Herbal & Flower Teas
Eucommia Leaf (Du Zhong Ye) Tea
Traditionally sipped daily to support healthy cholesterol and blood-pressure levels
Why people make this tea
In a city that loves to eat — and where work means constant dining out — it’s easy to overdo the rich, fried foods and end up with high cholesterol or even a fatty liver without realizing it. Bro Niu has shared hawthorn tea before, but that doesn’t suit those with excess stomach acid. This eucommia leaf tea is a gentle alternative: eucommia is a familiar herb traditionally used to support the liver and kidneys, strengthen the sinews and bones, and is associated with supporting healthy cholesterol and blood pressure. The leaf, brewed as tea, is also traditionally valued for its anti-aging reputation.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who enjoy rich, oily food and want a gentle daily brew to support cholesterol and blood-pressure care; Bro Niu notes it is fine for teens (15–16) and can be taken even during menstruation.
- It does not replace medication; pair it with lighter eating — more vegetables, less meat, fewer oily, fried, high-cholesterol foods.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Eucommia leaf (du zhong ye): traditionally used to support the liver and kidneys and the sinews and bones, and associated with supporting healthy cholesterol and blood-pressure levels and with a graceful, anti-aging reputation.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eucommia leaf (du zhong ye) | 1 small handful |
Method
- Put the eucommia leaf in a pot and rinse once with boiling water.
- Pour in fresh boiling water and steep for about 7 minutes.
- Serve as a tea; you can re-steep until weak.
Bro Niu’s tips
Modern research suggests eucommia and its leaf may help support the liver and dilate the peripheral blood vessels, which is associated with lowering blood pressure; the leaf is also traditionally linked to better collagen turnover and supple skin, hence its anti-aging reputation when sipped regularly.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Nat): Can a 15–16-year-old drink this eucommia leaf tea? Bro Niu: Yes, it’s fine for ages 15–16.
- Q (anonymous): Can this tea be taken during menstruation? Is there any time it shouldn’t be drunk? Bro Niu: Eucommia tea can be taken regularly; there is no particular time when it’s unsuitable.
- Q (Katie): I have back pain and high cholesterol — should I use eucommia bark or the leaf? Bro Niu: Eucommia leaf brews easily and is associated with supporting cholesterol, so brewing the leaf as a regular tea suits you well.
Published February 24, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
