What Is Dragons Blood? The Bleeding tree
Dragon’s blood is a natural plant resin. It’s dark red in color, which is part of what gives dragon’s blood its name.
The resin extracted is from different tropical tree species commonly called dragon trees. These may come from the plant groups Croton, Pterocarpus, Daemonorops, or Dracaena.
The plant resin has been used for thousands of years for distinct purposes. There are records of its use among the ancient Greeks and Romans and in India, China, and the Middle East.
Some of its uses are for health. It’s also been used as dye, paint, incense, or for spiritual purposes. It has a strong, somewhat sweet fragrance not unlike vanilla and spices.
Dragon’s blood products from the Dracaena and Daemonorops genus are the most common and widely used today.
- Wound Healing: Dragon's blood is well-known for its potential to accelerate wound healing. Studies suggest it can reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, healing, and help prevent infections. One clinical trial showed that a dragon's blood significantly improved wound healing time. It can help protect against free radical damage. Additionally, it can improve skin hydration, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and potentially help with acne and acne scars
- Minimizing Scarring: It may help minimize scarring associated with cuts, bites, burns, stings, rashes, and abrasions.
- Skin Conditions: It may potentially help with conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
- Soothing and Astringent Properties: Its soothing and astringent qualities can help manage inflammation and tone the skin.
- Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne, while also potentially fighting off acne-causing bacteria.
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Anti-aging Properties:
By reducing inflammation and free radical damage, dragon's blood can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, potentially contributing to a more youthful complexion.
- Digestive Issues: Dragon's blood is commonly used to help manage digestive issues like ulcers and diarrhea.
- Antimicrobial Action: It has shown effectiveness against various bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium. This antimicrobial property may contribute to its use in treating digestive infections.
- Antiviral Activity: Research indicates that dragon's blood possesses antiviral properties.
- Oral Health: It can be used as an oral rinse.
- Anti-inflammatory: Dragon's blood has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, potentially assisting with conditions such as arthritis, colitis, and gastritis.
- Antioxidant: The presence of proanthocyanidins, powerful antioxidants, may help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before using dragon's blood tincture or any natural supplement, it's always advisable to talk with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
- Potential Side Effects: While generally considered safe, mild side effects like itching or burning (topical) or nausea and loose stools (oral) can occur.
