In short: Dragon's Blood, also known as Sangre de Drago, is a deep-red botanical latex obtained from the Amazonian tree Croton lechleri. Native to tropical South America, it has a long history of traditional use among Indigenous and local communities, particularly in Ecuador and Peru.
Deep within the Amazon rainforest grows a remarkable tree with an unusual characteristic. When its bark is cut, it releases a rich crimson liquid that resembles blood.
Known as Sangre de Drago, meaning Dragon's Blood, this distinctive botanical has attracted interest for generations. Behind its striking appearance lies a fascinating story of rainforest biodiversity, traditional knowledge and modern scientific investigation.
What Is Dragon's Blood?
Dragon's Blood is the naturally occurring red latex collected from Croton lechleri, a tropical tree belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family.
Unlike the pale sap produced by many plants, this species releases a vivid red liquid when its bark is cut. Its dramatic colour is responsible for the name Dragon's Blood.
Several unrelated plants produce substances sold under the same name. The Amazonian botanical known as Sangre de Drago is specifically associated with Croton lechleri.
Where Does Dragon's Blood Come From?
Dragon's Blood comes from tropical regions of Central and South America, including Ecuador, Peru and Colombia.
The Croton lechleri tree grows in humid forest environments, including areas of regenerating rainforest. In Ecuador, it forms part of the extraordinary botanical diversity of the Amazon.
Indigenous and local communities have developed knowledge of rainforest plants over many generations. Their understanding of these botanicals forms an important part of the cultural heritage associated with Dragon's Blood.
How Has Dragon's Blood Traditionally Been Used?
Dragon's Blood has traditionally featured in Amazonian plant-based practices, including preparations associated with skin care and digestive complaints.
These historical uses reflect the knowledge and traditions of particular communities. They should not be interpreted as evidence that commercially available Dragon's Blood products are approved medicines.
A review by Kenneth Jones, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2003, documents the traditional uses and scientific research surrounding Croton lechleri.
Read the scientific review on PubMed.
How Is Dragon's Blood Sap Collected?
Dragon's Blood sap is collected by making cuts in the bark of the Croton lechleri tree, allowing its distinctive red latex to flow out.
The liquid is then gathered and may be filtered or prepared for different botanical applications. Harvesting methods vary, and collection can affect the tree, making responsible sourcing and forest management important.
For rainforest botanicals, understanding the origin of the material and the people involved in its collection is an important part of choosing a product.
What Does Scientific Research Say About Dragon's Blood?
Researchers have identified naturally occurring compounds in Croton lechleri latex, including proanthocyanidins and other plant chemicals.
A 2025 scientific review published in Planta Medica examined research into the plant's chemical composition and biological properties.
Although these findings are scientifically interesting, laboratory research and studies of particular extracts cannot establish that ordinary botanical products prevent or treat medical conditions.
Explore the published research on Croton lechleri.
Where Can You Buy Dragon's Blood in the UK?
You can explore authentic Ecuadorian Dragon's Blood botanical resin through Pachakuti.
Our 100% Pure Dragon's Blood (Croton lechleri) is sourced from Ecuador and supplied in a convenient 30ml dropper bottle, without added fillers or preservatives.
We believe that understanding a botanical's origins, cultural significance and sourcing is just as important as appreciating the plant itself.
Please note: Pachakuti Dragon's Blood is a botanical product for external use only. It is not a medicine and should not be consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragon's Blood actually blood?
No. Dragon's Blood is a naturally occurring red plant latex, not animal blood. Its unusual name comes from its deep crimson colour.
Is Dragon's Blood the same as Sangre de Drago?
Yes, when referring to Croton lechleri. Sangre de Drago is a Spanish name commonly used for this Amazonian botanical, although other plants are also marketed as Dragon's Blood.
Is Dragon's Blood a resin or a sap?
Dragon's Blood from Croton lechleri is more precisely described as a red latex or sap, although the term resin is frequently used in product descriptions.
Can Dragon's Blood be consumed?
Pachakuti Dragon's Blood is intended for external use only and must not be consumed. Traditional accounts of plant use should not be treated as instructions for using a modern botanical product.
Interested in other Amazonian botanicals? Discover our guide to Guayusa tea and its fascinating Ecuadorian heritage.
