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Dragon's Blood: the Red Resin from the Amazon and How to Use It

 

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly reviewed with new insights on Dragon's Blood.

We still remember the first time we heard about Dragon's Blood: we were instantly fascinated. Everything drew us in, the name, the deep-red colour, the rich tradition and the many uses. Dragon's Blood can be used both on the skin and internally, as well as for smudging and cleansing. But what exactly is it? Let's find out.

What Is Dragon's Blood?

Dragon's Blood is a deep-red, natural resin extracted from the bark of the Croton lechleri tree of the Amazon rainforest. In South America it is known as Sangre de Grado or Sangre de Drago, literally dragon's blood. Harvesting works much like collecting natural rubber: a cut is made in the bark, and the red sap flows out to be collected. Thanks to the many plant compounds in it, Dragon's Blood is known for its astringent, protective and skin-caring properties.

Good to know: Do not confuse Amazonian Dragon's Blood (Croton lechleri) with the resin of the Socotra dragon tree (Dracaena cinnabari). Both are called 'dragon's blood', but they come from different plants and different parts of the world. Our Dragon's Blood comes from the Amazon.

Dragon's Blood for the Skin

Indigenous peoples of the Amazon have used Dragon's Blood for generations to care for the skin, for instance with small wounds, scratches, blisters or insect bites. The remarkable thing is that, as it dries, the resin forms a thin, protective layer over the skin, a kind of liquid plaster that covers small wounds. These days Dragon's Blood is also added to face creams, lotions and skincare.

How to Use Dragon's Blood for the Skin

How to use Dragon's Blood for skin?

  1. Step 1: Shake and apply
    Shake the bottle well. Drip a couple of drops onto the clean, small wound or area you want to care for.
  2. Step 2: Spread and let dry
    Spread the resin into a thin layer with your fingertip or a cotton ball and let it air-dry. A protective film forms.
  3. Step 3: Repeat if needed
    To strengthen the protective layer, repeat after a few minutes. For daily care, apply a small amount to the desired area.

Tip: Want to work Dragon's Blood into your skincare? Add one drop to your usual cream or lotion and see how your skin responds over a few days.

Dragon's Blood for Internal Use

Dragon's Blood for internal use

Unlike many skin products, Dragon's Blood can also be used internally. In traditional Amazonian medicine it has long been used for stomach and intestinal complaints. That tradition has since drawn scientific interest too: a compound from Croton lechleri has even been developed into a medicine for diarrhoea. Research into its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties is ongoing; we present it here as traditional use, not as a medical treatment.

How to Use Dragon's Blood Internally

Always shake the bottle well before use. For internal use, follow the instructions on the label; this usually means a few drops in a glass of water, juice or cold tea, preferably between meals. Start gently and listen to your body. If in doubt or if you take medication, consult your doctor.

Dragon's Blood for Smudging

Besides the resin, there is also Dragon's Blood sage and incense. These are used to cleanse and freshen a space. Dragon's Blood symbolises protection, strength and purification: many people find its warm, resinous scent strengthening and grounding. Want to know more about cleansing with smoke? Read our smudging guide and the blogs on white sage and palo santo.

Users often describe the Dragon's Blood resin as surprisingly practical: a small bottle that lasts a long time. A frequently heard experience with the smudge is that its warm, spicy scent quickly makes a space feel fresh and calm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon's Blood

What exactly is Dragon's Blood?

Dragon's Blood is a deep-red resin from the bark of the Croton lechleri tree of the Amazon, also known as Sangre de Grado. It is traditionally used for the skin, internally and for smudging.

Does Dragon's Blood come from the dragon tree?

Several plants yield 'dragon's blood'. Our Amazonian Dragon's Blood comes from Croton lechleri, not from the well-known Socotra dragon tree (Dracaena cinnabari). They are different plants with the same nickname.

How do you use Dragon's Blood on the skin?

Shake the bottle, apply a couple of drops to a clean, small wound or area, spread it into a thin layer and let it dry. A protective film forms, like a liquid plaster.

Can you take Dragon's Blood internally?

Yes, unlike many skin products, Dragon's Blood can also be used internally, traditionally for stomach and intestinal complaints. Always follow the label, start gently and consult your doctor if in doubt.

What is Dragon's Blood smudge used for?

Dragon's Blood sage and incense are used to cleanse and freshen a space, with a warm, resinous scent that symbolises protection and purification.

How do I store Dragon's Blood?

Cool, dry and dark, with the cap tightly closed. Shake the resin before each use, as the components can settle.

Why Next Level Smart?

  • Dragon's Blood from the Amazon — pure Croton lechleri resin, pure and unprocessed
  • Resin and smudge alike — for the skin, internal use or cleansing your space
  • Honest information — we describe traditional use, without empty promises
  • Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop, shipping from the Netherlands

Curious about Dragon's Blood? Browse our sage and smudge and the wider aroma category. Interested in other Amazon products? Read also about sananga from the Amazon.

Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

 
Annie Verkade is a writer at Next Level Smartshop with a background in philology. She writes about natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, sleep support, and plant-based products. Her work also explores altered states of consciousness - both with and without psychedelics - as well as topics like astrology and lunar cycles, translating insights into clear, accessible content. She’s especially interested in how simple rituals and environment can shift how we feel (sometimes more than we expect). Outside of work, she enjoys photography, reading, bouldering, and travelling. Favourite products: Sagrada Madre incense, Mulungu, Sleep Tincture
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