Sangre de Grado (Croton lechleri), or Dragon’s Blood, is a South American medicinal resin widely used as a dietary supplement for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Its primary benefits include accelerating wound healing, treating gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and ulcers, and treating viral skin conditions like herpes. Primary Benefits of Sangre de Grado • Gastrointestinal Health: The sap is highly regarded for treating diarrhea (including traveler’s diarrhea), gastric ulcers, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A key constituent, crofelemer, is FDA-approved for diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients. • Wound Healing and Skin Repair: Applied topically, it acts as an astringent to seal wounds, burns, cuts, and insect bites. It stimulates fibroblast migration, which accelerates skin regeneration. • Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral: It has demonstrated efficacy in treating herpes virus infections (topically and internally) and reducing inflammation, including inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract. • Antioxidant Support: It is rich in proanthocyanidins and taspine, which help protect cells from oxidative damage. Key Considerations • Usage: It is used both topically and internally (often 1-2 drops in water). • Safety: Generally considered low in toxicity, but clinical data on long-term safety are limited. • Quality: Because the chemical composition of the sap can vary based on geographical region, sourcing from reliable suppliers is important. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements.