What is dragon’s blood and what is it for?

The dragon’s bloodCroton 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 of between 1,200 and 3,000 meters, inside the mountain 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 indigenous people used latex to seal skin wounds, stop infection and accelerate healing. But they also used it on fractures, wounds and hemorrhoids.

Medicinal properties of dragon’s blood

Dragon blood has received growing 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 usedragon’s blood:
  • Helps disinfect wounds and combat 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 tooth extraction.
  • Relieves pain, reduces inflammatory reaction and It helps scabs form and the skin regenerates 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 environment where they thrive and thus making their reproduction difficult.
  • Mediate 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 the skin

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

How to prepare it: The traditional way to prepare a remedy with dragon’s blood is dissolving the latex in a plantain or marshmallow infusion to use as a wash, enema or rub on the affected area of ​​skin.

It can also be applied directly, until absorbed. You will see that it goes from the original intense 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 from “El Manantial de Salud”