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