Folk names: Blood,
Blume, Calamus Draco, Draconis Resina, Sanguis Draconis, Dragons Blood
Palm.
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
While I have searched my "library" for the medicinal uses of this herb, I must admit that to "Western or modern medicine" this herb is relatively unknown. I can however attest to the fact that it works as a diuretic when used in tea form. Having said this we will deal mainly with the esoteric values of this herb. First of all it is not an "Herb" per say, it is the dried resin of a palm tree that is indigenous to Middle Eastern countries. When used in incense it acts as a "catalyst" of sorts, meaning that it builds upon the vibrations of the other herbs in the mixture and enhances them. (Kind of like adding gasoline to a fire.) Needless to say one should use it sparingly. Wiccan lore tells that if a stick of the resin is placed under the pillow it will cure impotence. (Although I would not recommend this, as you will have a very hard time getting the stains out of your linens.) The dried resin is a powerful protectant and will drive all "evil" or negativity from its path. It is best used to increase the potency of herbal incense, although I use it occasionally as "ink" when working spells that need to be written down. Grind the resin into powder form and add blessed water to use it this way. BUT do not get the mixture on any surface that you do not wish it to be, as cleaning up will require sanding and re-painting. Ancient peoples from the Sumerians to the Egyptians used this herb to color clothing, paint temples, as part of their imbalming process and most importantly in incense.