Gokshura Benefits, Uses, Nutrition Facts and Side effects

Research studies suggest that gokshura can be used to treat urinary tract infections without any side effects on the body. Due to its diuretic property, this medicinal plant helps increase the flow of urine, which, in turns aids in eliminating pathogenic bacteria from the urinary tract.

It is believed that Gokshura has rejuvenating properties. Ingestion of gokshura detoxifies the body and protects against bladder infections. Since it is considered safe, gokshura is indicated to be a possible alternative to antibiotics.

Read more: Home remedies for urinary tract infections

In the recent years, PCOS has become quite prevalent among women of all age groups, especially in adults and young teens. This health disorder can cause problems like acne, irregular periods, weight gain, mood swings, and hair loss. Further, PCOS can also affect the fertility of a woman by interfering with conception and can raise complications during pregnancy.

Research study shows that women who are suffering from PCOS can be benefitted by gokshura as it decreases the size and number of cysts.

Read more: Ovarian cysts causes

Another study suggests that regular consumption of gokshura leads to an increase in the level of follicle stimulating hormone in the body, which is essential for the development of ovarian follicles. In Unani medicine, a combination of ashwagandha and gokshura is used for alleviating PCOS symptoms.

It can also help to deal with the unwanted weight gain in women affected by PCOS.

Read more: PCOS herbal remedies

Kidney stones have become a rising issue in many countries due to various reasons. A study showed that 12% of the population in the world is suffering from kidney stones and the recurrence rate is between 50% and 80%. Gokshura has been found to reduce kidney stone formation by a number of ways.

It helps reduce the levels of calcium in blood thus avoiding the deposition of this mineral in your kidneys.

As a diuretic, it helps flush out excess minerals from blood before they can accumulate inside your kidneys.

And the antioxidant effects of Gokshura can help in inhibiting the formulation of kidney stones, along with improving kidney function.

Read more: Kidney stone analysis

Gokshura is traditionally known as an aphrodisiac. Extensive studies have been done to assess the effects of gokshura in improving libido in women. Clinical studies demonstrate that consumption of 7.5 mg of gokshura extracts per day leads to an improvement in sexual desire in women with sexual dysfunction within 4 weeks.

Recent clinical studies indicate that regular administration of gokshura increases sexual satisfaction and arousal in pre and postmenopausal women. This is due to the fact that it increases the levels of testosterone in the blood.

Read more: How to increase libido

Research suggests that Tribulus terrestris or gokshura possesses cardioprotective properties due to the antioxidants present in it. It is able to reduce the size of infarct (dead tissue area in the body caused by loss of blood supply), which is a condition that happens when there is inadequate blood supply to the affected area. Gokshura increases blood flow in the heart and improves heart functioning by increasing ATP (energy currency of the body) levels in the body.

A clinical study showed that regular consumption of this medicinal herb has a significant antihypertensive effect without any side effect. in fact, studies indicate that gokshura is safe to use for longer periods to treat patients suffering from mild to moderate levels of hypertension.

This plant helps also regulates the cholesterol levels in the body by reducing LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Further, it prevents lipid peroxidation, which is otherwise responsible for plaque formation and atherosclerosis.

Read more: Foods to reduce and control high cholesterol

Depression and anxiety can affect all age groups irrespective of the gender. Preclinical studies indicate that gokshura can be an effective anxiolytic and antidepressant drug with minimal side effects and can thus be successfully used to treat anxiety and depression.

In further studies, this anti-depressive effects of gokshura has been attributed to the reduction of serum cortisol levels due to the saponins present in it.

Read more: Ayurvedic treatment for anxiety

Gokshura has recently gained popularity among bodybuilders as this herb can improve muscle strength and body composition. Prolonged intake of gokshura helps you boost strength and gain muscles. Tribulus terrestris enhances lean mass and testosterone by releasing nitric oxide, a gas that expands the blood vessels, which results in better supply of oxygen to the muscles. a lot of people opt for steroids to improve performance which have been proven to be harmful in a long run. Gokshura, as a natural herb is a better and healthy alternative to these steroids. However, more studies are still needed to rule out any health concerns and ascertain the safety of this herb in long-term usage.

Read more: Bodybuilding food list

Apart from the above-mentioned health benefits of gokshura, here are some other benefits that you can get from the gokshura plant:

• It is believed that gokshura helps in combating acne problem which is quite prevalent among teenagers. This herb is also useful in treating various dermatological problems such as itching, skin irritations, skin eruptions, and eczema.
• Regular intake of gokshura is believed to prevent early ageing, making you look younger. It helps prevent wrinkles, enhances body fat content and combats muscular degeneration.
• Further, the seeds of gokshura are believed to control and prevent hair fall when they are applied in the form of a paste.
• This ayurvedic herb is also believed to soothe headaches and migraines.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, gokshura is being used to treat fistula and piles.
• For long, people have been using gokshura to treat eye problems and also to boost immunity.
• The antioxidant effects of gokshura have been found to be helpful in the management of diabetes symptoms and avoid diabetes-related complications.