Dragon's Blood vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Dragon's Blood

Daemonorops draco

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Dragon's Blood

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Red resin from tropical palm trees used across Chinese, Greek, and South American medicine for wound healing.

West African tree whose seeds produce shea butter, used widely in traditional medicine for skin conditions, anti-inflammatory applications, and food.

Active Compounds

dracorhodin, dracorubin, taspine, proanthocyanidins

triterpene alcohols, allantoin, cinnamic acid esters, stearic acid, oleic acid

Traditional Uses

Healing wounds, Stopping bleeding, Treating ulcers, Treating diarrhea

skin conditions, wound healing, inflammation, muscle pain, sun protection

Modern Uses

Wound healing, Antimicrobial applications, Anti-inflammatory effects, Skin repair

skin moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, UV protection

Adult Dosage

Topical application as needed; 500mg-1g internally

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Internal use in large amounts, Liver disease

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Stomach upset internally, Skin staining

rare allergic contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E