Dragon’s blood: what it is, what it is for, how to take it and contraindications

What is Dragon’s Blood and what is it for?

The dragon’s blood (Croton lechleri) is a tree of the Euphorbiaceae family that can measure between 10 and 25 meters in height, with heart shaped leaveslustrous, and greenish white flowers.

In the upper Amazonin Peru, Ecuador and Brazil, at an altitude between 1,200 and 3,000 meters, inside the montane rainforests, has its natural habitat

He healing power of its latex it has been well known since ancient times by the native inhabitants. The first written reference to its medicinal uses dates back to the 17th century. It was documented by the Spanish naturalist Bernabé Cobo.

Already then it was observed how the natives used latex to seal skin wounds, stop infection and accelerate healing. But they also used it on fractures, wounds and hemorrhoids.

Medicinal properties of sangre de drago

Dragon’s blood has received increasing interest from the scientific community, and today it is easy to find in herbalists and many pharmacies in Europe. in the form of liquid extract and fresh latex.

It is used as an astringent, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial remedy. and, to a lesser extent, digestive and aperitif.

in topical usethe dragon’s blood:Helps disinfect wounds and fight herpes simplex.It is also used as Vaginal antiseptic and on mouth sores. It can also help heal other damage to the oral mucosa, including that inflicted after a dental extraction. It relieves pain, reduces the inflammatory reaction and helps scab form and skin regenerate quickly.In internal use, dragon’s blood indicated for:Protect and repair the gastrointestinal mucosa. Effectively combats the action of intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pyloriresponsible for many gastroduodenal ulcersby alkalizing the medium where they thrive and thus making it difficult for them to reproduce.mediar in gastric and intestinal infections: in gastroenteritis, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. To do this, you can take the latex directly or in extract, 3 drops three times a day.

Dragon’s blood balm for skin

In external use is intended to alleviate burns, dermatitis, stings, bites and skin ulcers.

How to prepare it: The traditional way of preparing a remedy with Dragon’s Blood is dissolving the latex in an infusion of plantain or marshmallow to use as a wash, enema, or scrub over the affected area of ​​skin.

It can also be applied directly, until it is absorbed. It will be seen to go from the original deep red to white. You have to try not to dye your clothes.

Precautions and contraindications

Due to its high alkaloid content, this plant is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation and in children under 12 years of age.

And for him risk of generating gastric irritation, especially in hypersecretory dyspepsia, it is advisable to accompany it with demulcent infusions based on plantain or marshmallow

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”