Gokshura Benefits: A Complete Guide to Various Uses and Side Effects

Are you also tired of burning your pockets for the treatment of hormonal or kidney-related issues? Don’t worry anymore, as Ayurveda has the perfect herb, called Gokshura, for treating your various health issues. Known for its regenerative and Balya (strength-enhancing) properties, the list of Gokshura benefits is quite extensive.

Gokshura, also known as Tribulus terrestris, is recognized for its numerous uses and boosts immunity and strength while treating various urinary and kidney disorders. Although sweeter in taste, Gokshura is cold in potency and aids in the body’s detoxification. 

Continue reading, as I will discuss the range of Gokshura benefits for health. 

What is Gokshura?

Gokshura, part of Dashamoola (a group of ten medicinal plant roots), is an ancient ayurvedic medicinal herb found across Southern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. 

The history of identifying various uses and benefits of Gokshura has evolved since 1000 BCE in prominent texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, among others. Additionally, these texts also talk about various compounds and formulations of Gokshura and other such herbs. 

Traditionally known as Gokhru in Hindi, the word Gokshura is made from two Sanskrit words, go (cow) and aakshura (hoof), as its fruit resembles the shape of a cow’s hoof. 

Gokshura is a small plant belonging to the family of Zygophyllaceae, which balances Tridosha (Vata-Pitta-Kapha). Apart from this, Gokshura benefits also include increasing stamina, detoxification, and promoting hormonal balance, among others. 

Also Read: Triphala – An Ayurvedic Prodigy To Restore Body’s Natural Equilibrium

Gokshura Benefits for Health

There are several health benefits of Gokshura, including reduced inflammation, antioxidant properties, treatment of urinary disorders, improved digestion, lower blood sugar levels, boosted libido, and help with PCOS, among others. 

• Reduced Inflammation – Gokshura is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and may help in relieving joint pain during conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. 

• Antioxidant Properties – Compounds such as flavonoids and saponins are present in Gokshura that act as antioxidants and protect the cells of the body from free radicals. 

• Treatment of Urinary Disorders – Gokshura also helps in treating various urinary disorders due to its diuretic properties, such as dysuria, urinary incontinence, and painful urination, among others. 

• Improved Digestion – The medicinal herb improves digestion by secreting various digestive enzymes that break down the food into smaller pieces for better digestion and absorption. 

• Lower Blood Sugar Levels – According to a test tube study, it was observed that Gokshura blocks the enzymes that break down carbohydrates and thus, may help in reducing blood sugar levels. 

• Boosts Libido – Gokshura may also help boost libido in both men and women by improving the regulation and circulation of hormones. Furthermore, it is also believed that Gokshura reduces stress, which helps in hormonal stimulation. 

• Helps with PCOS – This medicinal herb may also help in the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly called PCOS, by promoting ovulation in females. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor for the proper treatment of PCOS.

• Increased Strength and Stamina – Gokshura may help in increasing testosterone levels, which may further increase the muscular strength, flexibility, and stamina among humans. 

• Improved Brain Functioning – Apart from reducing stress and anxiety, there are various Gokshura tablet benefits for the brain. These include good memory, longer attention span, and enhanced concentration, among others. 

• Promotes Skin Health – Gokshura helps in treating various skin diseases and infections, along with reducing the symptoms of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles, among others. 

Also Read: Ayurvedic Weight Gaining Strategy: Therapies, Diet, Herbs, and Best Product Explained

What are the Major Gokshura Benefits for Males?

Apart from the overall health benefits of this natural herb, there are several Gokshura benefits for males, including a libido boost, improved hormonal regulation, enhanced reproductive health, and increased energy and stamina. 

• Aphrodisiac – Gokshura acts as a Vrushya (aphrodisiac) by increasing the testosterone level among males and thus boosts their libido. 

• Increased Stamina – Balya, which means increasing strength and stamina for enhanced physical endurance, is also an important function of Gokshura among males.

• Hormonal Balance – By acting as a Pitta-shamaka, Gokshura regulates the body heat and promotes hormonal balance among males. 

• Better Reproductive Health – Gokshura also acts as a Shukra dhatu vardhak, improving the quality and quantity of sperm, thereby promoting reproductive health among males. 

• Muscle Growth – The Medhya & Rasayana properties of Gokshura help in quick recovery and longer workouts, thereby promoting muscle development and body building. 

Also Read: How Ayurveda Restores Energy and Immunity Naturally (Featuring Fit Care Combo)

What are the Major Gokshura Benefits for Females?

Gokshura has various benefits for women, including promoting hormonal balance, improving fertility, treating PCOS, boosting libido, and reducing symptoms of menopause. 

• Hormonal Balance – The adaptogenic properties of Gokshura are believed to help in stress management and aid hormonal balance among females. 

• Improved Fertility – Traditionally, Gokshura was also used to boost fertility by stimulating ovulation among females and improving their overall reproductive health. 

• Treats Menstrual Disorders – Gokshura is also believed to treat several menstrual disorders, such as PCOS or irregular periods, and period cramps among females. 

• Boosts Libido – This medicinal herb was traditionally used to boost libido in both men and women. Being a well-known aphrodisiac, Gokshura helps in promoting sexual wellness among women. 

• Reduce Symptoms of Menopause – Due to its repairing properties, Gokshura is also believed to reduce the issues related to menopause, such as irritability, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping, among others. 

Also Read: Shilajit vs Ashwagandha: Differences, Benefits, Side Effects, and Consumption Guidelines

How Does Gokshura Promote Kidney Health?

There are several Gokshura benefits for the kidney, including acting as a diuretic, acting as an anti-inflammatory, removing kidney stones, and preventing kidney infections, among others.

• Diuretic Properties – One of the most important functions of Gokhru is its use as a diuretic for detoxification. Gokshura cleanses the kidneys by promoting urination and flushing out toxins from the body. 

• Anti-inflammatory – As inflammation is the main cause of kidney failure, Gokshura consumption may help in reducing the inflammation in the renal cells. 

• Removes Kidney Stones – Due to its diuretic and anti-crystalline properties, Gokhru helps in flushing out the harmful substances that lead to the formation of kidney stones. 

• Prevents Kidney Infections – Gokshura also has antibacterial properties, which help in preventing pyelonephritis, a kidney infection caused by bacteria. 

• Management of Protein – Gokhru is also beneficial in regulating proteinuria, as the excess amount of protein present in urine may lead to kidney damage. 

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Ayurvedic Supplement: A Simple and Practical Guide

What are the Various Side Effects and Key Considerations of Gokshura?

There are some side effects and key considerations of Gokshura, including allergic reactions, harmfulness during pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, and dehydration, among others. 

• Allergic Reactions – People have experienced several allergic reactions while using Gokshura, such as skin irritation, rash, itching, and upset stomach. 

• Cholestasis – Pregnant & breastfeeding women should avoid the use of Gokhru, as it may cause cholestasis, a liver disease that can happen during pregnancy. Additionally, it may harm the baby and hinder its development. 

• Hormonal Fluctuations – Gokhru may also affect hormones, which can lead to mood swings and irritation. Additionally, it can also affect the testosterone levels in males, which can lead to hormonal imbalance. 

• Digestive Issues – Consuming Gokshura in high concentrations might be harmful as it can cause various issues, such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea, among others. 

• Dehydration – Although Gokshura helps with urination, excessive consumption may lead to dehydration and loss of important electrolytes. 

• Prolonged Illness – Intake of Gokhru should be avoided by people suffering from a prolonged hormonal illness, such as breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. 

• Prostate Issues – The herb can increase the weight of the prostate, which can also lead to various issues, such as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) or even prostate cancer.

To Sum Up

While the list of Gokshura benefits is long, this medicinal herb also comes with some side effects and precautions. 

The major Gokshura tablets benefits include boosting libido, reducing inflammation, anti-inflammatory properties, improving fertility, and enhancing brain functioning. 

Allergic reactions, harmful during pregnancy, digestive issues, dehydration, and prostate problems are some of the common side effects of Gokshura. Therefore, consulting a doctor or a medical professional is advisable before consuming this medicinal herb. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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