Eucommia Bark
Eucommia Bark (두충, 杜仲) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a kidney-yang tonifying herb. Its nature is neutral-warm and its taste pungent, sweet, associated with the Liver, Kidney meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include tonifies liver and kidney, strengthens sinews and bones, secures essence, reduces dribbling urination. Caution: A warming tonic; not suited to heat-excess conditions.
Overview
Eucommia bark is still sold in Korea today as duchung-cha, a tea for the lower back and knees. The Donguibogam already records exactly this use — treating kidney taxation, spasmodic pain of the lower back and spine, and aching legs — and notes the classic test of quality: snap the bark and look for fine white silk threads connecting the two halves.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Tonifies liver and kidney
- Strengthens sinews and bones
- Secures essence, reduces dribbling urination
- Relieves lower-back and knee weakness
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Chronic low back pain, especially from strain or weakness
- Weak, aching knees and legs
- Dribbling or residual urination
- General kidney-deficiency fatigue
Traditional preparation
Traditionally honey- or ginger-fried.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Appearance, harvest and preparation recorded in the classic
狀如厚朴, 折之, 內有白絲相連者佳. 削去上皮, 橫理切, 令絲斷.It looks like magnolia bark (厚朴), and the best pieces show white threads connecting inside when broken. The outer skin is shaved off and the bark is cut across the grain so that the threads are severed.
削去麄皮切, 酥蜜炒, 或薑汁炒, 以絲斷爲度. 一名思仙木, 又名石思仙.The coarse bark is shaved off and the bark is cut, then fried with clarified butter (酥) and honey or with ginger juice, until the threads break. It is also called Sasŏn-mok (思仙木) and Seok-sasŏn (石思仙).
Other names recorded: Sasŏn-mok (思仙木), Seok-sasŏn (石思仙)
Quoted from the Donguibogam (Tangaek-pyeon). The translation is our own summary of the original; these are historical records, not instructions or medical claims.
Cautions
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same eucommia used in duchung-cha (eucommia tea)?
Yes — the same bark, and the Donguibogam already records its exact modern use: treating low back and spine pain and aching legs.
How did the classics judge good-quality eucommia bark?
By snapping it and checking for fine white silk-like threads connecting the two halves — a traditional quality test still referenced in herb markets today.
How was Eucommia bark trimmed and cut?
The text says to shave off the outer skin and cut across the grain so that the white threads inside are severed.
Why is Eucommia fried before use?
The text records a preparation: shave off the coarse bark, then fry with clarified butter and honey or with ginger juice until the threads break. It does not give a reason.
What other names does Eucommia have?
The text also records the names Sasŏn-mok (思仙木) and Seok-sasŏn (石思仙).
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조