Significance of Gokshura root

Gokshura root is recognized in multiple contexts for its health benefits. According to Purana, it can help eliminate parasites in teeth and relieve toothache. In Rasashastra, Gokshura root is acknowledged for its positive effects in traditional medicine. Additionally, scientific understanding identifies Gokshura root as the underground part of the plant, commonly incorporated into traditional medicinal formulations, further emphasizing its recognized beneficial properties.

Synonyms: Tribulus terrestris, Goat's head, Cat's head, Gokharu

In Dutch: Gokshura-wortel; In Finnish: Gokshura juuri; In Spanish: Raíz de Gokshura

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Gokshura root'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Gokshura root is interpreted as a medicinal plant with therapeutic properties, known for eliminating dental parasites and alleviating toothache, highlighting its significance in traditional health practices.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

(1) Roots of the gokshura plant, known for their health benefits in traditional medicine.[1]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) Roots that, when chewed, can eliminate parasites in the teeth and relieve toothache.[2]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

(1) Putting the root of Gokshura into the milk of the cow, heating the milk, and drinking it is mentioned as a method, as described in the text.[3]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

(1) This is a specific part of the Gokshura plant, described with its macroscopic characteristics and chemical composition, and its medicinal properties.[4]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Gokshura root in scientific sources

Science Books

Gokshura root is the underground part of the Gokshura plant, valued in traditional medicine for its beneficial properties and often included in various medicinal formulations.

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

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Plural form: Gokshura roots.