The Many Unknown Benefits Of Eucommia

Eucommia and impotency

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners believe that the Eucommia bark nourishes the Shen and yang. Hence they have traditionally used the herb in treating impotence and premature ejaculation brought about by a deficiency in Shen yang [4].

The use of the herb for the treatment of impotence is supported by studies which found that the herb increases the production of nitric-oxide [3], which is in turn needed for healthy erections.

Eucommia and pregnancy

TCM practitioners have also used the herb in supporting pregnancies, by “calming the fetus”, soothing the uterus and reducing the occurrence of miscarriages. [1, 4]

Eucommia and immunity

Eucommia has been found to have anti-inflammatory abilities, which could be attributed to its adrenocortical enhancement effects. In fact, adrenocortical functions have been found to match some of the functions of Shen in TCM. [2]

Eucommia is also found to increase interferon production, which in turn triggers the immune system to defend against pathogen and tumors. In addition, Eucommia enhances phagocytic action in the body, such that foreign materials in blood are more effectively eliminated by the white blood cells. [2]

These mechanisms probably explain the immunity-enhancing properties of the herb.

Eucommia and weight loss

Eucommia has been found to reduce cholesterol absorption in experimental animals [2].

And in recent years, the Japanese have also started with the use of eucommia leaves to reduce the urge to eat, as such helping with weight loss. Nonetheless, this function of eucommia has yet to be proven in scientific studies. [1]

Eucommia and other health problems

Besides the above conditions, TCM practitioners have also used Eucommia for dealing with the following health conditions when they are caused by deficiencies in Gan and Shen [1, 2, 4, 5]: