Tribulus Terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a plant that few have heard of. Despite this, it is used in many parts of the world to treat various medical conditions. The plant that gives us this herb is native to parts of tropical Europe, Asia, Australia and also the tropical areas of Africa. Although there has been little research as to how the herb interacts with the male human body, its use over hundreds of years has proven one thing: that it helps increase production of testosterone.

Tests that have been conducted in both normal and castrated mice have shown that Tribulus Terrestris (TT) is effective as a libido booster. Two groups of mice, both which included the normal and the castrated were involved in the experiment. The first group was given water that contained TT while the other was given a placebo. The mice that were on TT became more sexually active. This included both the normal and castrated mice. The group that was given the placebo showed no changes in libido.  That said, research on whether this herb improves muscle mass remains inconclusive. One study in Australia had rugby players in two groups. One took TT and the other did not. Both groups did similar exercise for 5 weeks. The muscle mass in both was the same at the end of the trial period.

An interesting factor about TT is that it has been shown to increase libido in females as well. Some studies have suggested that it works better than hormone therapy. Women who take it regain regular ovulation, they gain improved fertility, it can cause menopausal symptoms to disappear and they generally experience few or no mood swings.

Tribulus Terrestris Benefits

Boosting Libido

Although Tribulus Terrestris has been proven to help libido in both men and women it also has other health benefits that may be beneficial to both groups.

Studies done in several universities in the West have shown that TT can be beneficial for those who have problems with hormone imbalance. Within just a few days of regular consumption their hormone levels were able to go back to normal. This could be the effect that reduces the symptoms of menopause.

Improving Blood Flow

Tribulus Terrestris can improve your circulatory system. Most of us have very unhealthy circulatory systems because of the waste that we produce each day, the waste that we inhale when we breath and also the foods that we eat. TT has been shown to help with the cleaning up all this waste and also expanding blood vessels for better blood supply throughout the body. This could be the effect that causes men to have better and more sustained erections.

Impotence Benefits

Many people grow impotent as they get older. For those who want to remain sexually active in later years taking TT on a regular basis has been proven to prevent impotence.

Mental Health Benefits

It is also helpful for people who suffer depression and mood swings. Although in some cases people are depressed because of their circumstances, more often than not it is because of poor hormone levels. The hormones that promote happiness are not produced in enough quantities. This can easily be controlled with regular intake of Tribulus Terrestris.

It also acts as an energy booster and it can fight fatigue.

Tribulus Terrestris Side Effects

When taken as recommended this herb does not have any side effects. Problems happen when people take higher than recommended doses and then fail to take breaks. If you do this you can expect to see side effects such as:

• Some people report feeling warmer than usual. It can be uncomfortable in hot weather.
• You may get restlessness and feel sleepless at night. This herb increases energy so when you take it you should do some exercise to burn off extra energy.
• If you feel your heart beating a little faster than usual this is normal. If it bothers you just reduce your dosage and you should be fine.

How to take Tribulus Terrestris

This herb comes with very specific dosage recommendations. Although it is advisable for most people to take it you must follow the dosage if you want to avoid suffering any side effects.

• Have 3 servings of 750 mg to 1250 mg a day and no more.
• Take it for exactly 3 months (9 weeks).
• Take a break of between 2 and 4 weeks i.e. stop taking it altogether.
• Resume the usual dosage for 3months and then keep the cycle going like that.

Tribulus Terrestris Benefits – Summary

Men and women who have libido problems could benefit from using Tribulus Terrestris. It is also useful for those who want improved fertility. So long as you follow dosage instructions you should have no problems at all.

As an ingredient often used in Testosterone Boosters, Tribulus Terrestris can be highly effective. Just make sure you are taking a high-quality source in the appropriate dosages.