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GOKSHURA


WHAT IS GOKSHURA

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for Gokshura is TribulusTerrestris which belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. The name is derived from Sanskrit words Go-cow and Aakshura-hoof because the fruit of this plant looks like the hooves of the cows.


What are the other names of GOKSHURA in various languages

Latin - Tribulusterrestris

Sanskrit - Gokshuraka, Trikata, Svadamshtra

Bengali - Gokshura

Assamese - Gokshura, Gukhurkat

Hindi - Gokhru

Punjabi - Bhakhra, Gokhru

Kannada - Sannanaggilu, Naggilamullu, Neggilu

Malayalam - Nerinjil

Tamil - Nerinjil, Nerunjil

Marathi - Bala, Chikana, Tupkaria

Oriya - Gukhura

Marathi - Sarate, Gokharu

Urdu - Khar-e-KhasakKhurd


ORIGIN AND SOURCE OF GOKSHURA

The origin of Gokshura is Sub Himalayan forests in India and Burma. It is usually grown in warm temperatures such as southern Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and Northern Australia. It is a small, hirsute, silky hairy plant. The leaves are stipulate, opposite, and it has 5-8pairs of leaflets, oblong and mucronate. It is 2-3 feet long. Flowers are yellow and the fruits possess 5-12 compartments. The root is 4-5 inches long and it is brown. The growing season of the plant is July-September.

Part used: Entire plant

Taste: Sweet

Potency: Cool


CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN GOKSHURA

On chemical compound analysis of the Gokshura, it includes

Fruit: Alkaloids 3.5-5%, stable oil, aromatic oil, resins, glycosides, carbohydrates, saponins, and triterpenoids.

Stem: Saponins, Herman, phytosterols, tannins, and carbohydrates

Root: Phenolic compounds, saponins, xanthoproteins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids

Leaves: Flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, resins, saponins, and proteins

Action:

  • Brahmana-improves strength
  • Vrushya-aphrodisiac
  • Shulaghna-relieves abdominal colic
  • Hrudroga-cardiac disorder
  • Krishraghna-relieves urinary difficulties
  • Pramehahara-treat urinary tract infection
  • Ashmarihara-treat urinary calculi
  • Shwasanut-treat dyspnoea, asthma, bronchitis, respiratory disorders
  • Arshanut-treat piles, hemorrhoids


TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEW OF GOKSHURA

Eczema:

Traditional view: Gokshura has Ropan (healing) property which helps to reduce the skin related problems like eczema, itching, and skin irritations

Modern view:Limited information is available regarding the role of Gokshura in eczema

Flatulence:

Traditional view:The use of Gokshura helps to improve digestion by its Deepan (appetizer) property. It prevents the formation of gas in the intestine

Modern view: Limited information is available regarding the role of Gokshura in flatulence

Bodybuilding:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, Gokshura is considered a supplement for bodybuilding. It has Guru and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) property which helps to increase the energy level 

Modern view: Gokshura contains chemical compounds like alkaloids and glycosides which increase the level of testosterone and also muscle power for bodybuilding.

Erectile dysfunction:

Traditional view:Gokshura used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia by its Mutral  andSita activity which helps to increase the secretion of urine and also reduce the burning sensation and swelling during urination

Modern view:It helps to treat benign prostate hyperplasia by increasing the flow of urine and also by emptying the bladder which results in decreased urinary retention.

Take the required amount of the fruit and coarsely grind it and boil the mixture with 2 cups of water until it reduces into 1 cup and then you can drink this water by adding milk or sugar for better taste.

Diabetes:

Traditional view:It has a diuretic activity that helps to control blood glucose levels by removing the toxins from the body and it also increases the metabolism to reduce the accumulation of ama (a toxin present in the body due to improper digestion) which is responsible for high blood sugar level.

Modern view:Gokshura containssaponin which produces anti-diabetic properties by lowering the serum glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol.

Kidney stones:

Traditional view:It reduces kidney stones by increasing the output of urine and it also helps to remove the toxins which are present in the urinary tract and kidney. It also increases the metabolism to reduce the accumulation of ama (toxins present in the body due to improper digestion) and inhibit kidney stone formation.

Modern view:Gokshura has a diuretic property that helps to remove the excess salt and water from the body because of the presence of nitrates and potassium.


DOSAGE OF GOKSHURA

The dose of the drug used according to physicians

Extracts (satva) - 100-250mg

Powder (choornam) - 1-3gm

Decoction (kashayam) - 30-60ml

Juice (swaras) - 15-30ml


PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING GOKSHURA

  • Since Gokshura has an anti-diuretic effect it should be should with caution who is taking other drugs which have a diuretic effect
  • Gokshura should be avoided during pregnancy because the use of this herb induces abortion and it may also affect the fetal brain development


CONTRAINDICATIONS WHEN USING GOKSHURA

It is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the composition of this herb


BENEFITS OF GOKSHURA

Aphrodisiac activity:

The use of this herb helps to reduce stress and anxiety by stimulating the hormone libido and it also helps to increase the fertility of both males and females and boost energy and stamina in men.

Polycystic ovarian disease:

The use of this herb helps to fight against water retention by eliminating the excess water content from the body and also by reducing the cyst size

It also helps to fight against the intolerance of glucose and diabetes

Gall bladder and urinary disorder:

Gokshura acts as an antidiuretic agent which helps to treat kidney stones, urinary bladder infections, and urinary tract infections by increasing the urine flow.

The use of Gokshura increases the testosterone level in male

It helps to treat severe headaches and migraine

It increases the activity of the heart and reduces the blood pressure and cholesterol level


HOW CAN YOU ADD GOKSHURA IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

The Gokshuracomes in various formulations includes

Internal use:

Gokshurachurna or kwath:

Take the required amount of Gokshurachurna and mix it with honey or milk and take this drink after your meals for better results

Gokshura tablet or capsule:

Take the required amount of tablet and consume it along with water after your meals

External use:

Gokshura with rose water:

Take the required amount ofGokshura powder and mix it with rose water and apply this mixture on the face and neck and leave it for 5-7 minutes and then wash with tap water. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to treat skin aging and dullness


SIDE EFFECTS OF GOKSHURA

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON GOKSHURA

Is Gokshura powder available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.

How to store Gokshura?

It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children

What is Himalayan Gokshura?

Himalayan Gokshura is an effective herbal medicine which is manufactured by the Himalayan drug company which contains extract of Gokshura and it is used for male sexual disorders

Is Gokshura useful for polycystic ovary syndrome?

Yes, it is considered an effective treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome. Symptoms of PCOS are increased male hormones, absence of ovulation, and enlarged ovaries. The use of gokshura increase the hormone which is responsible for ovulation and infertility