Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)

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Commonly known as Small Caltrops, Gokshura was considered by Charaka as one of the drugs with Mootra Virechaneeya Guna (diuretic drug). Offering solutions for numerous health troubles, this is one among the herbs that has both its fruits and roots used in medications to alleviate various health woes. And for this reason, the name has become very popular in Eastern as well as Western Herbalism. A cooling, rejuvenating, analgesic herb, Gokshura is most known for its ability to reduce renal and urinary discomfort and stimulate hormone production.

The term literally refers to cow’s hoof. Other names are Bindii, Burra, Gokharu, Bull Head, Cat’s Head, Devil’s Eyelashes, Devil’s Thorn, Devil’s Weed, Puncture Wine, Goat Head and Tack weed.

Referred to as a Pushtida, Gokshura is a good source of all the essential nutrients for the body, making it an ideal herbal supplement for weight gain and body building. Its powder pacifies both Vata and Pitta troubles, helping in the proper treatment of diseases resulting from the aggravation of both.

Helping the downward movement of Apana Vata, Gokshura corrects the gati of Vata, thereby influencing it in a positive way.

Other features

• The herb is most effective in treating stomach disorders (aamashaya)
• It cleanses the urinary system (basti shodhaka)
• Protects from recurrent abortion (garbhasthapana)
• A long- proved heart tonic (hridya)
• Destroys parasites (krumighna)
• Relieves piles (arshighna)
• Protects from urinary tract infections (pramehaghna) as it promotes free urine flow, soothing the membranes of the tract.
• Pacifies rakhta pitta (rakhta pitta shamaka)
• Anti- inflammatory functions (shotahara)
• Relieves breathing troubles and asthma (swasahara)
• An effective aphrodisiac (vajikara)
• Increases sperm count (vrushya)
• Increases physical stamina. Athletes and body- builders often have this added in their health regimen as a supplement, supporting normal levels of testosterone.
• A natural dietary supplement for diabetes as it reduces sugar levels.
• Used to treat liver disorders (hepato-protective)
• Used to treat prostate conditions
• Energizes tissues that are damaged, builds and strengthens them (balya). The tissues include all the seven (sapta dhatus)- plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone-marrow and the nerves. It also takes care of the reproductive tissues (shukra dhatu).
• Heals fractured bones
• Ignites the digestive fire (agni)
• In women, Gokshura helps purify the womb. It also reduces pre-menstrual, menstrual and menopause troubles. The herb has been instrumental in treating infertility problems too.
• In case of kidney stone, the combination of gokshura powder with goat milk and honey is often prescribed as it helps to crush the stones down (ashimari nashaka) and eject them off.
• Taken with ashwagandha powder and honey, gokshura powder is a panacea for respiratory discomforts and fluid retention.

Some other combinations good for health are

• Gokshuradi Choorna
• Gokshuradi Guggulu
• Gokshuradi Kwatha
• Gokshuradya Valeha
• Dashamoolaadi Kwatha