Eucommia
Other names : Du Zhong, dùzhòng (Chinese: 杜仲), Eucommia ulmoides, eucommia-bast
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.
The benefits of Eucommia are
Eucommia bark is strongly associated with the kidneys and to a lesser extent with the liver. In Chinese medicine, the kidneys store jing. Jing is an essential life source and associated with whole body growth and development, as well as normal sexual and reproductive functioning. The kidney and liver jing also affects the bones, ligaments, and tendons.In the Chinese system of health, yin aspects must be kept in balance with yang aspects. Ill health occurs when the energies and elements of the body are out of balance or in disharmony. Health is restored by taking herbs and treatments that restore that balance.Eucommia bark is the primary herb used to increase yang functions in the body. However, it also supports yin functions.
- Eucommia bark helps to build strong bones and a flexible skeleton with strong ligaments and tendons. *It is a primary herb used to heal tissues that are slow to mend after an injury or that have weakened through stress or age.
- It is given to treat lower back and leg pain, stiffness, arthritis, and knee problems including
- Eucommia bark is also believed to have diuretic properties that aid in reducing swelling. Although it can be used alone, eucommia bark is most often used in conjunction with other herbs that support its functions.
- In pregnant women it is given to calm the fetus, soothe the uterus, and prevent miscarriage and in pregnancy abnormalities, such as when there is bleeding
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) : Eucommia bark has the ability to reduce blood pressure. This property has been investigated since 1974, and may be related to its mild diuretic action. Eucommia bark is used in almost all Chinese formulas to lower blood pressure.
- Other modern uses of eucommia bark include treatment of impotence, premature ejaculation, and as a mild anti-inflammatory. It is included in tonics that boost the immune system and generally improve wellness. However, there is little rigorous scientific research to support these uses.
- kidneys may be strengthened by taking the medicinal herb eucommia. Too-frequent urination [micturation] is helped by the herb. Alternatively, malfunction of the kidneys could cause fluid retention and accompanying edema which is noticeable when swelling of the ankles or the legs occurs. the medicinal herb eucommia could be of benefit in such cases.
- a sluggish liver also benefits from the medicinal herb eucommia which will positively strengthen and detoxify this organ; when the liver is working imperfectly, other parts of the body suffer and there may be nausea and headache
- anti-inflammatory properties as well as an effective anti-oxidant; because of these properties, the herb has been used to good effect by those suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis
- 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
