Gokshura Powder, aka Puncture Vine (Trubulus Terrestris)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Gokshura Powder, aka Puncture Vine (Trubulus Terrestris) HERB COMMON NAME :  Gokshura HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Trubulus Terrestris OTHER NAMES :  Bindi, Puncture Vine, Goat’s Head, Devil’s Thorn, Goksura, Caltrops, Cat’s Head, ‘herbal Viagra’ FAMILY :  Zygophyllaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Fire Planet: Venus Day: Thursday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Scorpio Chakra: 2nd Sacral Chakra Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Tarot: Ace of Wands Tarot, Strength Tarot, Devil Tarot Spirit Animal: serpent, goat, ram, donkey, horse, scorpion, rooster Sabbat or Holiday: Mabon (harvest fest) ; the Great Rite / Hieros Gamus / Sacred Marriage ; Liberalia (March 17) ; Lupercalia (Feb 15) ; Beltane / Walpurgis / May Day (April 30 – May 1) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Min, Pan, Kokopelli, Priapus, Liber, Shiva, Freyr, Oshun, Oya, Cernunnos, Aphrodite, Bacchus, Fascinus, Venus   Parts Used:  Fruit, Root Description:  Gokshura’s name originates from the plant’s fruits resembling cow hooves, from two Sanskrit words: ‘go’ meaning cow and ‘aakshura’ meaning hoof. Gokshura’s common name “Puncture Vine” is a reference to the assertion that the spines that cover the fruit of the plant are so fiercely sharp that they puncture feet, thin shoes, and even bicycle tires. Both the root and fruit of the plant have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda medicine. Its extract has been used as a dietary supplement since the 1980s in belief that it aids body building or provides sexual enhancement in men. The active ingredients in extracts of tribulus are believed to be saponins such as dioscine, diosgenin and protodioscin which are steroidal molecules and thought to increase levels of sex hormones. Some research has shown that men with reduced sex drive that consumed certain amounts of Gokshura each day for two months claimed their sexual desire increased by 79%. Other studies have shown that use of certain amounts may help erectile dysfunction and increase sexual satisfaction. Some research has also shown that Gokshura may increase sexual desire in women. In an article published by the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information (“Effect of oral administration of Tribulus terrestris extract on semen quality and body fat index of infertile men”), researchers concluded that at the end of the analysis, there was significant enhancement in sperm concentration, motility and liquefaction time. These same properties are believed to have anabolic steroid effects and be strength-enhancing. For this reason, Gokshura is also commonly used as a body-building supplement. There has been some evidence that Gokshura may improve blood sugar control and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Historical Uses:  male sexual enhancement, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, sperm count, sperm motility, male sex drive, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, male fertility, aphrodisiac, steroid, virility, libido, stamina, muscle building, workout and body building, strength, athletic success, high blood sugar, diabetes Mystical Attributes:   Gokshura is used for sex rituals and ceremonies, and for boosting masculine strength, power, and fertility. Mystical Intentions:  male fertility, sexual desire, sex magic, tantric magic, strength, power, boosting magical power, virility, Sun rituals Taste & Smell:  Gokshura tastes a bit like sweet coffee. The powder is slightly bitter. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:   Gokshura grows naturally throughout China, India, western Asia, southern Europe and Africa, and much of the United States. It is an aggressive annual “weed” with a deep taproot. It grows in crop fields, pastures, along roadsides and railways, waste places, walkways, parks, yards, and other disturbed areas. It often grows where little else does in sandy or gravelly locations. It is usually seen growing prostrate with stems spreading radially up to 3-4 feet. The fern-like compound leaves are densely hairy on hairy stems. The flowers appear during the summer and are lemon-yellow cup-shaped flowers with 5 petals. The fruit easily drops and splits into 5 hard burs with 2-5 sharp spines containing many seeds. Puncture Vine grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers a sandy soil but tolerates other soils. It is very drought tolerant and has evolved to be able to withstand drought. If left unchecked, it forms dense mats and outcompetes native grasses and other plants. The plant is particularly toxic to sheep. Control for small patches is by manually chopping the plant at ground level before flowering as it doesn’t root from the stem. Contraindications & Toxicity: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Avoid use with a history of a hormone-driven condition. May act as a diuretic and increase urine production. May cause minor stomach cramps or reflux.   Constituents: Protodioscin Steroidal Saponins (dioscine, diosgenin, protodioscin) Flavonoids Flavonol Glycosides Alkaloids (harman, harmine, harnialine, harmalol) Herman Phytosterols Tannins Xanthoproteins Triterpenoids     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks. ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Related