While it’s true that Tribulus Terrestris (Puncture Vine) is considered by the Americans and Australians to be a noxious weed, it’s also used to improve both male and female physical desire, as well as a natural erectile dysfunction for men.
There is a long-standing history of Tribulus Terrestris use in Ancient China medicine and the Ayurvedic practices of India. It is also sometimes used by bodybuilders to restore testosterone in their body after taking a cycle of anabolic steroids.
Where Tribulus Terrestris Can be Found?
The low growing small yellow Tribulus Terrestris is primarily native to the Old World but has become a natural part of almost any warm climate. It thrives best in really hot conditions such as deserts and other places plants would typically struggle to grow. It also grows in colder climates as an annual.
The common name “Puncture Vine” comes from the caltrop-like seeds that are able to puncture through feet, hooves, and bicycle tires when they fully mature.
There are some other common names for Tribulus Terrestris including bindii, the Devil’s Thorn, the Devil’s Weed, Caltrop, Goathead, and Tackweed. It is a very durable plant that is resistant to many techniques people use to try and control invasive plants.
Part of the reason for this is that the seeds are viable for many years. This means that a seed can stay out of the soil for many years but still grow in the end. This is also the reason it can grow in places where other plants have trouble like arid conditions.
The Active Ingredients of Tribulus Terrestris
The Tribulus Terrestris active ingredients include saponins, lignin amides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides.
The Connection Between Tribulus Terrestris and Testosterone
Tribulus Terrestris is believed to be helpful in treating some cardiovascular conditions such as angina, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, anemia, and poor circulation.
Puncture vine can also be used to relieve digestive disorders such as constipation and flatulence. If you’ve got stomach problems, then consider taking the supplement to see what it can do for you.
The Chinese use the weed as a liver tonic that can help with food poisoning and overeating. There are also a number of uses in the Ayurvedic tradition. The Indians use it to pacify Vata, as a diuretic and as a treatment for conditions that affect the genitourinary system.
Other medical traditions also use puncture vie as a diuretic to treat hypertension and also to treat angina pectoris. Some people believe that Tribulus Terrestris can also be used to prevent oxalate and struvite kidney stones. It is also thought to possess antiseptic and diuretic properties to reduce your chances of getting a urinary tract infection.
Tribulus Terrestris is also used as an internal and external medicine to treat immune disorders like allergies, eczema, and psoriasis. Overall there are a number of conditions that can be helped with the use of Tribulus Terrestris.
Recommended Dosage of Tribulus Terrestris
Manufacturers of food additives recommend getting between 500 and 1000mg of Tribulus between 1 and three times a day. Because the half-life of the oil is just 8 hours, it’s best to eat it at regular intervals. So once every four hours for example. You can take Tribulus on an empty stomach, before a meal, or after a meal.
While Tribulus isn’t toxic in the recommended dose, it can become dangerous to the body if you take too much of it. A scientific study using rats showed that a dose of around 80mg per kg of weight is a safe dose. Taking in between 118-143mg per kg of weight is dangerous, and even toxic dose so avoid taking that much.
Tribulus Terrestris Side Effects
Tribulus Terrestris can cause an upset stomach, but you can usually counteract this by taking it with a meal. It can also affect your blood sugar levels. Research has shown that it may also increase the size of your prostate so if you know, you have an enlarged prostate already you should avoid taking this herb. It should also not be used by women that have a history of either breast or uterine cancers.
To put it all together; Tribulus Terrestris is a commonly found herb that can become a key part of any thought-out herbal supplement program. There are a number of health benefits to taking this herb so don’t hesitate to make it part of your supplement program.
Which Supplements Contain Tribulus Terrestris?
If you’re looking for Tribulus supplements, then the most common are capsules that contain a dose of between 500mg and 1000mg. Tribulus Terrestris is used in many libidos increasing medicines and sexual stimulants.
Tribulus Terrestris is also often added to sports supplements that are designed to increase testosterone, strength, and muscle mass. Even when used as part of another supplement the dose will never be over 500mg to keep it safe.