Eucommia (Eucommia ulmoides)

Eucommia (Eucommia ulmoides) is a member of the Eucommiaceae family, native to China, Eastern Asia, and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its bark, leaves, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Eucommia (Eucommia ulmoides) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Eucommia (Eucommia ulmoides) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Eucommia
Scientific Name	Eucommia ulmoides
Plant Family	Eucommiaceae
Genus	Eucommia
Species	ulmoides
Native Range	China, Eastern Asia, Southeast Asia
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Leaves, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory, Stimulant
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Eucommia ulmoides
Common Name: Eucommia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Cork Tree, Chinese Rubber Tree, Chinese Rubber Tree
Plant Family: Eucommiaceae
Genus: Eucommia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial woody plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 10 to 20 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface lighter green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are axillary racemes bearing actinomorphic flowers with five white sepals and five yellow petals, each petal lacking a distinct midvein and having a truncate base.
Stems: Elongated, woody, cylindrical stems with persistent, scaly bark, exhibiting a persistent, alternate branching pattern and smooth, fissured surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
Tibetan Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Ointment

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: Commonly referenced as a moderate tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Stimulant: Historically regarded as a calming stimulant, in activation-oriented uses.
Sedative: In herbal texts, considered a soothing sedative, for relaxation-oriented uses.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Saponin: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant families.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.