First strike one nest, and run for shelter to heal. Save and redo.
Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to work in Dragon Form, at least, not for me. No dragon healing items, dragon doesn't seem to regenerate at all right after you beat Laiken. Run away and heal has been my primary strategy throughout the whole game.
Safe areas? Are there any? I can't find 'em if there are. Would I need human form?
Is there a strategy for this, or am I stuck til I find a trainer. I think I've lasted about 64 seconds before dying at the most.