Tribulus
Tribulus terrestris · Zygophyllaceae
Reviewed by The Sarv Health Team · Updated June 29, 2026 · Our editorial process
Tribulus, known in Ayurveda as gokshura, is a low spreading plant whose spiny fruit has been used for centuries in both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine. Classified as sweet and cooling, it is one of the premier Ayurvedic remedies for the urinary system and kidneys, traditionally used as a soothing diuretic to support healthy urine flow, ease painful or difficult urination, and help with urinary stones and gravel. Tribulus is equally renowned as a reproductive and vitality tonic, traditionally used to support libido, fertility, and sexual vitality in both men and women, and is widely used today to support healthy testosterone and athletic performance. It is also used as a rejuvenative that strengthens the body, supports the heart, and eases certain kinds of pain. Rich in steroidal saponins, it underlies these tonic and urinary effects. Strengthening and soothing, tribulus is treasured as a remedy for the urinary tract, reproductive vitality, and overall strength.
Medicinal Uses
Tribulus is a low-growing plant with distinctive spiny fruits, found across warm regions of the world, and known in Ayurveda as gokshura and in Traditional Chinese medicine as bai ji li. It has been used for centuries in both systems, and is classified in Ayurveda as sweet and cooling with a strengthening, rejuvenating quality.
The foremost medicinal use of tribulus is for the urinary system and kidneys. It is one of the premier Ayurvedic remedies for the urinary tract, acting as a soothing diuretic that supports healthy urine flow, eases painful, burning, or difficult urination, and helps relieve urinary stones, gravel, and irritation. It is traditionally used to strengthen and tone the kidneys and bladder.
Tribulus is equally renowned as a reproductive and vitality tonic. In both Ayurvedic and Chinese traditions it is used to support libido, fertility, and sexual vitality in men and women, and in modern use it is widely taken to support healthy testosterone levels, athletic performance, and recovery, though evidence for these modern claims varies.
The plant is also used as a general rejuvenative that builds strength and supports recovery from weakness and fatigue, and it has traditional uses for supporting the heart and circulation and for easing certain kinds of pain and inflammation.
Tribulus is rich in steroidal saponins, particularly protodioscin, along with flavonoids and alkaloids, which underlie its tonic, diuretic, and reproductive effects. Strengthening and soothing, tribulus is treasured as a remedy for the urinary tract, reproductive vitality, and overall strength.
Benefits
Supports the urinary tract and kidneys, acts as a soothing diuretic, eases painful or difficult urination, helps with urinary stones and gravel, supports libido and reproductive vitality, supports fertility in men and women, supports healthy testosterone and athletic performance, builds strength, supports the heart and circulation
How to Use & Dosage
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1-3 grams) of tribulus powder, taken 1-2 times daily.
500-1500 mg per day, divided into 1-2 doses.
2-4 ml (about 40-80 drops), taken 2-3 times daily.
Simmer 1-2 teaspoons of dried tribulus fruit in water for 15-20 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
More Info
Frequently asked questions
What is Tribulus used for?
Tribulus is a low-growing plant with distinctive spiny fruits, found across warm regions of the world, and known in Ayurveda as gokshura and in Traditional Chinese medicine as bai ji li. It has been used for centuries in both systems, and is classified in Ayurveda as sweet and cooling with a strengthening, rejuvenating quality. The foremost medicinal use of tribulus is for the urinary system and kidneys.
What are the benefits of Tribulus?
Supports the urinary tract and kidneys, acts as a soothing diuretic, eases painful or difficult urination, helps with urinary stones and gravel, supports libido and reproductive vitality, supports fertility in men and women, supports healthy testosterone and athletic performance, builds strength, supports the heart and circulation
How do you take Tribulus?
Common preparations include powder, capsules, tincture, decoction. See the dosage guidance above, and consult a qualified practitioner for amounts suited to you.
This information is for general wellness and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
Learn more — more Digestive Health herbs
