Gokshura in Ayurveda: Benefits, Uses, and Timeless Healing Remedies

Celebrated for its unparalleled healing properties and versatile applications, Gokshura, or Tribulus Terrestris, has been a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. However, its relevance extends far beyond ancient practices, finding a solid footing in modern science and wellness as well.

Gokshura is a small, unassuming herb with mighty benefits. Its name translates to “cow’s hoof” due to the shape of its fruits, but the impact it has on health and vitality is anything but modest. Revered for its rejuvenating and nourishing qualities, Gokshura is known to support the kidneys, urinary system, and reproductive health, making it a powerful herbal secret in promoting overall well-being.

Read along as we elaborate on the many benefits of this wonderful yet underrated herb, along with how one can consume it in one’s daily routine! Happy reading to you!

Names of Gokshura in Different Languages

English – Tribulus Terrestris, Puncture vine

Hindi – Gokharu

Sanskrit – Gokshur

Gokshura as Described in Ancient Ayurvedic Texts (Shloka verse)

गोकण्टः कण्टफलो भक्षरः स्वादुकण्टकः । श्वदंष्ट्रको व्यालदंष्ट्रो गोक्षुरु गोक्षुरः क्षुरः ॥६८॥
Kaidev Nighantu- Aushadhi Vargha – Shloka no. 68

गोक्षुरो मधुरो वृष्यो दीपनो बलपुष्टिकृत् ॥६६॥
शीतलो वस्तिवातघ्नो दोषत्रयनिबर्हणः हृद्रोगमेहकृच्छाश्म श्वासकासरुजाहरः ॥७०॥
Kaidev Nighantu- Aushadhi Vargha – Shloka no. 66 & 70

गोक्षुरः पुरकोऽपि स्यात्त्रिकण्टः स्वादुकण्टकः । गोकण्टको गोजुरको वनश्शृङ्गाट इत्यपि ॥४४॥
पलङ्कषा श्वदंष्ट्रा च तथा स्यादिनुगन्धिका । गोचुरः शीतलः स्वादुर्वलक्रुद्वस्तिशोधनः॥४५॥
मधुरो दीपनो वृष्यः पुष्टिदश्चाश्मरीहरः । प्रमेहश्वासकासार्शः कृच्छ्रहृद्रोगवातनुत् ॥४६॥
Bhavprakash Nighantu – Guduchyadi Vargha – Page 262 – Shloka no. 44-46

Appearance of Gokshura

Gokshura is a perennial herb that grows prostrate or decumbent with a woody rootstock. Its compound leaves measure 3-7 cm in length, with one leaf in each pair being alternately smaller. The leaflets, numbering between 8 and 14, are egg-shaped to elliptic, ranging from 4 to 11 mm long and 2 to 5 mm broad, with an oblique base and a pointed or rounded apex. The herb produces solitary yellow flowers, 8-10 mm across, in the leaf axils. The fruits are spiny, measuring about 1-1.5 cm across, and split into 4-5 mericarps, each bearing four sharp, rigid spines. Each mericarp contains 3 to 4 seeds.

Ayurvedic Properties of Gokshura

Rasa (taste) – Gokshura has madhura (sweet) rasa.

Guna (characteristics) – Snigdha (unctuous) and guru (heavy to digest) are some of the properties exhibited by gokshura.

Virya (potency) – Gokshura is of cold potency (sheetala).

Vipaka (metabolism action after digestion) – Gokshura has madhura (sweet) effect in metabolic response after digestion.

What are the Main Actions Exhibited by Gokshura?

As commonly known in the world of medicinal herbs, gokshura is said to have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and promoting a sense of tranquility. This holistic approach to wellness aligns perfectly with the Ayurvedic philosophy of achieving balance and harmony within the body and mind. Here are some of the actions and properties exhibited by gokshura, which have also been studied and documented in these modern times:

Anti-inflammatory activity

Gokshura possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The ethanolic extract from gokshura has mediators that affect inflammation and expression of inflammatory cytokines, thus providing favorable results in various inflammatory conditions¹.

Diuretic activity

The diuretic properties of gokshura are due to the large quantities of nitrates and essential oils present in its fruits and seeds. Its diuretic activity can also be attributed to the presence of potassium salts in high concentrations in gokshura. Even modern research shows that the increased tonicity of the smooth muscles, produced by gokshura extract, along with its diuretic activity helped propel stones along the urinary tract^2,3.

Antibacterial activity

Gokshura possesses anti-bacterial properties. The fruits and leaves of gokshura are exclusively active against E. coli and S. aureus. Studies show that the methanolic extract from the gokshura fruits acts as an active principle against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Different Parts Used

The fruits, leaves, as well as roots of gokshura can be used for external or internal applications. Following are a few methods that elaborate how you may use it to boost overall health:

Fruits in Powder Form:

The dried fruits of gokshura are crushed to make a fine powder. This can be ingested by adding it to water, warm milk, or even honey and can be regularly taken orally. Dried powder is commonly used to enhance the strength, endurance, and sexual drive of a person. It is also employed in the maintenance of the health of the urinary tract and the treatment of conditions such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Roots of Gokshura in Powder Form:
Gokshura roots are dried and then grinded to make a very fine powder. It is advisable to take this powder mixed with smoothies, juices, or even mixed with honey. This mixture will help to raise energy levels, enhance the physical working capabilities of an individual, as well as help in recovery from exertion.

Infusion of Leaves:
The infusion process involves soaking the leaves, whether fresh or dried, in hot water. This infusion can be then taken as a tea, which is extracted from the parts of the plant commonly used as medicine. This method of consumption is most popular when it comes to alerting the body, working with the liver, or boosting the immune system.

Paste from Leaves:
The fresh plant leaves of gokshura can be crushed to form a paste. This is specifically for external use on the skin. Additionally, this could also be used in treating skin ailments like skin psoriasis and even minor injuries because of its anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial nature.

Juice from Gokshura Leaves:
To prepare the raw material of juice, fresh leaves are crushed to extract the juice from them. It is then taken in small portions and is usually consumed along with other juices obtained from other herbs. The juice is used mostly for diuresis and for the support of the kidneys in matters of water accumulation.

Medicinal Uses of Gokshura in Ayurveda

Mūtrakṛcchra (Dysuria)
श्वदंष्ट्रा कण्टकारिभ्यां मूत्रकृच्छ्रे सफाणिताम् । (च.सू. 2/22)
Gruel prepared from gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and Kanțakāri (Solanum xanthocarpum) is taken with jaggery, which relieves Mūtrakṛcchra (Dysuria).

समूलगोक्षुरक्वाथः सितामाक्षिकसंयुतः । नाशयेत् मूत्रकृच्छ्राणि तथा चोष्ण समीरणम् ॥ (शा.स. 2/2/109)
Kwatha (Decoction) made out of the entire plant of goksura (Tribulus terrestris) is mixed with sugar and honey and is given as a drink; this helps alleviates Mūtrakṛcchra (Dysuria).

Asmari (Calculus)/ Kidney Stones
त्रिकण्टकस्य बीजानां चूर्णं माक्षिकसंयुतम् । अविक्षीरेण सप्ताहामश्मरीभेदनं परम् ॥ (सु.चि. 7/19)
Churna (Powder) of gokşura (Tribulus terrestris) seeds mixed with honey and Aviksira (Goat’s milk) is given to drink for 7 days, which helps break Aśmarī (Calculus).

Kesavardhanārtha (To promote hair growth)
गोक्षुरस्तिलपुष्पाणि तुल्ये च मधुसर्पिषी । शिरः प्रलेपनं तेन केशसंवर्धनं परम् ॥ (शा.स. 3/11/22)
Flowers of gokşura (Tribulus terrestris) and tila (Sesame) are mixed with equal quantities of honey and ghee, and then applied on scalp. This therapy helps to promote hair-growth.

Amavata (Rhumatoid arthritis) & Katiśūla (Lumbago)
शुण्ठीगोक्षुर क्वाथः प्रातः प्रातर्निषेवितः । सामेवाते कटिशूले पाचनं रूकप्रणाशनम् ॥ (च.द. 25/9)
Kwatha (Decoction) of Sunthi (Zingiber officinale) and gokşura (Tribulus terrestris) if taken in morning times, regularly, acts as digestant, helps with Katiśūla (Lumbago) and Ruk (Pain) produced by saam Vata (Vata afflicted by morbid material produced out of faulty digestion).

Gokshura’s Effects on the Three Doshas

In the world of Ayurveda, gokshura is a tridosha shamak, which basically means that it helps balance all three

3 doshas. Following are the individual effects of gokshura on each unique dosha:

• Vata – Gokshura provides a grounding effect and possesses a stable nature, which is important and very helpful in balancing the Vata dosha.
• Kapha – Gokshura possesses a diuretic nature and is helpful in reducing excess Kapha by promoting fluids and elimination of toxins (ama) from the body. It is to be noted that excess gokshura should not be consumed as it then aggravates Kapha due to the heavy and unctuous nature of the herb.
• Pitta – Gokshura has cooling properties, making it beneficial for pacifying Pitta dosha. It helps reduce excessive heat and inflammation in the body.

Read more: Knowing And Balancing Your Dosha For A Healthy & Happy Life!

Precautionary Information & Side Effects of Gokshura Consumption

Although there are no specific precautions, one must take while consuming gokshura apart from excess consumption which might imbalance the doshas and have adverse effects.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women – There are not many conclusive studies suggesting the effects of gokshura on pregnant and breastfeeding women, therefore it is advised to consume under the guidance of a medical professional.

Individuals with Hypertension or diabetes – It is advised that individuals with hypertension or diabetes should consume the herbs under medical supervision.

Allergic reaction – Individuals who are allergic to gokshura should avoid its consumption.

Who can Benefit from the Consumption of Gokshura?

• Individuals who want to promote hair growth.
• People with calculus (Kidney stones).
• Individuals who suffer from dysuria or difficulty in urination
• Individuals suffering from lumbago (Pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back).

How to Consume Gokshura?

• Raw Gokshura Fruit: 3-6 g of the herb in powder form; 6-12 g of the herb for decoction
• Gokshura Fruits in Decoction:
  • Step 1: Dry the gokshura fruits.
  • Step 2: Boil them in water till the flavor gets infused in it, to prepare a decoction; this can also be taken in the form of tea. This fruit decoction is useful for increasing energy, preventing fatigue, and increasing the sense of wellness.
• Gokshura Fruit Powder Capsule: You may choose to consume gokshura in the form of food supplements, usually in the form of capsules or tablets, one or two per day. This method helps provide easy access and precise administration in male reproductive health, hormone regulation, and muscle gain and repair.
• Gokshura Roots as a Decoction (Root: 6-12 g of the herb): The roots are soaked in hot water to elicit the working elements of the plants. They can then be taken as an infusion or as the solvent for other herbal remedies. This is helpful in treating sexual-related disorders and numerous disorders having an impact on the human nervous system.
• Oil Infusion of Gokshura Roots: To prepare oil infusion, gokshura roots are steeped in carrier oil, usually sesame oil or coconut oil, for an extensive amount of time. The infused oil can be massaged on the skin; also, the water (decoction) in which the herbs were boiled (as mentioned above) can be used to prepare a bath. The infused oil or water possesses analgesic effects to help with muscle and joint pain, as well as is great for your skin health.
• Milk and Gokshura: To get the most out of this wonder herb, you can consume gokshura powder with warm milk as it helps to boost energy and helps in rejuvenating body tissues.
• Honey and Gokshura: One can mix gokshura powder with honey; this is especially helpful in improving the taste of gokshura herb. The result is enhanced endurance and a high immunity boost.
• Ashwagandha with Gokshura: The given method is recommended because taking gokshura powder along with ashwagandha will make you feel calmer, and more energetic, and also help you improve your sexual health.