Gokshur / Crawling / Puncture Vine / Goat’s-head / Bindii / Bullhead / Bhakhdi / Caltrop / Devil’s eyelashes / Ci Ji Li / Tribulus terrestris is an annual plant in the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae) widely distributed around the world. It is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. An aggressive and hardy invasive species. T. terrestris is widely known as a noxious weed because of its small woody fruit – the bur – having long sharp and strong spines which easily penetrate surfaces such as the bare feet or thin shoes of crop workers and other pedestrians, the rubber of bicycle tires, and the mouths and skin of grazing animals. The fruit, leaf and root are used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Uses:
- Chest pain
- Eczema
- Kidney problems (incl.stones)
- Enlarged prostate
- Sexual disorders
- Male infertility
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Menopausal symptoms
- Polycystic ovary syndrome or (PCOS)
- Premature ejaculation
- Cancer
- Anemia
- Coughs
- Intestinal gas (flatulence)
A plant whose root and fruits are used in Ayurveda to increase potency in men and maintain overall energy and vitality. The roots of the plant increase libido and improve sexual health without affecting the level of testosterone, and the fruits contribute to the improvement of internal organs. Women use tribulus to tone muscles before childbirth, to cause an abortion, and to stimulate milk flow. Tribulus T. has chemicals that might increase levels of some hormones.
Side effects: Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking tribulus during pregnancy is possibly unsafe.
Diabetes: Gokshur might decrease blood sugar levels. Dose of diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.
Surgery: T.T. might affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure. This might interfere with blood sugar and blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using tribulus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.