Tacamahac

Takamahak or Takamahaka is a term for a resin obtained from various tropical trees. The name comes about Spanish Tacamahaca and tacamaca from the Nahuatl tecamaca. The resin is no longer used in Europe.

Because of different provenances two species were distinguished, both by an aromatic fragrance, especially when burning, distinguished. The West Indian, American or ordinary Takamahak came from the tree species Bursera tomentosa and Bursera excelsa. It is described as solid, brittle, opaque, light - gray or brown. The smell is pleasant, lavender or balsam -like.

The East Indian, Oriental or real Takamahak comes from Calophyllum inophyllum widespread. Nor the Reunion or Madagascar Takamahak, also Marie balm This is distinguished from known, this comes from Calophyllum Tacamahaca. These resins are balm -like and came in pumpkin or mussel shells on the market. Her scent is described as a pleasant lavender-like, the color of yellowish or green.

The resin was used as incense or for medicinal purposes. Samuel Hahnemann wrote already in 1799 in his pharmacist lexicon that it, " but often the most considerable damage has occurred ," the Encyclopädische Dictionary of the medical sciences 1831 provides that: " There is probably no longer needed".

In addition to the plant Calophyllum Tacamahaca also the section of the balsam poplars Tacamahaca is named.