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Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong)

Pungent, sweet; neutral, warm; non-toxic. Primarily treats pain in the lower back and spine, tonifies the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), benefits Essence and Qi, strengthens sinews and bones, fortifies willpower, eliminates itching and dampness in the genital region, dribbling of urine, and soreness in the feet making one unwilling to tread on the ground. Long-term use makes the body light and delays aging. Also known as Sixian, Sizhong, or Mumian. Grows in valleys of Shangyu, as well as in Shangdang and Hanzhong. Harvest the bark in February, May, June, and September. (Incompatible with Ophichus Corium [Snake Skin] and Scrophulariae Radix [Xuan Shen].)

Tao Hongjing states: Shangyu is in Yuzhou, referring to the Yu of the States of Yu and Guo, not the Shangyu County in Kuaiji. The material currently used comes from Jianping and Yidu. Its appearance resembles Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Houpo); it is considered superior if it yields many white fibers when broken. For use, thinly shave off the outer bark and cut across the grain to break the fibers. Chen Yuxi et al., according to the Shuben Tujing, record: It grows in deep mountains and large valleys. The tree is several zhang high, leaves resemble Magnoliae Flos (Xinyi). When the bark is broken, those with abundant white fibrous tissue are good. It is now found in major mountains everywhere. Xingbing Lun records: Eucommiae Cortex has a bitter taste. It can treat kidney-cold-induced lower back pain. Lower back ailments characterized by deficiency and rigid straightening of the body are due to Wind pathogen. If lower back mobility is impaired, add this herb for use. Ri Hua Zi states: It is warming. It treats Kidney Labor causing spasms in the lower back and spine. For medicinal use, it should be processed by roasting.

Tujing records: Eucommiae Cortex grows in valleys of Shangyu, as well as in Shangdang and Hanzhong. Currently, it is also found in the deep mountains near Shangzhou, Chengzhou, and Xiazhou. The tree is several zhang high, leaves resemble Magnoliae Flos (Xinyi), and are also similar to Broussonetia papyrifera (Zhe) wood. Its bark resembles Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Houpo), and when broken, white fibers connect inside. The bark is harvested in February, May, June, and June for use. People in Jiangnan call it "Sixian". When the young leaves first sprout, they are harvested for food. It primarily treats Wind-Toxin affecting the legs (Hongjiaojiao/Jiangyang) and long-standing accumulation of Wind-Cold; it is also suitable for hemorrhoids with bleeding from the intestines. Made into dry powder and decocted as soup, it is called "Sixian Sprout". The flowers and fruits are astringent and bitter but can also be used medicinally. The wood is made into clogs, which also benefit the feet. The formula "Main Lower Back Pain Tonify Kidney Soup" from Qiezhong Fang: Eucommiae Cortex 1 da jin, Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi) half da sheng. Cut both herbs, divide into fourteen doses. Each night take one dose, soak in 1 da sheng of water until the fifth watch, decoct until reduced by one-third, filter to obtain the juice. Slice 3-4 Sheep Kidneys (Yangshen), add them, boil for three to five boils, similar to making soup. Take in one dose on an empty stomach; mixing with salt and vinegar is also acceptable. This is also seen in Cui Yuanliang's Haishang Fang, except that Cui's formula does not use Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi).

Lei Gong states: Whenever using it, first remove the rough bark. Mix with butter (Su) and honey, roast one liang at a time until thoroughly dried, then finely chop for use. For processing one jin, use two liang of butter and three liang of honey; mix the two ingredients together for use. Shenghui Fang treats sudden onset of lower back and leg pain, tonifying the Kidney: Eucommiae Cortex 1 liang, remove rough bark, roast until slightly yellow, chop. Decoct in 2 da zhan of water until reduced to 1 da zhan, remove dregs. Use 2 pairs of Sheep Kidneys (Yangshen), finely chop removing fatty membranes, add to the medicine and boil. Then add 7 stalks of Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (Xiebai), salt, Zanthoxyli Pericarpium (Huajiao), Ginger, vinegar, etc., and eat like soup. Consume on an empty stomach. Zhouhou Fang treats lower back pain: Eucommiae Cortex 1 jin, chopped, steep in 2 sheng of wine for ten days. Take 3 he. Shengjin Fang treats uterine instability in women and various postpartum diseases; Du Zhong Wan is suitable. Dry on tiles, pound into powder in a wooden mortar, make pills with boiled jujube paste, size of a bullet. Take one pill per dose, chew thoroughly and swallow with glutinous rice drink.