Botanical Overview

Eucommia ulmoides, commonly referred to as Eucommia, hardy rubber tree, or Du Zhong, is the sole species of the Eucommiaceae family native to China and East Asia. The bark and leaves are primarily used in traditional medicine.

Energetics

• Temperature: Neutral
• Moisture: Neutral
• Tastes: Bitter, Pungent
• Directionality: Ascending
• Tonicity: Tonifying
• Qi/Blood/Fluid: Qi and Blood

Primary Actions

• Anti-hypertensive
• Anti-inflammatory
• Bone-strengthening
• Adaptogen

Indications

Western

• Hypertension
• Osteoporosis
• Lower back pain
• Joint weakness

Syndromes

TCM

• Weak lower back and knees
• Night sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness

Syndromes

• Kidney Yang deficiency
• Liver and Kidney deficiency
• Lower back pain due to deficiency

Ayurveda

Syndromes

Unani

Syndromes

Constituents & Mechanisms

Eucommia ulmoides contains key phytochemicals including lignans, iridoids, chlorogenic acids, flavonoids, and polyphenols that contribute to its pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive actions.

Dosage & Preparations

• Decoction of bark: 3–9 grams daily
• Leaf infusion: 2–6 grams daily
• Standardized extracts as per manufacturer instructions

Safety & Contraindications

Eucommia ulmoides is generally safe when used appropriately. There is limited data on use during pregnancy and lactation, so it is not recommended during those periods. It may potentiate the effects of anti-hypertensive drugs; blood pressure should be monitored.

Astrological Correspondences

No confirmed planetary or elemental rulers are established for this species.

Selected References

• Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Zhao et al., 2018)
• Eucommia ulmoides (Du Zhong) – Chinese Materia Medica (Bensky, Clavey & Stöger, 2004)
• Pharmacological effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.: a review (Li et al., 2014)
• Safety and efficacy of Eucommia ulmoides in hypertension: a clinical study (Wang et al., 2019)