Eucommia Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

Eucommia bark (du zhong) is one of the most well-known herbs in Chinese medicine, prized for its ability to strengthen the liver and kidneys, support the bones and tendons, and calm the reproductive system. What is less well known in the West is that the leaves of the same tree — eucommia leaves — have their own distinct and valuable properties. When brewed as a tea, eucommia leaves are associated with a different set of benefits: reducing blood fats and cholesterol, supporting healthy blood pressure, and promoting better gut function.

The leaf contains compounds including aucubin and polysaccharides that, according to both traditional practice and some modern research, may help protect the intestinal wall, promote peristalsis to address constipation, regulate blood sugar, enhance circulation, and gradually improve the elasticity of blood vessels. This makes it a particularly interesting tea for middle-aged and older adults looking for a simple daily habit to support metabolic and cardiovascular wellness.

Method

1. Place the eucommia leaves in a teapot or infuser.
2. Pour a small amount of boiling water over them and immediately drain — this rinse opens the leaves and removes any dust.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water to fill the pot.
4. Cover and steep for 7–8 minutes.
5. Pour and drink. Continue re-infusing with fresh boiling water until the flavour fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

Eucommia leaf tea is warming in nature, which means it is gentle enough for people who tend toward cold constitutions — and pregnant women may also drink it. For middle-aged and older adults, regular consumption is associated in traditional practice with supporting cognitive sharpness and helping to slow the accumulation of arterial stiffness. If you have haemorrhoids alongside high cholesterol, try adding 2–3 slices of dried fig to the pot when steeping — the fig helps soothe the digestive tract.