Dù Zhòng (杜仲) — Eucommia bark
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Dù Zhòng (杜仲) — Eucommia ulmoides — is known in English as Eucommia bark. It belongs to the category of Yang tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Dù Zhòng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Dù Zhòng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 杜仲 |
| Latin name | Eucommia ulmoides |
| English name | Eucommia bark |
| Nature | warm |
| Flavour | sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Yang tonics |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies the Liver and Kidney and strengthens the sinews and bones
- Calms the fetus and prevents miscarriage — a primary pregnancy safety herb
- Lowers blood pressure — one of the most important herbs for hypertension
- Promotes urination and resolves Dampness
Indications
- Low back pain and weakness from Liver and Kidney deficiency
- Threatened miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage from Kidney deficiency
- High blood pressure from Liver Yang rising with underlying Kidney deficiency
- Knee weakness and joint pain from Liver and Kidney Essence deficiency
- Frequent urination and urinary incontinence
4. Key formulas containing Dù Zhòng
Dù Zhòng appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Eucommia ulmoides is one of the most extensively researched Chinese herbs for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions. Key bioactive constituents include chlorogenic acid, geniposidic acid, pinoresinol diglucoside and aucubin. Research confirms significant antihypertensive effects (multiple clinical trials), anti-inflammatory effects on cartilage and bone, osteoblast-stimulating activity relevant to osteoporosis, and uterine-calming effects relevant to miscarriage prevention. Chlorogenic acid has documented antioxidant and blood glucose-lowering effects. Clinical trials have confirmed Du Zhong's effectiveness for hypertension and as a complementary treatment for osteoporosis.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in Yin deficiency with Empty Heat and excess Fire patterns, as the warm nature may aggravate these.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Dù Zhòng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including High blood pressure, Miscarriage, Back pain, Luteal phase defect. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
