Asparagaceae
Dragon’s Blood Resin
Dracaena draco
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, Morocco
Also known as: Dracaena Resin, Drago, Dragon Tree Resin
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Resin
Therapeutic Uses
Wound healing (topical — antimicrobial and astringent), oral ulcers (mouthwash), dysentery (astringent), skin conditions. Ancient resin used since Greek and Roman times.
Herbal Actions
Astringent, antimicrobial, antifungal, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory
Active Constituents
Flavonoids (dracorhodin — red pigment, dracaenin, dracorubin), steroids (dracosterol), phenylpropanoids, triterpenoids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture🧴 Salve/Balm
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT practical — resin form |
| Tincture | 1–3 ml (1:5, 70% ethanol), 3x daily. Topical: apply tincture directly to wounds. |
| Notes | Ancient medicinal resin — mentioned by Dioscorides. Used as varnish and wood stain historically. Combine with myrrh for oral and wound preparations. Limited modern clinical research. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid therapeutic doses in pregnancy. Otherwise generally safe.
Side Effects: GI irritation (high doses). Skin staining (red pigment). Generally well tolerated.