The box of HEM’s dragon’s blood incense is about 25 cm long and hexagonal, with red dragons winding across an orange background. It reads “Dragons Blood” in English. The sticks are made in India. You get one box, without a holder.
A resin named after its colour
Dragon’s blood is in fact a plant resin, the deep red sap of the dragon tree and certain palms. It is named after its blood-like colour, and in the past it was also used as a dye and varnish. In this box you get dragon’s blood scented incense sticks, not resin.
The best-known dragon tree grows on the Yemeni island of Socotra. Its umbrella-shaped crown is recognisable from afar, and it has become the symbol of the island.
Said to protect
In esoteric tradition dragon’s blood smoke is held to be protective and strengthening, so people light it before important days as well. The scent is distinctive and easy to notice. If you like deep, resin-like scents, it makes a good alternate with the Frankincense in this series.
Burning it safely
Push it into a heat-resistant holder on a steady surface, away from curtains and paper. Light the tip and blow out the flame after a few seconds. One stick is enough for a smaller room; let in some fresh air meanwhile.
Don’t leave it alone while it burns. Before you go out or to bed, press the glowing end into sand or a heat-resistant bowl. No holder comes in the box; if you don’t have one yet, a small ceramic dish filled with sand will do. Keep children, pets and birds away from the smoke.