In Ayurvedic pharmacology, Gokhru is used as a powder form of the aerial parts, particularly the fruits. In Sanskrit it is known by the name gokshura, meaning the “cow’s hoof”. It gets the name from its small thorns which tend to get stuck on grazing animals. Nevertheless, an unrelated plant, pedalium is also known as gokshura, more specifically as bada gokshura (“big cow’s hoof”), whereas the gokshura proper is referred to as chhota gokshura (“small cow’s hoof”). The two herbs are often found mixed in powder blends used.
Gokshura is believed to contribute to overall physical, as well as sexual, strength by building all the tissues, especially reproductive tissue. But it is not considered as a particular vajikarana (sexual functions) herb. It is believed to be useful in kidney, bladder, urinary tract and urogenital related conditions, where it is said to act as a diuretic.