Botanical Name: Daemonorops draco Blume.
Family: Palmae; Aracaceae
Introduction:
Latin name: Daemenorops = evil spirit.very thorny climber; draco = dragon.
Dragon’s Blood, oleoresin, usually dark red in color, derived from the coat of the ripe fruit of several species of trees, particularly of the rattan palm .Other trees that yield dragon's blood include the dragon tree. Dragon's blood is used in photoengraving and is sometimes used for coloring varnishes.
Names in different Indian languages
English |
East Indian Dragon’s Blood. |
Hindi |
Kconkharaba, Hiradokhae |
Kannada |
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Malayalam |
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Sanskrit |
Raktaniryaas, |
Tamil |
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Telugu |
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Unani |
Damm-ul-Akhwain |
Folk |
Synonyms
Khoonkharaabaa, Heeraadokhi.
Calamus draco Willd.
Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata
Charaka |
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Susrutha |
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Vagbhata |
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Varieties & adulterants - (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants)
Morphology
Latex of the tree is bluish brown but the powder is reddish in colour.
Distribution & Habitat
Arabia and Africa
Chemical constituents:
drocoresinotannols, dracoresen , flavone quinones
Properties:
Guna: laghu, ruksha:
Rasa: kashaya:
Vipak: katu:
Virya: sheeta:
Dosha: kaphapittanashak.
Karma -
Astringent, anti tumerous
Srotogamitva:
Dosha: Kaphaghna, pittaghna.
Dhatu: Rakta (hemostat), mansa (healing), (in bleeding disorders).
Mala: Purisha(astringent).
Indication:
diarrhoea, dysentery.
Part used:
Resin
Dosage:
500-1000 mg.
uses:
External uses: Since it is a hemostat, it is used in fresh bleeding injuries. Its powder is also helpful for healing of chronic wounds.
Internal uses: Being astringent, it is useful in diarrhoea and dysentery. By its hemostatic property, it is useful in haemoptysis. haemetemesis. bleeding piles and menorrhagia.
Descriptions on Ayurveda books / Nighandu: