Dragon's Blood: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Scent, And More

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HealthlineSubscribeWhat Is Dragon’s Blood and What Are Its Uses?

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Adrian White — Updated on September 23, 2024

About dragon's blood
Uses
Researched benefits
Side effects
How to take
Takeaway

Dragon’s blood is a plant resin that may help with a variety of health concerns, including skin ulcers and diarrhea.

Image of a glass bottle with dragon's blood oil in it

Dragon’s blood is commonly used to help manage digestive issues, such as ulcers and diarrhea. While few sides effects have been reported, you may want to talk with your healthcare professional before using any kind of natural supplement.

What is dragon’s blood?

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 is extracted from many 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.

How is dragon’s blood used?

Common uses of dragon’s blood have changed over time. Today, it is commonly used for digestive health.

The plant resin was formerly ascribed cure-all properties, though this is not the case anymore. It was once thought to speed wound healing, and some healers used it for respiratory issues.

Dragon’s blood was also employed for different gastrointestinal conditions. Its claimed benefits for the digestive system are still held to this day, along with many other touted benefits.

It’s also still found in some natural dyes, paints, varnishes, and incense.

What does the research say?

Dragon’s blood has risen from humble folk healing traditions to become a widely used health supplement today. The following are some research-supported benefits of this health-boosting plant resin.

Ulcers

Dragon’s blood is shown to possibly be beneficial for a few different types of ulcers. Note that most of these ulcers are topical, not internal.

A review from 2019 noted that dragon’s blood has been widely used as a treatment for stomach and intestinal ulcers. It is one of the most popular herbal medicines in many Asian countries like China and Vietnam. However, the authors of the review also stated that the studies they looked at may have had unreliable findings and more research is needed.

Other research from 2024 also notes that dragon’s blood may be used topically to aid in wound healing from ulcers due to conditions like herpes.

This research also states that the safety of dragon’s blood has not been studied in depth. However, the small clinical trials that have been done showed no severe adverse effects.

However, these types of alternative treatments are not a substitute for proper medical care. If you are experience any type of ulcer, you should speak with a healthcare professional.

Antimicrobial

Dragon’s blood may offer some protection against or even kill pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

A study from 2021 looked at the effects of dragon’s blood on infected wounds due to Staphylococcus aureus. The study found that the antimicrobial properties in dragon’s blood may have a positive effect on these types of wounds. They also note, however, that more research is needed.

A 2021 review found that studies showed the antimicrobial properties in dragon’s blood to be effective against nearly all the bacteria and fungi it was tested against. The main one it showed no effect on was Salmonella enteritidis. The authors of the review also note that these antimicrobial properties may be from the flavanoids and antioxidant activity within dragon’s blood.

Dragon’s blood can’t be considered a replacement for infection-fighting medical approaches like antibiotics, though it could bring mild benefits for minor conditions.

Antidiarrheal

One of dragon’s blood’s most common uses is for digestive health.

Some research from 2016 suggests, references, and supports this common use through the past and present. The plant resin was especially used for the treatment of diarrhea or dysentery.

Research from 2024 also notes that dragon’s blood is commonly used for its antidiarrheal properties.

This may be due to its antimicrobial properties which can kill pathogens that cause these conditions. Research is still needed before considering it a replacement for mainstream treatments, however.

Anti-inflammatory

A review from 2023 noted that animal studies showed reduced inflammation in rats with paw edema. Other studies also showed a reduction of inflammation due to arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia, among other conditions. This decreased inflammation also aided in pain relief.

A clinical trial from 2016 also found that dragon’s blood reduced inflammation and aided in wound healing.

Taking a dragon’s blood supplement may possibly confer some antioxidant benefits just like other antioxidant-rich foods. Still, more research is needed.

What to consider while taking dragon’s blood

Taking dragon’s blood is generally considered safe. Few side effects have been reported.

Regardless, lack of data on side effects doesn’t deem a supplement completely safe.

If you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s especially important to talk with your healthcare professional about taking dragon’s blood supplements internally or topically. There is no research showing it does not cause harm during pregnancy or while nursing.

Similarly, there is no research showing it does not cause harm in children or infants. It may be best to avoid giving dragon’s blood supplements to children or infants.

Make sure to always follow dosage directions on products closely. There are no reports of overdose or adverse effects from taking too much, but it’s still best to use dragon’s blood cautiously.

Some research has shown that topical forms of dragon’s blood have caused itching or burning. Oral forms may cause nausea, loose stools, and a bitter taste in your mouth.

Always speak with your healthcare professional before regularly taking a health supplement. Discuss with them whether or not this is right for you and which manufacturers are best.

Taking and using dragon’s blood

Dragon’s blood comes in powder supplement capsules as well as alcoholic extracts and tinctures. You can also use dragon’s blood ointments for topical conditions.

Depending on what you’re using dragon’s blood for, the form will be different. Make sure to use the right supplement form and approach after talking with your doctor or naturopath.

Always make sure to source your products from reputable and trustworthy companies.

For ulcers

Apply dragon’s blood ointment, cream, or other product to a topical ulcer. Make sure to read and follow label directions.

You can also use tincture or extract diluted in water. Combine 3 to 5 drops for every ounce of water and use as a wound wash.

Don’t rely on these approaches to replace doctor-recommended treatments for your topical ulcer.

For digestive system health, diarrhea, cancer support, and as an antidiabetic

Take a supplement or tincture extract internally. Make sure to follow label directions closely. Follow any advice from your healthcare practitioner as well.

Don’t rely on dragon’s blood to replace doctor-recommended treatments for these conditions. It’s not yet proven to be a cure or treatment for any of them.

The bottom line

Dragon’s blood has been used as a powerful health supplement for centuries. Research is starting to look into some of its benefits in modern times.

While dragon’s blood does show some potential, keep in mind that it still hasn’t been shown to cure, treat, or prevent any condition. Make sure to educate yourself on side effects, interactions, and risks. Consider treatment recommended by your healthcare professional as your first approach.

Trying dragon’s blood as a supplement or ointment to enhance your health — or to support some of your health conditions — is likely safe.

But discuss with your healthcare professional first to determine if dragon’s blood could really help you as a complementary or supplemental treatment and whether it will interfere with any medication you’re taking. Also find out what sources of the supplement your doctor recommends.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Al-Awthan YS, et al. (2021). Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Dracaena cinnabari resin.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8324360/
Ansari MJ, et al. (2016). Antimicrobial activity of Dracaena cinnabari resin from Soqotra Island on multi drug resistant human pathogens.https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/130712
Dragon's blood. (2024).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604848/
Li Y, et al. (2021). Dragon’s blood regulates Rac1-WAVE2-Arp2/3 signaling pathway to protect rat intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by simulated microgravity.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7962842/
Namjoyan F, et al. (2016). Efficacy of Dragon's blood cream on wound healing: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4737969/
Sun J, et al. (2019). Phenolic constituents, pharmacological activities, quality control, and metabolism of Dracaena species: A review.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874118340935?via%3Dihub
Zheng X, et al. (2021). Antibacterial and anti-biofilm efficacy of Chinese dragon’s blood against Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from infected wounds.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8213214/

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Adrian White — Updated on September 23, 2024

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