- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
Asia · Herb · № 751
Eucommia ulmoides
Herb · Asia
Eucommia bark (du zhong)
Eucommia ulmoides
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens liver and kidneys, tendons and bones; calms rising liver yang and a restless foetus.
Safety notes
Not with yin deficiency with heat. Always discuss complaints in pregnancy with a midwife. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Bark. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics'. When you break the bark you see silvery-white rubber threads. According to Chinese medicine du zhong strengthens the back and knees and is used in pregnancy for threatened miscarriage. In Japan and Korea the leaf is drunk as tea for high blood pressure.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, slightly pungent, warm
- Meridians
- kidney, liver
Attributed effects
For weak bones and muscles, especially of the lower back and knees, tiredness, frequent urination and impotence, high blood pressure with dizziness and headache from rising liver yang, and threatened miscarriage or back pain in pregnancy from deficiency.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 6–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With cornus and cuscuta for impotence and frequent urination
- With babchi and walnut for lower back pain
- With xu duan and Chinese yam for threatened miscarriage
- With huang qin for high blood pressure
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction