Eucommia Leaf Tea (Du Zhong Ye Cha)

Why people make this tea

Eucommia bark (du zhong) is one of the most respected herbs in Chinese medicine for supporting the liver, kidneys, and musculoskeletal system, but the bark requires long simmering to extract its benefits. The leaf buds of the same tree offer a convenient and affordable alternative: research indicates that eucommia leaves share substantially the same active compounds as the bark. When buying eucommia leaf, look out for two types — one with stems and leaves mixed together, and one selling only young tender leaf buds. The buds are significantly better quality and are worth the extra attention when selecting.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for adults with liver or kidney insufficiency symptoms: dizziness, blurred vision, aching lower back and knees, or general weakness.
• Traditionally beneficial for older adults managing high blood pressure or mild arterial stiffness.
• For women: regular use is traditionally associated with supporting kidney qi and hormonal balance.
• For men: traditionally associated with supporting sexual vitality and addressing premature ejaculation or impotence related to kidney deficiency.
• Suitable for people with weaker or cooler constitutions; add a few goji berries to the brew for added benefit.
• Those with liver function issues can still drink this tea — it is supportive of liver health.
• Drink 4–5 times per week rather than daily, giving the body space to work on its own.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Eucommia leaf buds (du zhong ye nen ya, Eucommia ulmoides): Research supports equivalent bioactivity to eucommia bark. Traditionally used to nourish liver and kidneys, strengthen sinews and bones, and enhance arterial blood flow. Associated with a protective effect on the liver and heart, and with traditional prevention of high blood pressure and arterial hardening in older adults.

Ingredients (1–2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Eucommia young leaf buds (du zhong ye)	1 tbsp	Look for tender bud leaves, not mixed stem-and-leaf; 1 liang (~38g) makes ~6–7 uses
Water	1 cup (boiling)

Method

1. Place the eucommia leaf buds in a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. Pour a small amount of boiling water over the leaves, swirl briefly, and discard — this first rinse removes any dust and opens the leaves.
3. Pour fresh boiling water to fill. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Drink warm; the tea can be re-steeped 1–2 times until the flavour fades.

Bro Niu’s tips

The tender bud variety has a mild, slightly bitter taste — far more palatable than the bark, which requires cooking with meat and dates to become drinkable. A quick way to identify quality eucommia: snap a leaf in two; you should see fine, elastic white threads (like tiny rubber strings) stretching between the two halves — just like the bark. If no threads appear, the quality may be lower. Drink 4–5 times a week, not every day. One liang (about 38 g) will last for 6–7 sessions.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (jenny1010): Is this tea suitable for someone with poor liver function? What constitution does it suit? Can it be drunk every day? Bro Niu: Poor liver function can still benefit — the tea supports liver and kidney health. It suits a cooler or weaker constitution best; you can add goji berries to the brew. Drink 3–4 times a week rather than every day.

• Q (Joyce): I’m in early pregnancy and strained my back — can I drink eucommia tea to support the lower back? Bro Niu: For pregnancy, I’d recommend using eucommia bark (not leaves) simmered in pork kidney soup for about one hour. Eucommia is an ingredient traditionally associated with supporting the pregnancy, so about 4–5 qian is appropriate.

• Q (Namnam): Can eucommia tea be drunk every day? How many uses does one liang give? Bro Niu: Drink 4–5 times per week — the body needs to do its own work too. One liang gives about 6–7 brews.

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Published June 7, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.