Eucommia Leaf Tea (Du Zhong Ye Cha)

Why people make this tea

Most Westerners who have heard of eucommia (du zhong) know it as the bark — a traditional Chinese tonic for the kidneys, used to strengthen the lower back and joints. Fewer people realise that the leaves carry many of the same properties, and can be brewed just like an everyday tea. What makes eucommia distinctive is a fine network of elastic, rubber-like fibres that hold the leaf together even when it is torn; snap a piece in two and you will see dozens of tiny white threads stretching between the halves — the same property exists in the bark. Traditionally, regular drinking of eucommia leaf tea is associated with supporting healthy blood pressure, helping the body manage fats, nourishing the kidneys, and keeping the tendons and bones strong as we age.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults and the elderly; the young-leaf version is considered mild and neither warming nor cooling
• Women drinking it regularly may find it particularly helpful for fat metabolism around the abdomen and lower body; men may notice lighter energy and slower ageing according to traditional use
• Pregnant women can drink eucommia tea — eucommia bark is in fact used as a traditional stabilising herb during pregnancy, and the leaf shares this character
• Breastfeeding mothers can also drink it
• Those with noticeably cloudy or unusual urine should see a doctor before self-treating with any herbal tea

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Eucommia leaf (du zhong ye): Contains natural compounds including chlorogenic acid and iridoids. Traditionally used to tonify the liver and kidneys, lower blood lipids and cholesterol, and support the health of bones, muscles, and connective tissue. Also thought to have a gentle calming effect on the mind. Two varieties are common: large dried leaves (slightly bitter, more robust) and fine young-bud tea (lightly fragrant, slightly bitter with a sweet finish — considered the better quality). Both can be blended with other teas such as pu-er, oolong, or ti kuan yin for flavour.

Ingredients (1 pot, refillable)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Eucommia young leaf / bud tea (du zhong nen ye)	2 tablespoons	Available at herbal medicine shops; young bud form preferred for flavour and gentleness; can blend with pu-er or oolong

Method

1. Place eucommia leaves in a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. Rinse briefly with a splash of boiling water; discard this rinse water.
3. Pour in freshly boiled water and steep for 10 minutes.
4. Pour and drink. The leaves can be refilled several times.

Bro Niu’s tips

There are two kinds of eucommia tea in Chinese herb shops: large-leaf pieces (more robust taste) and fine young-bud tea (fragrant, sweet finish — Bro Niu prefers this for daily drinking). If you find the plain tea a little dry on the throat, try adding three sliced dried figs to the pot — they add moisture and sweetness without causing heat. A small amount of honey also works. You can mix eucommia leaf with your favourite everyday tea — pu-er, oolong, ti kuan yin — and it will taste quite pleasant while carrying the same benefits. Aim for three to four cups a week rather than every single day.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (PP): Can a pregnant woman drink eucommia tea? Bro Niu: Eucommia is actually classified as a pregnancy-stabilising herb, so the tea is safe during pregnancy.

• Q (Sandy): Can I drink it every day? And can I add honey? Bro Niu: Eucommia tea can be taken regularly, but daily every day is not necessary — three to four times a week is enough. Yes, honey can be added.

• Q (anonymous): I tried a commercial eucommia tea bag and felt a dry sensation in my throat after drinking it three times. Is the tea warming? What about combining it with chrysanthemum? Bro Niu: Eucommia leaf is not warming. Commercial tea bags vary in quality and concentration, which may be the cause. Try buying loose leaf from a herb shop and brew a lighter concentration — use about one generous pinch for a large cup. You can also add some dried figs to the pot for moisture. Combining with chrysanthemum is fine.

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Published October 4, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.