Yanai Nerunjil (Dried Caltrops)
Botanical Name: Pedalium murex
Tamil Name: யானை நெருஞ்சில் (Yanai Nerunjil)
Common Names: Large Caltrop, Giant Caltrop, Big Caltrops
Sanskrit Name: Brihadgokshura (बृहद्गोक्षुर)
Other Languages:
- Malayalam: Perunnerunji
- Telugu: Pedda Gokshuram
- Hindi: Bada Gokhru
What is Yanai Nerunjil?
Yanai Nerunjil is the dried fruit of a powerful medicinal herb that grows in hot, sandy soils, especially in South India. It belongs to the Caltrop family, but compared to its close relative Tribulus terrestris (Small Nerunjil / Gokshura), Pedalium murex (Yanai Nerunjil) is larger, more robust, and particularly known for urinary and reproductive health. The word “Yanai” means elephant in Tamil, referring to the larger size and stronger nature of this plant compared to the smaller “Nerunjil”. Click For More Product.
Themes of Yanai Nerunjil (Traditional & Cultural Contexts)
- Urinary System Strengthener: Called the “King of Urinary Herbs” traditionally.
- Fertility Support: Used to promote healthy reproduction in both men and women.
- Heat Reducing Herb: Especially valued for cooling excess Pitta dosha (body heat).
- Protective Herb: Ancient Tamil and Siddha medicine often linked it to strengthening the vitality and inner resilience of a person. Click For purchase.
Medicinal Properties of Yanai Nerunjil (Dried Caltrops)
1. Mutrala (Diuretic Action)
- Primary strength of Yanai Nerunjil is its ability to promote healthy and smooth urination.
- It clears obstruction in urinary channels (Mutravaha Srotas).
- Reduces burning sensation while passing urine (a common symptom in Pitta excess or urinary infections).
2. Ashmarihara (Anti-Kidney Stones)
- Traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic texts describe it as a herb that breaks down or dissolves small kidney and bladder stones.
- Regular decoction intake can prevent stone formation.
3. Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory Agent)
- Reduces internal inflammation, especially in the urinary bladder, prostate, and joints.
- Useful in conditions like cystitis (bladder inflammation) and mild cases of arthritis.
4. Vrishya (Aphrodisiac / Fertility Enhancer)
- Strengthens Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissues).
- Improves sperm count, motility, and overall reproductive vitality in men.
- Supports healthy menstrual cycles and uterine strength in women.
5. Sheeta Virya (Cooling Energy)
- Acts as a natural coolant for the body.
- Useful for conditions arising out of excessive internal heat like ulcers, skin eruptions, and Pitta-based fevers.
6. Balya (Strength-Giving / Tonic Action)
- Rejuvenates tired body systems, especially after infections or during general weakness.
- Strengthens the kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs to function at their best.
7. Raktaprasadaka (Blood Purifier)
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Helps clear impurities from the blood, supporting healthy skin and immune response.
8. Antimicrobial Action
- Traditional medicine describes it as Krimighna (destroyer of harmful microbes).
- Protects against urinary tract infections (UTIs). Click For purchase.
Key Actions:
- Mutrala: Diuretic (promotes healthy urination)
- Vrishya: Aphrodisiac (supports fertility and vitality)
- Raktaprasadaka: Blood purifier
- Shothahara: Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Balya: Strengthening agent (tonic for weakness)/
Medicinal Uses of Yanai Nerunjil
Urinary Tract Health
- Treats urinary infections, painful urination (dysuria), and bladder issues.
- Reduces burning sensation while passing urine. Click For purchase.
Kidney Stone Support
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Helps dissolve or reduce the size of small kidney stones when used regularly.
Reproductive Health
- Boosts sperm quality and count in men.
- Helps regulate menstrual disorders and strengthens the uterus in women.
Body Cooling
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Acts as a coolant during high body heat or Pitta disorders like ulcers, rashes, etc.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
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Used in arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.
How to Eat or Consume Yanai Nerunjil
Note: Always consult an Ayurvedic or Siddha practitioner for personalized dosage!
Yanai Nerunjil Water Decoction (Traditional Siddha Preparation)
- Soak about 5–10 grams of dried Yanai Nerunjil in water overnight.
- Boil the soaked herb with the same water the next morning until it reduces to half.
- Strain and drink the warm decoction on an empty stomach.
- Typically used for urinary issues and body heat. Click For purchase.
Powder Form
- Dried fruits are powdered.
- Consume 1–3 grams of powder with warm water or honey, twice daily after food.
- Helps with reproductive vitality and strengthens kidneys.
Herbal Capsules or Tablets
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Standardized Yanai Nerunjil supplements are available for ease of use.
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Combination Formulas
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In Siddha and Ayurveda, it is often mixed with herbs like Neermulli, Sirupulai, or Vettiver to enhance its urinary clearing and cooling properties.
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Important Notes & Cautions
- Safe in moderate, therapeutic doses.
- Avoid very high doses unless prescribed, as it may cool the body too much (leading to sluggish digestion in Kapha-dominant individuals).
- Pregnant women should use cautiously under medical supervision. Click For purchase.
Conclusion
Yanai Nerunjil (Dried Caltrops) stands as a revered herb in Tamil, Siddha, and Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its power to heal the urinary system, boost reproductive strength, and cool the body during times of imbalance. It is a true example of how nature provides gentle yet powerful medicine to cleanse, strengthen, and restore vital balance.When consumed properly — whether as a decoction, powder, or capsule — Yanai Nerunjil acts like a deep purifier for the inner waters of the body, supporting not just physical elimination but also rejuvenating the energy and life-force (Ojas).
