Gokshura or puncture vine: Tribulus terrestris increases testosterone levels

By Syed AkbarTribulus terrestris or Gokshura is a highly neglected weed that grows in dry and waste lands. Many consider it as an invasive weed and there have been several attempts in different parts of the world to eradicate it altogether. However, ancient Indian and Chinese herbalists had recognised its medicinal importance and used it as an herbal formulation to treat a number of health issues. More importantly, Ayurveda and Unani 
doctors prescribe it as a natural aphrodisiac that improves the testosterone levels and fights infertility and erectile dysfunction in men. With its secret medicinal values being revealed of late, Tribulus is increasingly used even in allopathy and sports medicine.

Tribulus, also called puncture vine because its spiny seeds are capable of causing flat tyres in bicycles, increases the body muscles making one look stronger and highly muscular. This herb is not prescribed for pregnant women as it is capable of causing severe complications including miscarriage. Gokshura is often prescribed as an appetizer, laxative, general tonic, to fight common cold and cough, intestinal worms, asthma, 
urinary problems, and ulcers in the stomach. Tribulus is a good diuretic (promotes urine) and applied externally for relief from joint pains in arthritis.

There have been several instances of sportspersons using Tribulus to improve their performance in national and international sporting events. Tribulus is available as powder or alcoholic extract in any leading herbal shop. Gokshura is known to promote gynaecomastia (increase in breast size in men). It is used in combination with other herbs to treat itching, high blood pressure and to maintain hormone levels in women suffer from hormonal imbalance due to premenstrual or menopausal syndromes.
--------------------------
Home remedies
--------------------------
Gokshura, also popular as caltrops, can be used as an herbal tea to tone up the body system. Gokshura powder available in herbal shops can be used to prepare Gokshura tea at home. Since it stimulates testosterone, the male hormone, problems like sexual weakness can be over come through Gokshura tea. Alternatively one can prepare infusion from the Gokshura powder.

Gokshura powder can be prepared at home. Take the Gokshura plant, wash it properly and dry it. Once it is dry and free of impurities, make it into fine powder in a mixer and sieve it to remove any rough particles. The decoction obtained from it can be used for relief from kidney stones.

Ayurvedic and Unani doctors prescribe a particular daily intake limit of Gokshura powder or extract if it is taken as a home remedy. You may try readily available formulations to ensure that correct dosage is taken for the given problem.

Body-builders may try Gokshura preparation to tone up muscles and obtain the athletic look.

Gokshura churnam is available in the market. Those who cannot make Gokshura powder at home, may purchase readymade Gokshura churnam. The churnam is made combining other herbs in prescribed quantities for quick results.