Chinese knowledge of eucommia is ancient. The name du-zhong first appears in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. Du-zhong (the bark) is listed among the superior group of medicinal plants. According to Shiu Ying Hu, du-zhong was described in 39 words including the name, synonyms, properties, distribution and functions. Shen-nong's compilation is the first known account of the tree and its medicinal uses.The uses attributed to it today are the same as those listed in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. In Li Shi-zhen's Ben Cao Gang Mu, the name du-zhong is interpreted as meaning that the plant was named for a Taoist who took the bark and became immortal. He happened to be the second son (zhong) of a family named du, hence the name.

Eucommia-59231