Sangre de Grado – Dragons Blood Resin Croton Lechleri 10ml

Mood: Protected, Restored, Grounded
Best For: Home first aid, skin care, traditional digestive support

Latin name: Croton lechleri
Also known as: Sangre de Drago, Dragon’s Blood
Origin: Peru
Used part: Sap (latex) of the tree
Volume: 10 ml

Cut the bark of this tree and it bleeds. Dark red, thick, almost like blood.

Sangre de Grado, the Dragon’s Blood of Peru

Sangre de Grado, also called Sangre de Drago, grows in the high forests of the Andes, on the sides of gorges between 300 and 2,000 meters above sea level. In some places the trees form small woods of their own. The tree is lean, 10 to 20 meters tall, with red-grey bark speckled white and a very branchy crown. Its leaves are large and heart-shaped, light green and covered with fine hairs.

The name comes from two things. When the bark is cut, the tree releases a dark red sap that looks like blood. And its small, round, reddish fruits are said to resemble a dragon.

It has been part of traditional Peruvian medicine for centuries, and was even given magical powers. Today it is in every Peruvian home first-aid kit, and of growing interest to scientists.

What Sangre de Grado Is Traditionally Used For

• Cuts, scratches and small wounds – rubbed onto the skin, the sap dries into a thin protective layer, often called a liquid bandage.
• Insect bites, burns and skin irritation – applied directly to calm and protect the skin.
• Mouth and gums – used for mouth ulcers, a sore throat and bleeding gums.
• Stomach and digestion – taken in water for an upset stomach, bloating and diarrhea.

Among the many substances in the sap, two stand out. Taspine, an alkaloid, has been studied for its role in wound healing. Crofelemer, a compound isolated from Croton lechleri, became the active ingredient of a prescription medicine for diarrhea approved in the United States in 2012. The tradition was right about the stomach.

How to Use Sangre de Grado

On the skin: put a drop on the clean skin and rub it in. The red sap turns into a light, creamy layer and dries in a minute.

Internally, the traditional Peruvian way: once a day in the morning, on an empty stomach, in two spoons of water. Start with 3 drops and add 3 more each day, up to 5 to 20 drops.

Note: Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not exceed the amount above, as too much can lead to constipation. Keep the bottle tightly closed, in a cool place away from sunlight. If the sap thickens or dries, dilute it with water, not alcohol.