Botanical name: Tribulus terrestris
Other names: gokshura, burra gookeroo, burra gokhru, caltrop, puncture vine, goatshead
Family: zygophyllaceae
Part used: seed
Taste (rasa): sweet, bitter
Characteristic (guna):
Energy (veerya): cooling
Post digestive effect (vipak): sweet
Dosha: VPK-, with primarily V-
Action (karma): digestive, expectorant, demulcent aphrodisiac, diuretic, stamina enhancer, liver tonic, lower back pain, flatulence, impotence, congestion of respiratory system, assist kidneys and bladder to overcome incontinence, nocturnal emissions, fluid retention, stimulate blood circulation and improve mental performance.
Dose: 1 teaspoon once a day with a hot drink.
Contraindications: Dryness. Caution during pregnancy as it moves downwards.Tribulus is an important herb with a long history of use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and more recently in Europe.
Urinary: Tribulus soothes the urinary tract membranes and promotes urination, it is specific for prostate problems, urinary retention or obstructed urinary flow. Assists with bladder or kidney stones, urinary retention, cloudy urination, haematuria.
Hormones: The Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute of Sofia, Bulgaria, discovered tribulus’ benefits for treating hormonal insufficiency in men and women. Significant value of tribulus was seen in its ability to balance the endocrine system, doing this by stimulating hormonal secretion, but without over stimulation. It shows improvements in reproductive system function, libido and fertility for both men and women. Women benefit from reduced oestrogen and increased progesterone secretion, to help sustain a more balanced hormonal system. Clinical research indicates tribulus can increase sperm count, improve blood circulation and prolong male erection.
Liver: Tribulus has a powerful actin on the liver, it synthesises hormones from cholesterol. Tribulus helps detoxify and stimulate the liver, improving protein absorption and emulsification of fats to essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. It is a supreme herb for tired, stressed people with hormone or liver related problems.
Cholesterol: Tribulus has been found to be beneficial for people with high cholesterol, as it binds cholesterol to fibre for elimination resulting in a more regular bowel pattern.
Athletes and body builders: By creating a more efficient fat metabolism, the blood is less sticky, this in turn helps normalize blood pressure. More oxygen and sugars are taken to cells and muscle tissues, which provides an energy and stamina building effect. Athletes and body builders have found tribulus can provide improved strength and stamina, without the detrimental effects of chemical anabolic steroids.
Ref: ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’ by Sebastian Pole; ‘Ayurvedic Pharmacology & Therapeutic Uses of Medicinal Plants’ by Vaidya V.M. Gogte; ‘Yogi of Herbs’ by V. Lad & D. Frawley; ‘Herbs Are Special’ by Isabel Shipard.
