Eucommia Bark
杜仲 · Dùzhòng
Eucommia ulmoides
Family: Eucommiaceae · Part used: Tree bark · Origin: Zunyi, Guizhou, China
Nature
Warm
Flavor
Sweet
Meridian
Liver, Kidney
Du Zhong is the only species in its family — a living fossil tree whose bark, when snapped, reveals silken latex threads. It is the premier herb for strengthening the lower back and knees by tonifying liver and kidney yang, and the traditional remedy for pregnancy-related lumbar soreness and unstable fetus.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Tonifies liver and kidney yang
- •Strengthens sinews and bones
- •Calms the fetus and stops leaking (traditional)
- •Supports healthy blood pressure (research)
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Chronic lower back soreness and weakness
- •Knee pain and weak legs
- •Frequent urination
- •Dizziness from liver-kidney deficiency
- •Threatened miscarriage with back pain (traditional)
📖 Usage & Dosage
9–15 g in decoction; stir-fried with salt (yan du zhong) directs its action to the kidneys.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Du Zhong Pork Kidney Soup
Salt-fried du zhong 15 g + pork kidney or ribs, simmered 60 minutes for lumbar strength.
Du Zhong Tea
Simmer 10 g bark shavings 20 minutes; drink warm twice daily as a back-strengthening infusion.
🔬 Modern Research
Eucommia lignans (pinoresinol diglucoside) and chlorogenic acid are actively researched for blood-pressure regulation, bone density, and connective-tissue support.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid in yin-deficiency heat patterns.
