⛰️Tibetan Medicine

Tribulus (Gze Ma)

Tribulus terrestris

About Tribulus (Gze Ma)

Tribulus (Gze Ma) (Tribulus terrestris) is a herb used in the Tibetan Medicine tradition to help with Libido, Kidney Support, High Blood Pressure, and UTI, among 3 other conditions it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Tribulus terrestris is an annual plant in the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae) widely distributed around the world, that is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Tribulus (Gze Ma) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Tribulus (Gze Ma) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Tribulus (Gze Ma) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Tribulus (Gze Ma) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Tribulus (Gze Ma) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Avoid

This herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Hormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.

Children

Avoid

Hormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.

Contraindications

  • Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Warnings

⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May have a diuretic effect

Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium

Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.

May affect blood pressure

Watch for: Antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)

Combined use can push blood pressure too high or too low — monitor readings if you take blood pressure medication.

May affect hormone levels

Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications

Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, northern India

Climate

High-altitude alpine

Habitat

Alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and valleys above 3,000 m in the Himalayan region

🌿 To see Tribulus (Gze Ma) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Tribulus (Gze Ma), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.