What are the medicinal properties of Eucommia (Du Zhong)?
Oct 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
Introduction
Eucommia bark is the dried bark of the Eucommia ulmoides plant from the Eucommiaceae family. Generally, eucommia has effects including tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, reducing inflammation, promoting diuresis, and killing bacteria. When used together with Acanthopanax bark, it not only strengthens tendons and bones but also dispels wind-dampness. This combination forms a balanced medicinal pair with both tonifying and purgative actions, making it suitable for improving conditions such as lower back and leg pain, soreness and pain in the feet and knees, joint stiffness, and weakness in the lower limbs caused by deficiency of the liver and kidneys and invasion of wind-damp pathogens into the tendons and bones.
Du Zhong is the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides, a plant from the Eucommiaceae family. It is associated with the liver and kidney meridians, has a sweet taste, and a warm nature. Generally, Du Zhong possesses effects including tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, reducing inflammation, promoting diuresis, and killing bacteria. Specific details are as follows:
1. Tonifying the Liver and Kidneys
Du Zhong can be used for symptoms caused by deficiency of the liver and kidneys, such as low back pain due to kidney deficiency, weakness in tendons and bones, dizziness, and blurred vision. With its sweet and warm properties, it enters the liver and kidney meridians and excels at tonifying the liver and kidneys. It treats both the root cause and manifestations of kidney-deficiency-related low back pain. It is commonly combined with walnut kernel and Psoralea fruit (Bu Gu Zhi). For treating kidney yang deficiency with impotence, cold semen, spermatorrhea, and frequent urination, it can be used together with deer antler, Cornus fruit (Shan Zhu Yu), and Cuscuta seed (Tu Si Zi) to enhance the effect of warming and tonifying kidney yang.
2. Strengthening Tendons and Bones
When used together with Acanthopanax bark (Wu Jia Pi), Du Zhong not only strengthens tendons and bones but also dispels wind-dampness. This combination acts as a balanced formula with both tonifying and purgative properties, making it suitable for improving conditions such as low back and leg pain, soreness in the feet and knees, joint stiffness, and weakness in the lower limbs caused by dual deficiency of the liver and kidneys complicated by invasion of wind-damp pathogens into the tendons and bones.
3. Anti-inflammatory Effect
Du Zhong exerts anti-inflammatory effects and helps lower blood pressure. In patients presenting with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia, Du Zhong may assist in reducing these elevated levels.
4. Diuretic Effect
Du Zhong has diuretic properties due to its high potassium content. Potassium ions help regulate kidney function, thereby facilitating urination.
5. Antibacterial Effect
Du Zhong contains abundant acidic substances. Since acids can destroy many microorganisms found in nature, it helps prevent bacterial infections and exhibits antibacterial activity.
It should be noted that all medications must be used under the guidance of a physician to avoid self-medication that could harm the body. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended to support recovery.
