Those of you that are familiar with this plant just lifted your foot off the floor, didn’t you? Stepping on the fruit of one of these is like stepping on a caltrop or a tiny lego. I was surprised to find out that these are in all of the continental US – I tend to think of them as a Southwest kind of thing. Good to know everyone gets to enjoy them!

This is puncture vine, AKA goat heads (the fruit looks kinda like a goat head – look the next time you’re pulling one out of your shoe or foot or carpet or dog….) It is considered noxious/invasive and can form huge mats and LOTS of seeds/fruits. Just a tip: I’ve found the best way to grab them for weeding is at the very base where the plant meets the ground. But you will still get pricked by it.

So – what can we use this for? Tribulus is used more in Ayurvedic herbalism than Chinese or western. It is typically used as a male tonic as it is said to increase the production of testosterone and muscle mass. . It is also thought to increase circulation as a way of treating erectile dysfunction. While research has shown that it can increase circulating testosterone, that doesn’t mean it’s only for men.

Tribulus has several saponins that are thought to effect steroidal hormones, especially luteinizing hormone. This can affect women by increasing estrogen. Makes sense why it is put in formulas to increase fertility and manage PCOS (or PMOS) symptoms. It also functions as a mild diuretic.

Different sources I have looked at list both the leaves and the fruit as the most potent part of the plant, but I’ve also seen products with the whole plant. It can be used as an infusion (tea) effectively, but it makes a decent tincture as well.

I’ll bet you never thought there was a good use for puncture vine!