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Gokshura

Gokshura · Tribulus terrestris

Rasa (Taste) Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
Virya (Energy) Shita (cooling)
Vipaka Madhura (sweet)
Part Used Fruit, root, whole plant
Dosha Effect Balances all three doshas (tridoshahara), especially pacifies Vata and Pitta. Generally does not aggravate Kapha due to its diuretic properties.
Family Zygophyllaceae

Traditional Uses

Classical Ayurvedic texts consistently place Gokshura among the premier herbs for urinary and reproductive health. The Charaka Samhita recommends it extensively for Mutrakricchra (painful urination), Ashmari (urinary calculi), and Prameha (urinary disorders including diabetes). Charaka describes its action as both Mutrala (diuretic) and Ashmarighna (stone-breaking), making it the herb of first resort for any condition involving the urinary tract.

Preparations

Churna (powder): 3-6g mixed with warm milk or water, taken twice daily. Kashaya (decoction): 50-100ml prepared from 10-15g of dried fruit, taken twice daily. Gokshuradi Guggulu (compound tablet): as directed by practitioner.

Dosage

Powder: 3-6g per day in divided doses. Decoction: 50-100ml twice daily.

Dosha Guidance

For Vata types, Gokshura is particularly beneficial due to its sweet rasa and nourishing quality. Vata individuals can use it as a long-term reproductive and urinary tonic, ideally taken with warm milk and ghee to enhance its building properties. It helps address the dryness and depletion that Vata types are prone to, particularly in the reproductive and nervous tissues.

Synergistic Combinations

Pairs synergistically with Ashwagandha for Vajikarana (reproductive rejuvenation) and overall vitality. Combined with Guggulu in Gokshuradi Guggulu for urinary tract and prostate support.

Contraindications

Generally considered very safe for long-term use. Avoid during pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating effects. Use with caution in individuals taking antihypertensive medications, as Gokshura may enhance their blood-pressure-lowering effects.

Tissues & Channels

Dhatus: Shukra dhatu (reproductive tissue), Mutra vaha (urinary), Mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue), Majja dhatu (nerve tissue)

Srotas: Mutra vaha srotas (urinary channel), Shukra vaha srotas (reproductive channel), Prana vaha srotas (respiratory channel)

Where to Buy

Look for whole dried fruits that are intact and golden-brown in color, with visible spines. Powder should be fine-textured, light brown to yellowish-green, with a mildly sweet, slightly bitter taste.

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