Latin Name
Eucommia ulmoides

General Description
Eucommia bark is used to strengthen the musculoskeletal system and to prevent miscarriages. Yellowish brown on the outside, it is dark purple inside. When broken, the bark should produce thin white threads. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the herb has acrid, sweet and warm characteristics. It is harvested from trees at least 15 years old in several provinces of China.

Target Ailments
Taken internally for:

• Weak muscles and bones, especially in the back and knees, accompanied by poor circulation; low-back pain and soreness, accompanied by frequent urination.
  
• Mild abdominal pain or slight vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, prevention of miscarriage and stabilization of pregnancy and back pain in pregnant women.
  
• Dizziness and lightheadedness caused by high blood pressure.

Preparations
Eucommia bark is available in bulk or dried form at Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets and some Western health food stores. It is sometimes possible to obtain it in pills or tablets. Eucommia bark fried can be used as a tonic to strengthen the lower back and knees and to treat fatigue and frequent urination.
Combinations: Eucommia bark is sometimes mixed with psoralea fruit, cornus and cuscuta for impotence or urinary frequency and incontinence. It can be combined with Japanese teasel root, cuscuta and mulberry mistletoe stems for low-back pain and stabilizing pregnancy. A preparation containing eucommia bark, Japanese teasel root, and Chinese yam is prescribed for pregnant women who have suffered habitual miscarriages. Consult a Chinese practitioner for advice about dosages and other herbal combinations.

Special Information

• Eucommia bark appears to have reduced high blood pressure in clinical trials, with the fried herb having a stronger effect than the dried herb.
  
• It seems to stimulate urination when tested in dogs, rats and mice.

Possible Interactions
Some herbalists suggest that eucommia bark should not be taken at the same time as scrophularia.