What do you know about tribulus terrestris? Are you aware of what you stand to lose without tribulus terrestris? Here are some key reasons why medicinal herbs such as tribulus terrestris is very important to us. Over the past years, medicinal herbs have become an excellent source of secondary metabolites that are effective for treating several diseases. Clearly, most prescription drugs are produced as immunomodulators that are capable of modifying the functioning of the immune system however, the main disadvantage of these drugs is the several side effects associated to them.
This has led to an increasing need for herbal and Ayurvedic alternatives for tackling numerous health challenges. Clearly, many people from both developed, developing and underdeveloped countries are using medicinal plants as remedies for fighting and treating diseases. One of such important Ayurvedic herbs is Tribulus terrestris. Abbreviated as TT, this herb is also known as tackweed, puncture vine, goathead, Gokhru bindii, caltrop, burra gokharu, bullhead, cat's head and it is an annual plant that belongs to the family of Zygophyllaceae.
Tribulus terrestris is a horizontal hairy herb with several slender branches that bear yellow flowers and pinnate leaves on hairy stalks. Tribulus terrestris grows mainly in the warm climate regions such as southern Asia, Australia and southern Europe. Tribulus terrestris is mainly used as a rejuvenating and nourishing tonic. It is used as a remedy for treating several health problems affecting the kidney, immune systems, liver, urinary tract and cardiovascular system.
Tribulus terrestris Tribulus terrestris is also used for treating rib pains, infertility, erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence, edema, headaches, impotency, conjunctivitis, skin itches, poor eyesight, high blood pressure and nervousness.
The healing properties of Tribulus terrestris have been associated to its constituents of active compounds such as lignin amides, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides. The herb contains diuretic, astringent, analgesic, aphrodisiac, stomachic, antihypertensive, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of Tribulus terrestris
Diuretic Properties
Tribulus terrestris is diuretic in nature due to its constituents of alkaloid and nitrates and as a result, this herb can help to increase the passage of urine.
Astringent Properties
Tribulus terrestris can cause the skin cells and other body tissues to contract thereby reducing bleeding from minor cuts and abrasions.
Analgesic Properties
Tribulus terrestris is an analgesic thus can act as a painkiller to relieve pain.
Aphrodisiac Properties
Tribulus terrestris is aphrodisiac in nature and can help to stimulate sexual desire.
Stomachic Properties
Studies reveal that TT has stomachic properties and as such it can aid food digestion as well as boosts appetite. It tackles digestive disorders such as constipation, food poisoning, flatulence and excessive eating.
Antihypertensive Properties
Tribulus terrestris is antihypertensive in nature thus very effective against high blood pressure.
Antiseptic Properties
Tribulus terrestris contains antiseptic properties thus it remains an effective remedy for preventing the growth of disease-causing organisms.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of Tribulus terrestris makes this herb very effective for reducing certain signs of inflammation such as swelling, pain, tenderness and fever.
Boosts Sexual Performance
Studies reveal that Tribulus Terrestris can be taken to increase sex drive and sexual performance. It helps in testosterone production by stimulating the development of male secondary sexual characters that are mainly produced in the testes as well as the ovaries and adrenal cortex. Therefore TT increases egg production in women and sperm production in men.
Regulates the Cholesterol Level
Tribulus Terrestris helps to regulate the cholesterol level.
Treatment of Dermatological Diseases
This herb has been proven effective for treating allergic skin conditions such as rough skin lesions, eczema, itches and psoriasis.
How to Use Tribulus Terrestris
All the herb’s parts such as the seeds, leaves, roots and pods can be used for producing herbal medicines for treating several diseases. The parts can be collected, dried, powdered and converted into capsules or used as tinctures, extracts, creams and herbal tea.
Side Effects of Tribulus Terrestris
It is safe to use Tribulus terrestris as a supplement for a minimal period of time in as much you are in good health, not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tribulus terrestris can cause irregular monthly cycles, stomach upset, difficulty in sleeping and can also affect the blood sugar levels. It can lead to an increased prostate and as such, men with enlarged prostates should refrain from taking TT. Moreover, women suffering from uterine or breast cancers are advised to avoid taking tribulus terrestris.
Contraindications
Pregnant and lactating mothers are advised not to take tribulus terrestris as it can affect the growing fetus. Individuals on diabetes drugs should avoid tribulus as it can drastically reduce the blood sugar level. Interestingly, there is no recorded evidence that tribulus terrestris can interfere with other food supplements, herbs, food or fruits.
However, it may interfere with prescription drugs such as diuretics, digoxin, beta-blockers or diabetes drugs and as such you can avoid taking it with orthodox prescription drugs or consult your healthcare provider if there is need to take it together with prescription drugs.
DISCLAIMER
This post is for enlightenment purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional diagnostic and treatments. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or for counselling, guidance and treatment about a specific medical condition.
REFERENCES
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