Dragon's Blood as an Herb

(Daemonorops draco)

Dragon's Blood, as known in commerce, has several origins, the substance so named being contributed by widely differing species.

The product may come to market in beads, joined as if forming a necklace, and covered with leaves (Tear Dragon's Blood), or in small, round sticks about 18 inches long, packed in leaves and strips of cane.

Other varieties are found in irregular lumps, or in a reddish powder. They are known as lump, stick, reed, tear, or saucer Dragon's Blood.

Medicinal Uses for Dragon's Blood

Doses of 10 to 30 grains were formerly given as an astringent in diarrhea, but officially it is no longer used internally, as it is now regarded as inert.

The following treatment is said to have cured cases of severe syphilis: Mix 2 drachms of Dragon's Blood, 2 drachms of colocynth, 1/2 oz. of gamboge in a mortar, and add 3 gills of boiling water. Stir for an hour, while keeping hot. Allow to cool, and add while stirring a mixture of 2 ounces each sweet spirits of nitre and copaiba balsam.

The resin of Dragon's Blood is used externally as a wash to promote healing and stop bleeding. Internally it is used for chest pains, post-partum bleeding, internal traumas, and menstrual irregularities.

Dragon's Blood has also been used as an aphrodisiac (an agent for arousing or increasing sexual desire or potency).

Other Uses for Dragon's Blood

Dragon's Blood is used as a coloring matter for varnishes, toothpastes, tinctures, plasters, etc. It is very brittle, and breaks with an irregular, resinous fracture, is bright red and glossy inside, and darker red sometimes powdered with crimson, externally. Small, thin pieces are transparent.

Folklore

Indeed, the tree was once regarded as a sacred site for the Guanche who are said to have assembled under it for ceremonies and meetings. These people who made shields from its bark and trunk and used its red dragon's blood resin for embalming their dead regarded the Dragon Tree as holy and magical.

In astrology the Dragon Tree is believed to be ruled over by Mars the god of war.

One explanation of where the Dragon Tree originated: Greek myths relate the tale of Hercules and his heroic quest to bring back three golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides. A hundred-headed dragon called Landon was the guardian of the place and after the hero killed it to reach the fruit, trees began to spring up from where its blood fell on the earth.

Culinary

None known.

Cautions

Dragon's Blood should not be used internally without strict professional guidance.

Avoid when there is diarrhea with flatulence.

Some angelica species are associated with contact dermatitis and related members of the parsley family are known to cause photodermatitis.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.