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Gokshura गोक्षुर
Tribulus terrestris · Zygophyllaceae
Also known as: Gokhru, Puncture Vine, Gokhru Panchang, Pure active seed powder
Part used: Fruit
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is a low spiny herb whose fruit is Ayurveda's principal urinary and reproductive drug. It is used for burning urination, kidney stones, prostate complaints and low libido, and is one of the ten roots of Dashamula. The name means "cow's hoof", from the shape of its spiny fruit.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Tribulus terrestris
- Part used: Fruit
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Fruit powder: 3–6 g per day, often with water or milk; also taken as decoction (kwath).
Gokshura in other languages
Introduction
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is a classical Ayurvedic herb for the urinary and reproductive systems. Its small spiny fruit is a gentle diuretic and a rejuvenating tonic, used to support healthy urine flow, kidney function and vitality.
Classification
Of the Zygophyllaceae family, Gokshura is grouped among the Mutrala (diuretic) and Vajikarana (vitalising) dravyas. Its sweet taste, heavy-unctuous qualities and cooling potency soothe and nourish the urinary and reproductive tissues while pacifying Vata and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Gokshura heads the Mutravirechaniya group — the drugs promoting free flow of urine. It is used in painful and burning urination, in Ashmari (urinary gravel) and in prostatic enlargement, and separately as a Vrishya and Balya drug in the Vajikarana formulations.
Gokshura for burning urination
Its foremost use. A cooling Mutrala drug given in cystitis and burning micturition, unusual in being diuretic without being heating.
Gokshura for kidney stones
The classical Ashmari drug, used to help pass small stones and to reduce recurrence. Larger stones need urological treatment.
Gokshura for prostate complaints
Used for difficult and incomplete urination in older men, a long-standing traditional indication.
Gokshura as a Vajikarana drug
Named among the reproductive tonics for low libido and sexual debility — the use behind most of its modern popularity.
Gokshura for male fertility
Classically used in Shukra-dushti, disorders of the reproductive tissue, taken over long courses.
Gokshura in Dashamula
One of the five smaller roots of Laghu Panchamula.
Gokshura for oedema
Its diuretic action is used in fluid retention and swelling.
Gokshura for gout
Used in Vatarakta, where increased urine output is part of the classical approach.
Gokshura for strength
A Balya drug used in general debility, often combined with Ashwagandha.
Gokshura in Gokshuradi Guggulu
The lead drug of the classical urinary formulation, one of the most-prescribed Guggulu preparations.
Dosage — how much to take
Fruit powder: 3–6 g per day, often with water or milk; also taken as decoction (kwath). Well suited to daily use for urinary and reproductive support. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Gokshura?
The citations held for Gokshura in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Mutrakrichra context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Gokshura?
Cited among herbs for urinary disorders. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Mutrakrichra context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Gokshura?
Described as Mutrala (diuretic) and Balya. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Gokshura traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Gokshura heads the Mutravirechaniya group — the drugs promoting free flow of urine. It is used in painful and burning urination, in Ashmari (urinary gravel) and in prostatic enlargement, and separately as a Vrishya and Balya drug in the Vajikarana formulations.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Gokshura?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Gokshura classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Gokshura carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Gokshura is used medicinally?
The part used is Fruit.
How much Gokshura is taken, and how?
Fruit powder: 3–6 g per day, often with water or milk; also taken as decoction (kwath). Well suited to daily use for urinary and reproductive support. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Gokshura be avoided?
Generally well tolerated. Use under guidance in pregnancy, and if you have significant kidney disease or take diuretic medication.
Where does Gokshura grow?
Gokshura is a low, trailing herb of dry, sandy and waste ground, growing widely across the plains of India and warm regions worldwide, thriving in hot, arid conditions.
Which classical formulations include Gokshura?
Dashamula.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as Mutrala (diuretic) and Balya. - Charaka Samhita — Mutrakrichra context
Cited among herbs for urinary disorders.
Modern research
-
Clinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind study
Sellandi TM, Thakar AB, Baghel MS. Ayu (2012)
A double-blind study evaluating Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) in oligozoospermia, reflecting its classical use for reproductive and urinary health.
View study doi:10.4103/0974-8520.108822 -
Comparison of Murraya koenigii- and Tribulus terrestris-based oral formulation versus tamsulosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men aged >50 years: a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial
(see source). Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2011)
An RCT reporting that a Tribulus terrestris-based formulation significantly lowered urinary symptom (IPSS) scores in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
View study doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2011.11.005
Safety & precautions
Generally well tolerated. Use under guidance in pregnancy, and if you have significant kidney disease or take diuretic medication.
Where it grows
Gokshura is a low, trailing herb of dry, sandy and waste ground, growing widely across the plains of India and warm regions worldwide, thriving in hot, arid conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gokshura used for?
Gokshura is used for burning urination, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, oedema and gout, and as a Vajikarana drug for low libido and male reproductive health. It is also one of the ten roots in Dashamula.
What is the dose of Gokshura?
Fruit powder 3–6 g per day with milk or warm water, or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. As Gokshuradi Guggulu, typically two tablets twice daily or as directed. It is taken over weeks rather than briefly.
Does Gokshura increase testosterone?
It is classically a Vajikarana drug for sexual vitality, and this is the basis of its supplement popularity. Modern evidence for a direct testosterone effect in healthy men is weak — treat the marketing claims with scepticism while the traditional use stands on its own.
Is Gokshura good for kidney stones?
It is the classical Ashmari drug, used to help pass small stones and reduce recurrence through increased urine flow. A stone causing severe pain, fever or blocked flow is a medical emergency and needs urological care, not a herb.
Who should avoid Gokshura?
Avoid in pregnancy. Take medical advice if you have kidney disease, since a diuretic may not be appropriate, or if you take diuretic, lithium or blood-pressure medication. Stop and seek advice if urination becomes painful rather than easier.
What is Gokshura called in Hindi?
Gokhru. In English it is puncture vine, caltrop or goathead — the spiny fruit is notorious for puncturing bicycle tyres, which is where several of the names come from.
Can women take Gokshura?
Yes. Its urinary indications apply equally, and it is used in some women's formulations for urinary complaints and PCOS. The Vajikarana use is described in male terms in the classical texts but the urinary use is not gender-specific.
Part of: Dashamula
