Dragon Blood

Several unrelated materials share the name dragon's blood, among them the resins of Dracaena and Daemonorops. This product is the red sap of Croton lechleri, the sangre de drago of the Amazon. It is collected by natural exudation, not distilled.

01 · Origin

Croton lechleri is a fast-growing tree of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, native to the western Amazon. When the bark is cut it releases a thick, deep red latex. Indigenous communities have long used it as a dye for textiles and as a ritual paint. This material is collected from wild trees in Peru.

02 · Process

The sap is gathered as it flows from the bark. Its principal constituents are proanthocyanidins, which give the red colour, and the alkaloid taspine. These are non-volatile compounds, so the material carries little scent and behaves differently from an essential oil in a formula.

03 · In Practice

Dark red and viscous, with a faint earthy odour. Used in skincare formulation, ritual work and as a natural colourant. The pigment can mark fabric and skin. Compatibility with an oil base is best tested in small quantity first. Works alongside frankincense, sandalwood, copaiba, myrrh and vetiver.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.