Other names : Du Zhong, dùzhòng (Chinese: 杜仲), Eucommia ulmoides, eucommia-bast<br>The eucommia is a tree found in a number of provinces of China. It is a big tree growing up to 50 feet in height and it belongs to the rubber tree family. In summer and autumn, small areas of bark are removed the inner part of which comprises a latex-like white substance; it is this part of the tree that is used to produce the medicinal encommia herb, known alternatively as Du Zhong, Gutta-Percha or Cortex Encommia. Eucommia bark has been used in traditional Chinese herbalism for over 3,000 years. Since the tree does not grow widely outside China, this herb was not used in other cultures until recently. The bark is sliced and boiled in water to make a form of tea which, in traditional Chinese medicine, is then used as a drink to treat a number of common disorders.
==Special Precautions of Eucommia==
The medicinal herb eucommia is considered to be safe for use by humans; it has been used for thousands of years in ancient medicine to good effect. It should be used with care, however, and only after medical consultation by pregnant women. Similarly, it should not be given to children without recommendation by a health professional. Care should be taken in combining eucommia with other drugs and if prescribed medication is being taken then prior recommendation from a doctor should be sought before adding eucommia to it.
* impotence may be treated by eucommia. This condition is often present as a result of kidney deficiency so that improvement of kidney function may have a positive effect on impotence
* it is thought that the libido is enhanced by the use of eucommia
==Used in Patent medicine==
[[Ba Ji Yin Yang Wan]]
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]