Gokshura is a small hairy shrub which grows in abundance in pasture lands, roadsides, especially in warm regions. According to Ayurveda, gokshura comes from two Sanskrit words: go (cow) and akshura (hoof). This is because the small fruits look like hooves of cows, with little spines and lots of big thorns on them.
Here are some ways to use gokshura for certain health benefits:
1. Boost libido: Gokshura helps in boosting sexual desire in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)[8]. It is also useful for maintaining testosterone (sex hormone) levels in males. Gokshura is also known to lower the risk of erectile dysfunction as it strengthens the penile tissue and enhances erection[1][2].
How to use:
-Take 1/2 teaspoon of gokshura powder.
-Boil it in 1 cup (250ml) of milk.
-Cool it to room temperature and drink it twice a day.
-Continue this for 1-2 months for best results.
2. Lower the risk of kidney stones: Gokshura helps prevent the formation of kidney stones as well as maintain proper function of the kidneys[1].
How to use:
-Take 1/2 teaspoon of gokshura powder.
-Mix it with 1 teaspoon of honey.
-Take it twice a day.
-Continue this for 1-2 months for best results.
3. Manage diabetes: An active compound present in gokshura called saponin has antioxidant properties which help in lowering blood glucose level.[1].
How to use:
-Take 1/2 teaspoon of gokshura powder.
-Add it to a glass of water and stir well.
-Drink it twice a day.
-Continue this for 1-2 months for best results.
4. Maintain heart health: It protects the heart cells and may even improve the function of the heart after a heart attack[1][3].
How to use:
-Take 1/2 teaspoon of gokshura powder.
-Boil it in 1 cup (250ml) of water.
-Cool it to room temperature and add 1 teaspoon of honey.
-Drink it twice a day.
-Continue this for 1-2 months for best results.
5. Regulate blood pressure: Gokshura has the potential to control blood pressure due to its diuretic activity. It can be taken by patients with mild to moderate hypertension mainly associated with fluid retention. Gokshura helps lower systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure and improves heart rate[1][4][5].
How to use:
-Take 1/2 teaspoon of gokshura powder.
-Boil it in 1 cup (250ml) of water.
-Cool it to room temperature.
-Drink it twice a day.
-Continue this for 1-2 months for best results.
6. Lower cholesterol: An animal study suggested that gokshura can help lower the level of triglycerides (fat), LDL or the bad cholesterol and increase the level of HDL or good cholesterol. This is due to the presence of phenolic compounds in gokshura which help prevent the storage of triglycerides and enhance its utilisation for energy production[1][6].
How to use:
-Take 1/2 teaspoon of gokshura powder.
-Boil it in 1 cup (250ml) of water.
-Cool it to room temperature.
-Drink it twice a day.
-Continue this for 1-2 months for best results.
Some important tips:
- Avoid gokshura during pregnancy as it can induce abortion as well as affect the development of the fetal brain[7].
- Avoid gokshura in case of enlarged prostate or prostate cancer as animal studies say that it may increase the weight of the prostate gland[7].
- Monitor your blood sugar level if you are taking gokshura along with your existing anti-diabetic medicines[7].
- Use gokshura only under the supervision of a doctor if you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding[7].
References
1. Chhatre S, Nesari T, Somani G, et al.Phytopharmacological overview of Tribulus terrestris.Pharmacogn Rev.2014;8(15):45–51.
2. Do J, Choi S, Choi J, et al.Effects and mechanism of action of a Tribulus terrestris extract on penile erection.Korean J Urol.2013;54(3):183-8.
3. Samy RP, Pushparaj PN, Gopalakrishnakone P.A compilation of bioactive compounds from Ayurveda.Bioinformation.2008;3(3):100–110.
4. Murthy AR, Dubey SD, Tripathi K.Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) A clinical study.Anc Sci Lif.2000;19(3-4):139–145.
5. Jiang YH, Guo JH, Wu S, et al.Vascular protective effects of aqueous extracts of Tribulus terrestris. on hypertensive endothelial injury.Chin J Nat Med.2017;15(8):606-614.
6. Khan S, Kabir H, Jalees F, et al.Antihyperlipidemic potential of fruits of Tribulus terrestris.Int J BiomedRes.2011;2:98–101.
7. Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide.1st ed.2010.
8. Akhtari E, Raisi F, Keshavarz M, et al.Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo – controlled study.Daru. 2014; 22(1): 40.