bianca's Herb Garden : Tonka

Tonka, also called tonqua, tonquin been, or coumara nut. The tree grows in tropical South America and the bean contains coumarin in its natural form. The fragrance is very distinctive and quite aromatic and is used in perfumery. To get rid of the coumarin in the bean soak them in 151 proof rum. These beans are used as a narcotic and a cardiac tonic (although in large doses it can paralyze the heart.) They are carried as good luck charms, used to flavor tobacco and butter, scent sachets and potpourris, and are also used in perfumery in the making of essences.