Gokshura: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More

Gokshura: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More

Our mother earth and its nature take care of its children (humans) always, and henceforth, the plants and trees present on this planet are capable of healing numerous ailments with their amazing medicinal properties. These plants can combat all chronic diseases without relying on modern medicine. However, today, as humans, we have lost the ability to recognize the importance and, therefore, knowledge of various herbs and Ayurvedic science (a 5,000-year-old medical system). 

Are you also lacking in knowledge? Well, don’t worry. If you are on Dr. Sharda Ayurveda’s website, then you are at the right place. Our website will guide you regarding the complete human body system and natural herbs that promote healing. Today, you will learn about one of the powerful herbs, Gokshura, that holds significant importance in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Synonyms of Gokshura

Every part of the Gokshura plant is highly useful, from its stem to its flowers, fruit, and leaves. What is Gokshura? Well, the name has derived from two Sanskrit words called “Go” meaning Cow, and “Aakshura” meaning Hoof. Some of the famous names that define Gokshura in different languages are:

Language

Gokshura Names

Sanskrit 

गोक्षुर

Hindi

गोखरू

English 

Puncture Vine

Punjabi 

ਭੱਖੜਾ (Bhakhr)

Tamil

நெருஞ்சில் (Nerunjil) 

Telugu 

పల్లేరు (Palleru)

Marathi

गोखरू (Gokhru

Kannada

ನೆಗ್ಗಿಲು (Neggilu)

Scientific Name

Tribulus terrestris

Source of Gokshura

Gokshura, a herb that is used in several Ayurvedic medicines, has a plant-based source. This plant can readily be found in the subtropical regions such as India, China, Australia, Africa, etc. It is one of the easiest-growing plants that can be harvested in various types of soil, from sandy loam to clay. Additionally, Gokshura can be seen in the rainy season around the common sandy and wastelands of India. Now, imagine the importance of Gokshura and the significant health benefits, due to which it is used in numerous Ayurvedic medicines. So, from next time, when you come across this plant, stop, wait, and think— Does your body need it?

Nutritional Value of Gokshura

Considering 100 grams of Gokshura churna for its nutritional value, the total nutritional profile is:

Nutrient 

Value (per 100 g)

Carbohydrates

15.9 g

Protein

1.3 g

Fat

0.52 g

Total Energy 

73.48 Kcal

Vitamin C

14.2 mg

Calcium 

59 mg    


Health Benefits Of Gokshura

Some of the amazing health benefits and Gokshura uses are:

1. Improves Male Sexual Health

Gokshuru has been used widely for ages to manage sexual health. It is clinically believed that this herb increases the production of libido and further improves sperm quality. Several Ayurvedic medicines use Gokshura to deal with chronic diseases like:

  • Erectile Dysfunction

  • Premature Ejaculation

  • Sperm motility

  •  Hypospermia, etc.

Also, Gokshura helps in enhancing male fertility by strengthening the production of sperm in the body.

Learn more about 6 Ways to Improve Male Fertility With Ayurveda

Adopt Diet and lifestyle tips that help overcome Erectile Dysfunction

2. Enhance Heart Functioning

The properties of Gokshuru have heart-strengthening capabilities. It is incredibly effective for treating all heart ailments and protecting the heart cells due to its antioxidative nature. Keeping the cholesterol levels in check, Gokshura is highly advised to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and other cardiovascular diseases.   

3. Alleviates Urinary Disorders

Highly infused with anti-inflammatory and diuretic (increased passage of urine) properties, Gokshura is a great herb to manage certain urinary diseases. Problems like:

  • Buring Sensation

  • Stones in the urinary tract

  • Painful Urination

  • Bladder control issues

  • Urinary Infections, etc. 

Such conditions are alleviated by this herb, which contains medicinal properties.

4. Supports Kidney Function

This is obvious; when Gokshru can support urinary disorders, it will also help kidney functions, as both are interlinked. The kidneys are the super organ that supports the excretion of uric acid from the body and prevent conditions like gout or kidney stones. Also, Gokshura helps to manage sugar levels (diabetes) and alleviates conditions like frequent urination. 

5. Aids Digestion

Empowering digestion with Gokshura? Never heard before? However, it is indeed true. The properties of this amazing herb aid digestion and are helpful in conditions like:

  • Ulcerative Colitis

  • IBS

  • Stomach pain

  • Bloating 

  • Gas

  • Or Constipation

Gokshura helps stimulate the release of digestive juices and absorption of essential nutrients in the stomach.

6. Helpful in Joint Pain

Gokshura has several properties, and being anti-inflammatory is one of them. It helps reduce pain and swelling, and is further recommended for conditions such as joint pain or arthritis. Still, several studies have been conducted, and further research is also underway to gather more scientific evidence to support the claim.

Effect On Doshas

Gokshura has tremendous effects on tridoshas. The details are as follows:

Dosha

Effect of Gokshura

Details

Vata

Pacifies 

The properties like snigdha and guru, i.e., oily and heavy, respectively. They support joint pain and calm the nervous system by balancing the Vata. 

Pitta

Balances 

It has madhura rasa, stating the sweet taste and cooling effect that soothes the excess Vata.

Kapha

May Increase

Because Gokhsura has a sweet taste and is heavy in nature, it can aggravate Kapha dosha. Still, disorders like water retention, gokshura is used in some of the medicines with the right formulation. 

Gokshura Dosage

Gokshura is available in different forms, such as:

  • Churna (Gokshura Powder)

  • Tablets

  • Capsules

  • Kwath

There is no significant amount prescribed for doses to each human. It is always advised to consult Ayurvedic doctors before consuming this herb in any form for maximum gokshura benefits and to avoid any harmful effects. The factors on which dosage depends are:

  • Age

  • Body type

  • severity of the condition

  • Overall health of the patient

Gokshura Side-effects

While gokshura is generally a safe herb to consume, certain people observe some side effects depending upon the wrong consumption, misuse or taking it in large doses for a long time. The possible side effects are as follows:

1. Dizziness or Headache
It has been noticed that some people feel mild or light headaches if they consume gokshura on an empty stomach or in large quantities. 

2. Change in Blood Pressure
With gokshura, your blood pressure can go mildly low due to its diuretic properties (urinating). Therefore, it is advised that if you are on BP medication or have certain BP issues, then use it cautiously. 

3. Digestive Issues
Do you know, gokshura can even cause severe digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea, or cramps in some people. Usually, the herb is safe, but if taken on an empty stomach or in improper doses, you are likely to undergo these symptoms. 

4. Hormonal Changes
It has been noticed that gokshura has different effects on hormonal levels. The testosterone levels are observed to be influenced by Gokshura, and other symptoms observed under hormonal changes are acne, hair loss, and mood swings. 

5. Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Gokshura is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding females as it has disturbing effects on hormones and hence affects the health of these females.

Precautions

Although Gokshura has numerous health benefits, it's equally important to take certain precautions before considering it for daily consumption. These are:

  • Healthcare advice: A very crucial and important precaution before bringing any such changes to diet is to consult a healthcare provider. An Ayurvedic expert will conduct a complete body diagnosis before recommending you gokshura, which will save you from further consequences. 

  • Dosage: Another precaution is to consume an adequate dosage as prescribed by the experts. As higher dosages can trouble your stomach and invite other side effects, try to maintain the amount suggested. 

Conclusion

Gokshura or Tribulus terrestris holds a higher rank in Ayurvedic herbs with fabulous life-saving benefits. It has several health benefits that are described in the blog above. But be cautious and consider an expert before consuming Gokshura to avoid any health problems. To discover more facts on such herbs, visit our website and follow us on social media. For more information, you can contact us at the given numbers or visit our hospital.