Gokshura (Gokhru): Uses in Ayurveda, Forms & Safety
Also known as Gokhru, Gokshur, Puncture vine, Small caltrops · Tribulus terrestris
A plain guide to gokshura, or gokhru: the spiny puncture vine fruit, its traditional place in Ayurvedic blends, how it is commonly taken and sensible safety notes.
Anyone who has walked barefoot on dry ground in north or west India may have met gokshura without knowing its name. Its small, hard fruits carry sharp spines, which is how it earned the English name puncture vine and the Sanskrit name gokshura, often explained as the plant whose thorns hurt the hooves of cattle.
This guide explains what gokshura is, its place in Ayurveda, how it is commonly taken, and which of our formulas contain it. It is general education, not medical advice.
What is gokshura?
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is a low, trailing plant with small yellow flowers that spreads across dry, sandy soils throughout India. After flowering it forms star-shaped fruits, each made of segments with stiff spines. In Hindi it is called gokhru.
In Ayurveda the fruit is the main part used, though the root also appears in some classical preparations. The dried fruit is ground into a coarse, light-brown powder with a mildly sweet taste.
Gokshura in Ayurveda
Classical texts traditionally class gokshura as a Rasayana herb. It is one of the ten plants in Dashamoola, the well-known classical root blend, and it gives its name to Gokshuradi Guggulu, a traditional preparation still made today.
- Rasa (taste): sweet.
- Virya (potency): cooling.
- Traditional framing: a Rasayana herb, usually taken as part of a blend rather than on its own.
How gokshura is commonly taken
Gokshura is less of a kitchen herb than many others in this series. At home it is most often taken as a churna with water or milk, or as a kashayam, a decoction made by simmering the crushed fruit in water. Today it is more commonly found in tablets, capsules and classical blends.
Gokshura in our formulas
Gokshura is one of the herbs in three of our capsule formulas: GainPro, Her Desire and Lift Up. In each it is combined with other classical herbs, and the full ingredient list is on every product page.
Follow the pack directions, and do not add a separate gokshura supplement unless a doctor or qualified Ayurvedic practitioner suggests it.
Safety notes
- Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless your doctor has advised it.
- If you take regular medication, including for blood pressure, blood sugar or fluid balance, or if you have a kidney condition, consult a doctor or qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before use.
- Avoid it if you are allergic to gokshura or to any ingredient on the label.
- Stick to the dose on the label and stop use if you feel unwell.
- Herbal supplements are not a substitute for medical care or a balanced diet.
Questions people ask
Gokshura is commonly called gokhru in Hindi. In English it is known as puncture vine or small caltrops, and its botanical name is Tribulus terrestris. The names refer to the sharp, spiny fruit, which is the part most often used in Ayurveda, either as a powder or as part of classical blends.
Yes. Gokshura is the Ayurvedic name for Tribulus terrestris. Supplements sold under the name tribulus are often concentrated extracts, while Ayurvedic gokshura products traditionally use the dried fruit powder or a classical preparation. The forms differ in strength, so always follow the label of the specific product you buy.
Traditionally, gokshura churna is taken with water or warm milk, or the crushed fruit is simmered into a decoction called kashayam. It is more often taken as part of a classical blend than on its own. For modern tablets and capsules, follow the directions on the pack and check with a practitioner before combining products.
The Wellness Journal is for general education and inspiration only. It isn’t medical advice — please speak to a doctor or qualified Ayurvedic practitioner about any health concern, and patch test new products before use.
Formulas with gokshura
Read each pack’s ingredients and directions before use.
