Caltrops herb Powder/ Nerunjil Podi

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Order: Zygophyllales

Family: Zygophyllaceae

Binomial name: Tribulus terrestris

Caltrop is an annual plant from the Zygophyllaceae family, it is widely distributed around the world. This plant is adapted to grow in dry climates. It is one of the popular plants used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. In western countries, this herb is well-known as a dietary supplement. Some other common names of this plant are bindii, goat’s-head, burra gokharu, bullhead, small caltrops.

The fruits of this plant are covered with spines, the spines are so sharp that can able to flatten the bicycle tires. People use the leaves, fruits, and roots of this plant as medicine. In Ayurveda, this herbal plant is used to treat liver disease, gonorrhea, joint pain, inflammation, cough, leprosy, dizziness, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome. 

Health Benefits

• The chemical compound in the caltrops gives antioxidant properties, it helps to protect the cells against free radical damages.
• Men who regularly consume the caltrops powder can see the improvement in sperm motility levels.
• Some studies prove that caltrops help to lower the blood sugar level.
• In Ayurveda, caltrops are used to aid women’s health. This herb helps to reduce menopausal symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, sleep issues, irritability, low mood, low libido, vaginal dryness.
• The anti-inflammatory property of this herb helps to reduce inflammation and arthritis.