The resin of Croton lechleri, commonly known as sangre de grado, has a long history of medicinal use by indigenous peoples and is widely used in both urban and rural contexts in Peru and Ecuador, and to a lesser extent in other endemic countries.
For centuries, the sap has been used to cover abrasions, cuts, scratches, blisters, bites and stings to prevent bleeding, decrease inflammation, seal wounds and injuries to protect from infection. The sap dries quickly on soft, damaged tissue, forming a barrier similar in thickness to the skin removed, noted as something akin to a "second skin." Antimicrobial activity offered by the plant is further believed to offer protection to the injury.
Beyond cutaneous ailments, the use of sangre de grado is taken orally for gastrointestinal disorders and irregularities including gastritis, gastric ulcers, intestinal infections, and inflammation.
Sourced: Ecuador, Quechua tribe
Information provided is not designed to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness or injury and is provided for informational purposes only.