Eucommia (Eucommia ulmoides)
Synopsis
Eucommia (Eucommia ulmoides), known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Du Zhong, is a unique rubber-producing tree native to China. The bark of the tree—not the leaves—is the primary medicinal part and has been used for thousands of years as a kidney and liver tonic, with strong affinity for the musculoskeletal, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems.
The bark contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including:
- Lignans (e.g., pinoresinol diglucoside)
- Iridoids
- Flavonoids
- Chlorogenic acid
- Eucommiol and aucubin
These contribute to its actions as:
- A kidney yang tonic: Supports energy, fertility, libido, and adrenal resilience
- A bone and tendon strengthener: Enhances flexibility and recovery of joints, bones, and ligaments
- A blood pressure modulator: May help lower mild to moderate hypertension by improving vascular elasticity
- A mild adaptogen: Supports the body’s stress response and physical stamina
- A neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent, especially beneficial for aging and joint health
Eucommia is commonly used in powder, decoction, capsule, and extract forms, often as part of multi-herb formulas for back pain, joint weakness, fatigue, and reproductive health.
Historical Use
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eucommia ulmoides has been used for over 2,000 years, first recorded in the Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica (Shennong Bencao Jing). It is classified as sweet, slightly warm, and entering the kidney and liver channels.
Historically, it has been used to:
- Tonify kidney yang, the energetic source for strength, sexual vitality, and bone integrity
- Strengthen sinews and bones, often prescribed for lower back pain, joint instability, and skeletal weakness
- Calm the fetus in pregnancy, used to prevent miscarriage due to kidney deficiency
- Assist in postpartum recovery and men’s reproductive health
In classical formulas, it is frequently paired with herbs like dipsacus, rehmannia, cuscuta (dodder), and morinda to enhance its effects on the joints, reproductive system, and kidney-adrenal axis.
Modern research has supported many traditional uses, particularly:
- Its anti-hypertensive and vascular-protective properties
- Bone density preservation in aging individuals
- Joint and connective tissue support during physical rehabilitation
- Endocrine and reproductive regulation, including support for sperm quality and hormone balance
Today, eucommia is widely used in functional medicine, sports recovery, and healthy aging protocols, particularly in formulations aimed at strength, flexibility, and foundational vitality.
Body Systems
Structural System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Traditional)