Overview
Gokhru is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for reproductive & sexual health. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), known as Gokhru, is one of the most important herbs for the urinary system in Ayurveda. It is the last member of the Dashamula (Laghu Panchamula) group. It is a prostrate or spreading herb found commonly as a weed across India. The fruit has sharp spines that resemble cow's hooves (Go = cow, Kshura = hoof). Gokshura is the premier herb for urinary disorders -- it acts as a diuretic, dissolves urinary stones (Ashmari), relieves painful urination (Mutrakrichchhra), and manages diabetes (Prameha). It is also highly valued as a Vrishya (aphrodisiac) that improves sexual function and semen quality. The text mentions it as Madhura (sweet) in all stages -- taste, potency, and post-digestive effect -- with cooling energy, making it excellent for Pitta-related urinary conditions.
How Gokhru Helps with Reproductive & Sexual Health
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Gokhru has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing reproductive & sexual health:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
- Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Saponins, Nitrates (5%), Dioscin, Diosgenin. Fruit contains alkaloids and flavonoids.
- Also Known As
- English: Small Caltrops, Puncture Vine, Tribulus
Sanskrit: गोक्षुर, गोकण्टक, स्वादुकण्टक, त्रिकण्टक, वनशृङ्गाट
Hindi: गोखरू, छोटा गोखरू
What the Classical Texts Say
- Ashmari (urinary calculi/stones)
- Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria/painful urination)
- Prameha (diabetes/urinary disorders)
- Shukradosha (seminal disorders)
- Vandhyatva (infertility)
- Hridroga (heart disease)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Other Herbs for Reproductive & Sexual Health
See all herbs for reproductive & sexual health on the Reproductive & Sexual Health page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.