries since 1953 as a food additive due to its high coumarin content, Still used in some countries to flavor tobacco and snuff

*Warning: Do NOT use internally, due to high coumarin content Tonka Beans, when consumed, can cause fatal effects*

Medicinal Attributes: discontinued since the discovery that coumarin may damage the heart, liver and even cause cancer

Element Association: Water

Magical Associations: courage, prosperity, luck

Astrological Association: Taurus, Libra

Planetary Association: Venus

Season: Spring

Aromatic Note: Base note

Essential Oil: Yes, concretes, absolutes and tinctures are made though they can be difficult to find.

*Warning: Do NOT use internally, due to high coumarin content Tonka Beans, when consumed, can cause fatal effects*

Mixes Well With: benzoin, catnip, copal-black, copal-gold, copal-white, myrrh, frankincense, lavender, mugwort, nutmeg, oakmoss, palo santo wood, storax, tolu balsam, vanilla, vetiver, clary sage, etc. Medical Disclaimer: Information on this web site is for entertainment purposes only. This information is NOT intended as medical advice or for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional.

Prices:
Per oz. (28 grams): $4.50
Per 4 oz. (112 grams) $17.75
Per half pound (224 grams) $32.50
Per pound (454 grams): $62.00