Dragon's Blood tears from Socotra Island | Dracaena Cinnabari

Overview

Dragon’s Blood Tears from Socotra are crimson resin pieces from Dracaena cinnabari, the dragon blood tree native to Socotra. They are historically valued for their intense red colour in pigments, inks and varnish-like craft preparations, as well as for ceremonial and incense use.

The raw resin has little aroma when smelled directly. On hot charcoal it develops a dark resinous, smoky and earthy character with warm amber-like and softly nutty undertones.

Specifications

• Botanical Name: Dracaena cinnabari Balf.f.
• Family Name: Asparagaceae
• Common Name: Socotra dragon blood tree
• Material: Natural resin tears
• Part Used: Resinous tree exudate
• Appearance: Crimson to deep red resin pieces
• Origin: Socotra, Yemen
• Aroma When Heated: Dark resinous, smoky, earthy, amber-like and softly nutty

Aromatic Profile

Nearly odourless in the raw state, then dark, warm and resinous when heated. Smoke, earth, amber-like warmth and a faint nutty facet create a ceremonial atmosphere rather than the bright balsamic profile of frankincense or myrrh.

Material Identity

This is the natural red resin of Dracaena cinnabari and contains no distilled essential oil. Its pigment behaviour, resin composition and combustion profile are different from Croton lechleri and other unrelated materials sold under the same common name.

Because Dracaena cinnabari is endemic to Socotra, botanical identity and responsible, documented sourcing are essential.

Applications

• Incense blends and ceremonial burning
• Traditional pigment and ink-inspired craft work
• Artisan resin preparations
• Ritual and symbolic botanical products

Use very small amounts when heating. For inks, varnishes, oils or other preparations, test solubility, colourfastness and material compatibility before production.

Safety

• For external use only; do not ingest.
• Do not apply undiluted to the skin.
• Use at a level appropriate to the finished formulation and current supplier or industry guidance.
• Patch test the finished formulation before topical use.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes and damaged skin.
• Store tightly closed away from heat, light and air.