Eucommia Bark
杜仲 · Dù Zhòng
Supports your back, knees, and long-term stamina
Properties
WarmingWarming botanicalSweet
Concerns
What it does
Eucommia bark is traditionally used when your lower back aches, your knees feel weak, and your body feels fragile. In TCM, these point to low kidney yang, the energy that supports your bones, tendons, and structural strength. It warms and reinforces that foundation. It's also one of the few botanicals traditionally used to support a stable pregnancy and healthy blood pressure.
How to take it
Simmer 10–15g of eucommia bark pieces in water for 20 minutes on low heat. Drink warm, 1–2 cups daily. The bark needs simmering, not just steeping.
Try simmering eucommia bark as a simple daily tea for lower back support
Safety
- Generally safe and well tolerated at standard doses
- Use with caution if you have very high blood pressure. It has mild hypotensive effects
- Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication
Where it comes from
Eucommia is the only tree in its entire botanical family. Eucommia ulmoides stands alone, with no close living relatives. Native to China, it's been cultivated for its bark for over 2,000 years. Break a eucommia leaf or strip of bark and you'll see fine silvery threads stretching between the pieces. These rubber-like strands are unique to the tree and a quick way to confirm authenticity. In TCM, that tensile strength mirrors its medicinal role: making your body more resilient.