Tonka bean is a seed of the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx odorata) that is used as an ingredient in various consumer sectors concerning gastronomic scents and personal care products, which include shampoos, lotions, soaps, candles, cosmetics, bubble bath, and incense. Tonka beans are a formidable fragrance ingredient that is both versatile and timeless. They work best in spicy and sweet scents featuring notes that are similar, including clove, vanilla, heliotrope, bitter almonds, and cinnamon. They also blend well with notes of patchouli, sandalwood, rose, lemon peel, and lavender.
Tonka bean absolute is a thick, brown material with an intensely sweet, rich, warm aroma similar to beeswax or tobacco. It is a great ingredient for natural perfumes and is known for its antiseptic properties, expectorant effects, use as a natural insecticide, and even an anti-coagulant. Its highly intriguing and delightful scent makes it a wonderful natural fragrance to add to decadent soaps, lotions, bath bombs, and candles.
However, tonka bean is also known to contain chemicals that might reduce blood clotting, and it is likely unsafe when taken by mouth. The US FDA considers any food containing tonka bean or tonka bean extract to be impure. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, sleeplessness, and liver damage. When applied to the skin, there isnt enough reliable information to know if tonka bean is safe or what the side effects might be. Tonka beans were once widely used in medicine as a treatment for cramps, nausea, cough, spasms, and tuberculosis.
In summary, tonka bean is a versatile and timeless fragrance ingredient that is used in various consumer sectors concerning gastronomic scents and personal care products. It is known for its antiseptic properties, expectorant effects, use as a natural insecticide, and even an anti-coagulant. However, it is likely unsafe when taken by mouth and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, sleeplessness, and liver damage. When applied to the skin, there isnt enough reliable information to know if tonka bean is safe or what the side effects might be.
