Gokshura
Common Name:
Land caltrops (Eng.) or
Puncture wine (Eng.)
Sanskrit Name:
Gokshura- As it pricks the feet of the cattle grazing in the grounds
Shwadanshtra- Means its spine are very sharp as if they are the canines of a dog
Swadukantaka- Means its spines are having the sweet taste
Trikantaka- Means in general its fruit has the three spines
Vanashringata- As its shape is similar to that of water chestnut
Chanadruma- Because its leaves give the looks of those of black gram
Ikshugandhika- Means it smells similar to sugarcane
Lt. Name:
Tribulus terristris- Zygophylaceae
Bio energetics:
Rasa (Taste)- Madhura (Sweet)
Guna (Characteristics)- Guru (Heavy); Snigdha (Unctuous)
Veerya (Potency) - Sheeta (Cool and calm)
Vipaka (Post digestion effect) - Madhura (Sweet)
Effect on Tridosha (Three bio humors):
It pacifies Vata and Pitta Doshas i.e. useful in management of diseases resulting from aggravation of Vata/ Kapha or both.
Actions according to Ayurveda:
Bala krut - Increases the strength of the body
Vasti shodhana - Cleanses the urinary system
Deepana - Ignites the digestive fire
Vrushya - Increases the desire and ability for sex
Pushtida - Nourishes the body
Ashmari hara - Helps in removing kidney stones from the body
Prahema nuta - Useful in management of all urinary disorders including diabetes
Shwas kasa hara- Useful in management of respiratory discomfort and cough
Arsha nuta - Useful in management of hemorrhoids
Hrudroga nuta - helps in managing heart diseases
Medicinal value:
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It is also claimed that Tribulus terrestris increases testosterone by increasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn stimulates the production of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Testosterone, besides its role in muscle-building and raising fertility and libido, is also known to have a positive effect on bone marrow activity (for red blood cell production) and the immune system.
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On the other hand, one recent study found that T. terrestris caused no increase in testosterone or LH in young men, and another found that a commercial supplement containing androstenedione and herbal extracts, including T. terrestris, was no more effective at raising testosterone levels than androstenedione alone. SupplementWatch does not consider that there is any scientific evidence for effectiveness in muscle building. It suggests that it may be beneficial for those whose testosterone is below normal, such as dieters and overtrained athletes.
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The active chemical in T. terrestris is is likely to be protodioscin (PTN), a cousin to DHEA. In a study with mice, Tribulus was shown to enhance mounting activity and erection better than testosterone cypionate. This however, isn't as convincing as one might think. Although an OTC supplement outpacing a pharmaceutical is big news, testosterone cypionate is a synthetic ester of testosterone engineered for its longer activity. To be effective, its level must build up in the system of the animal using it. This process usually takes 2–3 weeks. The proerectile aphrodisiac properties were concluded to likely be due to the release of nitric oxide from the nerve endings innervating the corpus cavernosum penis.
Useful part:
Fruit; Roots
Doses:
Powder of fruits - 3-6 gms; Decoction - 50-100 ml
Some combinations with Gokshura:
Gokshuradi choorna; Gokshuradi guggulu; Gokshuradyavaleha; Dashmooladi kwatha; Gokshuradi kwatha
Some special notes about Gokshura:
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Gokshura is the best among the herbs useful in painful urination and those pacify the aggravated Vata. (Charaka)
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In kidney stones Gokshura seed powder should be taken with honey and goat milk. It results in crushing of stone with in a week and the crushed stone comes out with urine. (Sushruta)
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Gokshura powder should be taken with Ashwagandha powder and honey for respiratory discomfort and all edematous conitions. (Raja martanda)
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