Wendy's Healing Compendium 32.47: Let The Dragon Consume You (Overwatch Style)

Dragon's Blood (Croton lechleri) is one badass plant that's been used for centuries by indigenous healers across South America, particularly in the Amazon rainforest. This incredible tree produces a deep red sap when the bark is cut that looks exactly like blood, hence the metal as fuck name it's been given. The sap has been used traditionally for everything from wound healing to digestive issues, making it one of the most versatile medicinal plants in the Amazon pharmacopeia. While modern science is just catching up to what shamans have known for ages, research is showing this crimson liquid contains a wealth of compounds that fight inflammation, kill bacteria, and promote tissue repair. Though it comes from several plant species across the world, the South American variety from the Croton genus is the most widely studied and commercially available, so don't confuse this shit with similarly named plants from other regions.

Description:

Dragon's Blood is a viscous, deep red sap that flows from the trunk of Croton lechleri trees when the bark is slashed, quickly hardening into a resin when exposed to air. The trees themselves are impressive specimens, growing up to 25-30 feet tall with heart-shaped leaves and small, star-like flowers that develop into capsular fruits. Native to the northwestern Amazon basin, including Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, these trees thrive in the tropical rainforest environment with high rainfall and humidity. When harvested correctly, the trees can continue to produce the sap for many years without damage, making it a potentially sustainable resource if not over-exploited. The sap contains a complex mixture of chemical compounds including alkaloids, lignans, diterpenes, proanthocyanidins, and the unique compound taspine, which is responsible for many of its healing properties.

Cultivation:

Growing Croton lechleri outside its native habitat is a real pain in the ass, requiring tropical conditions and specific soil compositions that mimic its natural environment. The trees grow best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH, and they need consistent warmth and high humidity to thrive properly. Propagation is typically done through seeds, which should be fresh and planted immediately after collection, as they lose viability quickly when dried or stored. For those persistent enough to try growing it, be prepared for a slow-growing tree that may take 8-10 years before it's mature enough to harvest sap without killing the damn thing. Commercial cultivation efforts are increasing as demand grows, but much of the world's supply still comes from wild harvesting in the Amazon, which raises some serious sustainability concerns.

Medicinal Uses:

Wound Healing:

Dragon's Blood creates a protective barrier over cuts and scrapes that helps stop bleeding and shields the wound from infection. The compound taspine stimulates the migration of fibroblasts to the wound site, accelerating the formation of new tissue and reducing healing time significantly.

Anti-inflammatory:

The sap contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce swelling and pain when applied topically. These same compounds work internally when consumed, helping to calm inflammation throughout the digestive tract and joints.

Antiviral:

Research has shown that Dragon's Blood has activity against several viruses, including herpes simplex and influenza. The proanthocyanidins in the sap bind to the protein coat of certain viruses, preventing them from attaching to and infecting human cells.

Digestive Health:

Traditional use for diarrhea and stomach ulcers has been validated by studies showing the sap's ability to protect gastric mucosa. The antioxidant properties help repair damaged tissue in the intestinal lining while reducing inflammation throughout the digestive tract.

Skin Conditions:

Applied externally, Dragon's Blood helps treat eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. The sap forms a second skin that protects irritated areas while delivering anti-inflammatory compounds directly to affected tissues.

Antioxidant Protection:

The high proanthocyanidin content makes this resin an excellent free radical scavenger. Regular consumption may help protect cells from oxidative damage and support overall cellular health.

How to Use: