Du Zhong
StarEucommia ulmoides Oliv.
☯ TCM Properties
Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin; Strengthens the Sinews and Bones; Calms the Fetus; Lowers Blood Pressure
Traditional Chinese Uses
Du Zhong (eucommia bark) is a warm, sweet herb primarily used to tonify the Liver and Kidney, strengthen the sinew and bones, and calm the fetus. It is one of the most important herbs for chronic lower back and knee pain, weakness, and stiffness arising from Liver-Kidney deficiency — conditions that commonly develop with aging. Du Zhong also lowers blood pressure and is frequently used in modern Chinese medicine for hypertension associated with rising Liver Yang over a deficient Kidney foundation.
Western Herbalism Properties
Used In Formulas (2)
Botanical Description
Eucommia ulmoides is a medium-sized deciduous tree in its own monotypic family Eucommiaceae, native to central China and now cultivated in many temperate regions. It typically grows 15-20 meters tall with a straight trunk, greyish-brown furrowed bark, and a spreading crown. The alternate leaves are elliptic to ovate, 8-16 cm long, with acuminate tips and serrate margins; uniquely, when a leaf is torn slowly, fine, white, elastic threads of latex (gutta-percha) stretch between the broken halves. The tree is dioecious, with small inconspicuous petalless flowers appearing before the leaves in spring, followed on female trees by flat, winged samaras. In TCM, the inner bark (Du Zhong) is harvested from trees about ten to fifteen years old and used as a sweet, warm herb that tonifies the liver and kidneys and strengthens sinews and bones.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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