The Health Benefits of Kidney Wood Tea

Kidney wood tea, also known as eucommia tea, is made from the leaves of the Eucommia ulmoides plant, known as the hardy rubber tree or Chinese kidney wood. This unique tea has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support kidney health and treat a variety of ailments.

Kidney Wood Tea's Nutritional Profile

The leaves used to make kidney wood tea contain a variety of beneficial plant-based compounds and antioxidants, including:

Chlorogenic acid
Eucommiol
Iridoids
Flavonoids

These compounds are thought to be responsible for many of kidney wood tea's health-promoting properties.

6 Science-Backed Benefits of Kidney Wood Tea

Modern research is now confirming many of the traditional medicinal uses of kidney wood tea. Here are 6 science-backed ways that drinking this unique tea may improve your health.

1. Supports Kidney Health

As its name implies, one of kidney wood tea’s most researched benefits is its impact on kidney health. Animal and test-tube studies have found the tea can help protect kidney function by fighting inflammation and preventing oxidative damage.

2. Promotes Liver Health

The liver works closely with the kidneys to filter toxins out of the body. Like the kidneys, the liver is susceptible to damage from free radicals and inflammation.

Research shows that certain antioxidant compounds found in kidney wood tea, particularly chlorogenic acid, may help protect liver cells from injury. This could translate to benefits for humans, although more research is needed.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure affects over one billion people globally and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Kidney wood tea has shown promise as a natural way to help reduce high blood pressure.

Both human and animal studies have found that consuming kidney wood tea may relax blood vessels, increase blood flow, and lead to reductions in blood pressure.

4. Manages Blood Sugar

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for diabetics and pre-diabetics, as well as anyone looking to avoid chronic disease or undesirable sugar spikes and crashes.

Compounds in kidney wood tea, especially chlorogenic acid, may help moderate blood sugar rises after meals in healthy adults. Over time, this could translate into better long-term blood sugar management.

5. Aids Weight Loss

Losing excess body weight is about more than just willpower — hormones and metabolism play a major role as well. The compounds in kidney wood tea may support weight loss in a few key ways:

Regulating blood sugar
Suppressing new fat cell formation
Boosting metabolism to burn more calories

Though research is still emerging, drinking kidney wood tea may aid your weight loss goals when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

6. Boosts Bone Health

Osteoporosis and low bone density afflict over 200 million women globally. Kidney wood tea may help play a supportive role in maintaining strong bones as you age.

Compounds in the tea, including eucommiol, appear to inhibit osteoclasts. These are cells that break down aging bone. At the same time, kidney wood tea may also stimulate osteoblasts, which form new bone.

Together, these effects could help slow normal bone loss to keep bones strong into older age.

How to Prepare Kidney Wood Tea

Kidney wood tea bags are available for purchase online or at specialty Asian markets. You can also make the tea from scratch using dried kidney wood leaves:

Ingredients:

1⁄2 cup dried kidney wood leaves
3 cups water
Optional sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Sliced ginger or orange peel (for flavor)

Directions

Rinse kidney wood leaves to remove any dust
Place leaves in a teapot and add 3 cups boiling water
Steep for 5-7 minutes uncovered to allow oils to infuse
Strain tea into cups
Flavor as desired with sweetener, ginger, orange peel, etc.

Drink 2-3 cups per day to enjoy the benefits outlined above.

Precautions and Side Effects

Kidney wood tea is generally recognized as safe, even with regular long-term use. As with any supplement though, there are some precautions to be aware of:

Pregnant/nursing women should not consume in medicinal amounts
Could interact with blood sugar and blood pressure medications
May cause mild stomach upset in some individuals
Not recommended for children or those with kidney dysfunction

Stay within standard dosing guidelines and consult your doctor with any medical concerns.

Kidney Wood Tea: A Plant-Based Choice for Better Health

Kidney wood tea is no longer an obscure remedy — an impressive body of research now confirms its broad spectrum of health benefits. From antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions to regulating blood sugar and pressure, kidney wood checks many boxes if you’re looking to upgrade your wellness naturally.

Of course, no single food or drink alone can guarantee good health. But incorporating beneficial teas like kidney wood into a balanced lifestyle can contribute to your overall vitality.

FAQs

What does kidney wood tea taste like?

Kidney wood tea has a smooth, mild, slightly sweet taste. It is lighter bodied than black or green tea. Many people describe it as similar to oolong tea.

When should I drink kidney wood tea?

You can drink kidney wood tea at any time of day. Some people prefer to drink it in the morning or before meals. Avoid drinking close to bedtime as the caffeine content may disrupt sleep.

Is kidney wood tea safe?

Kidney wood tea is generally recognized as safe. However, some precautions apply for pregnant women, children, those on medication, or people with kidney issues. Speak to your doctor before consuming if you have any medical concerns.

Where can I buy kidney wood tea?

You can purchase kidney wood tea bags or loose leaf online or at Asian specialty grocery stores. Look for reputable brands to ensure you get authentic eucommia tea.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.