Du Zhong (Eucommia, 杜仲) can be used to treat lower back pain, leg weakness, leg coldness, knee pain and arthritis. Du Zhong (Eucommia) is one of the fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Eucommia (Eucommia ulmoides) is a tree native to China. Eucommia bark comes from the tree. The tree is a member of the rubber family and is found in the Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Hubei provinces of China. Eucommia is widely cultivated in China for its bark. Small patches are peeled away from trees in the late summer and early autumn. The inner bark contains a white, rubberish liquid that accounts for its healing properties. According to traditional Chinese medicine guidelines, eucommia bark has sweet, warm properties. It can be used to increase yang functions in the body and strengthen the bones and muscles. Eucommia bark heals injured and weakened tissues, and can treat lower back and leg pain, stiffness and arthritis.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, lower back pain, leg weakness, leg coldness are caused by liver and kidney weakness and coldness. Du zhong has a sweet, downwarding and warming properties. It tonifies liver and kidney. Du zhong leads Qi (life force) and blood flow downward to the lower body, warms the cold parts and fills the weak. It stimulates and strengthens liver, kidneys and the related parts in the body, including lower back and legs.
Du zhong is often used to strengthen the bones and muscles, cures lower back and leg pain, injured and weakened tissues, or arthritis.
Du zhong (eucommia bark) can be used alone. Here is a recipe of Du Zhong Tea:
– Eucommia bark 10-15 grams
– Water 1.5 cup
– Bring to a boiled and simmer for 15 minutes
– Add 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
– Drink it, twice a day
The following is a recipe of Du Zhong Tincture:
– Eucommia bark 50 grams
– Rice Wine (Shaojiu, Vodka, 40–60% alcohol by volume) 750 ml or 25 oz
– Put the bark into the liquor
– Leave it for two weeks (the longer, the better)
– Drink 20-50 ml, once a day
Du zhong is also available as a supplement in pill or tea form. You may find it in herbal remedy stores or online stores.
Please note, if you have low blood pressure, you should not use Du zhong. Because the herb has an effect on lowering blood pressure.
