What are the benefits of Gokhru?
Looking for a natural herb that supports kidney health, boosts vitality, and is rooted in both Ayurveda and modern science? Enter Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris), a small but mighty plant known for its prickly fruits and powerful healing properties.
For centuries, Gokhru has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support urinary health, male fertility, and overall rejuvenation. Today, modern research is exploring its potential benefits of gokhru for hormones, heart health, and beyond.
Let’s explore this ancient herb in detail.
Latin Name: Tribulus terrestris
Vernacular Names:
Hindi: Gokhru, Chhota Gokhru
Marathi: Gokharu
Gujarati: Gokhru
Tamil: Nerunjil
Telugu: Palleru
Kannada: Neggilu
Malayalam: Nerinjil
Bengali: Gokhru
Sanskrit Names:
Gokshura
Ikshugandhika – Ikshu means sugarcane. It has sugar-cane-line sweet odour
Trikantaka – Fruit has 3- 4 pairs of spines.
Svadukantaka – Spinous fruit has sweet odour and taste
Shvadamshtra – toothed with spines
Kantaphala – fruits having spines
Palankasha, Bhakshataka – Fruits of gokshura injures flesh with its sharp spine
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Gokhru
Ras
- Madhur ( Sweet)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Madhur (Sweet)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Guru( Heavy)
- Snigdha (Unctous)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Vata and Pitta dosha
Classical Categorization
In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as
- Shothahara – Group of ten roots that relieve inflammation.
- Mutravirechaniya – Group of herbs that cleanse and detoxify the urinary system.
- Krimighna – Group of herbs that is used to treat intestinal worms.
- Sushruta –
Vidarigandhadi, Veerataruvadi, Laghu (light to digest) Panchamoola
Health Benefits of Gokhru
Kidney & Urinary Health
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Gokhru benefits by increases urine output, helping to flush bacteria and toxins from the urinary tract. This action reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and helps in managing water retention.
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Research suggests that compounds in Gokhru may inhibit stone formation by preventing calcium and oxalate crystals from clumping together.
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Its mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect helps in passing small stones and easing discomfort.
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Antioxidant compounds in Gokhru reduce oxidative stress on kidney tissues.
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Animal studies show that it may protect against nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) caused by certain drugs or toxins.
Fertility & Libido
In Ayurveda, Gokhru is considered a shukral dravya — meaning it nourishes and strengthens shukra dhatu (the reproductive tissue). This makes it highly valued as a vajikarana rasayana (aphrodisiac and fertility tonic).
Modern pharmacology has explored Gokhru’s role in sexual health and fertility, especially due to its saponins (like protodioscin). It stimulates nitric oxide release which increases blood flow to genital organs leading to improved sexual arousal.
Several studies show increases in sperm count and better movement, improving chances of conception.
Testosterone Debate:
Some studies show mild increases in testosterone.
Others show no significant changes but improvements in libido regardless.
Likely works by enhancing receptor sensitivity to hormones rather than directly boosting testosterone.
Improves Heart Health
In Ayurveda, Gokhru is considered balya (strengthening) and rasayana (rejuvenating), which means it nourishes tissues, supports circulation, and balances Vata and Pitta doshas. It is mutrala means diuretic helps to reduce fluid retention and lowers blood pressure easing workload on the heart.
Gokhru has mild ACE-inhibiting effects which is similar to some BP medicines.This helps relax blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
Studies show that Gokhru extracts may reduce LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and triglycerides while improving HDL (“good cholesterol”). This lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (artery hardening).
Gokhru is rich in flavonoids and saponins which helps to neutralize free radicals. It protects heart tissues from oxidative stress, which plays a role in hypertension, diabetes-related heart disease, and aging.
Anti-inflammatory
In Ayurveda, inflammation-related conditions are linked to imbalanced Pitta (heat) and Vata (movement/air). Gokhru is described as sheet virya herb which calms excess pitta. Moreover because of its snigdha guna it balance the Vata dosha. It is also having shothahara property which helps to reduce inflammation.
Hence, Gokhru is used in urinary tract infections (UTIs), arthritis, gout, and edematous conditions in Ayurvedic practice.
Actions (Karma) of Gokhru in Ayurveda
Brihmana – improves strength, nourishes the body
Vrushya – aphrodisiac
Tridoshashamana – Balances Tridosha
Agnikrit – Improves digestion
Shulaghna – Relieves abdominal colic pain
Hrudroga – useful in cardiac disorders
Krichraghna – relieves difficulty in urination
Pramehahara – useful in urinary tract disorders and diabetes.
Madhura – sweet
Deepana – improves digestion
Balakrit – improves strength and immunity
Pushtikrit – Improves body nourishment
Sheetala – coolant
Bastivataghna – Relieves pain originating from the urinary bladder.
Basti Shodhana – Cleanses and detoxifies bladder
Anilahara – balances Vata
Drishtida – Improves vision, useful in eye disorders
Ashmarihara – Useful in urinary calculi
Shwasanut – Useful in dyspnoea, Asthma, Bronchitis and Chronic respiratory disorders.
Kasanut – Useful in cough and cold
Arshanut – Useful in piles / hemorrhoids
Hrudroga Vatanut – Useful in cardiac disorders of Vata origin.
How to use Gokhru
Gokhru can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Decoction: To make the decoction you need 2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of powder of gokhru. Now add this powder in 2 cup of water and boil till one glass is left. Then filter it, your decoction is ready.
- Dosage : 20 to 30 ml two times a day.
- Devdaru powder: 1-2 teaspoon two times daily . It is also used externally for local application.
- Devdaru Capsule : 1 to 2 capsule two times daily with water.
- Part Used : Heartwood.
What are the side effects of Gokhru
Like any other Ayurvedic herb gokhru is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to gokhru they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Gokhru.
Avoid consuming Gokhru during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Gokhru in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using Gokhru. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use Gokhru continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store Gokhru in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Gokhru
Gokhru Decoction for Anemia
To make decoction you will following ingredients:
Gokhru fruits – 1 tsp
Water – 2 cups
Honey – 1 teaspoon
Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon
How to make the decoction:
First make a decoction by boiling gokhru fruits in 4 cups of water. Boil it till 1 cup water is left. Now let it cool, then add 1 teaspoon of honey and sugar to it.
It helps to improve the heamoglobin in the blood and there by relieve the anemia.
To build strength and stamina
To make this you need following ingredients:
Gokhru powder – 1 tsp
Milk – 1 glass
Ghee – 1 teaspoon
Candy sugar- 1 teaspoon
How use:
First take milk and boil it. Then let it cool down , then add 1 tsp of gokhru powder, 1 tsp of Ghee and Candy sugar in it. Drink this milk one to two times daily
This is very helpful in improving body strength and stamina. It is also beneficial in improving the libido.
Gokhru benefits in Arthritis
To make the you need following ingredients:
Gokhru powder – 2 gms
Sonth powder– 1 gms
How to make the oil:
Mix both the ingredients and take it with lukewarm water two times a day.
This formulation is very helps to relieve stiffness and pain in joints by improving the blood circulation and calms the Vata dosha.
In Kidney stone
To make the you need following ingredients:
Gokhru powder – 2 gms
Honey– 1 gms
How to use this oil:
Mix both the ingredients and consume it two times daily in empty stomach.
This formulation is very helps to relieve stone in urinary tract system because of its diuretic property.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Gokhru take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly gokhru powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains devdaru
Gokshuradi Guggulu – For urinary tract health and joint wellness.
Dashmoola – Part of the “ten roots” formula for balancing Vata.
Chyawanprash – Occasionally used as a strengthening ingredient.
Conclusion
Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) is a powerful herb that bridges ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern medical research. Whether you’re seeking urinary support, reproductive health, or overall vitality, this plant has much to offer.
Used responsibly and under guidance, Gokhru can be a natural ally for long-term wellness. 🌿
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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