Dragon's Blood

Dragon’s Blood doesn’t come from a slain dragon, but from a very odd-looking tree found on the remote Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea. Due to its remoteness, one third of all plant life found on this island is not found anywhere else.
 
This is “true” Dragon’s Blood (Draconi Cinnabari) – the Dragon’s Blood named in medieval occult and alchemy manuscripts. This is also the Dragon's Blood that can be used as ink.
 
Dragon's Blood resin is formed when cuts are made on the tree trunk and the red liquid oozes out, looking very much like blood! This is the tree’s natural way of healing and sealing the wound.
 
This “blood” is dried and formed into balls. There are many amazing health benefits to Dragon’s Blood. It’s great for any cuts or wounds as it has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is typically found in salves and ointments due to its great healing effects on skin issues.
 
This Dragon’s Blood has a wonderful spicy and woodsy smell, while the more commonly available Dragon’s Blood (Daemonorops draco) that you get at a new age store has a sweet and floral note. This type of Dragon’s Blood comes from Indonesia and is harvested from a type of palm fruit.
 
In order to make Dragon’s Blood Ink, you’ll need the “real” Dragon’s Blood (Draconi Cinnabari), as this fully dissolves in alcohol. If you try making this with Indonesian Dragon’s Blood, it won’t dissolve in alcohol.

Making it is very simple. Get super high proof alcohol (Everclear or rubbing alcohol) and grind the resin into fine pieces. All you gotta do is put it in a small jar and top it off with alcohol, shaking it vigorously! It'll get darker over the next couple of days and then you can use it like a writing ink.
 
As you can see from the pictures, it really does look like blood! In the spiritual sphere, Dragon’s Blood is very protective and good at banishing heavy and negative energies. So if you feel like your house needs some spiritual cleansing, burn some Dragon’s Blood!
 
Although it produced a wonderful red, I couldn’t paint with it as the alcohol soaked through the paper. It works better as a writing ink for now…but it is something I will keep playing with and hopefully it will be part of my plant palette in the future!

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