Ayurveda recognizes 6 rasas, or primary tastes, that are found in different foods. In order to have a complete and well-rounded diet, we must incorporate all 6 tastes into our meals. Each of these tastes have a specific function in the body, and certain foods they are found in.

Sweet – Madhura 

earth & water \\oily, cooling, heavy \\ V- P- K+

FOODS

  • rice, sugar, milk, wheat, dates, maple syrup

QUALITIES

  • increases the vital essence of life, stability, promotes growth of 7 dhatus, gives strength and longevity, promotes healthy complexion, hair skin, good voice and relieves thirst and burning and can be invigorating.

EXCESSIVE USE

  • aggravates kapha – colds, cough congestion, heaviness, loss of appetite, laziness, obesity

Sour – Amla

earth & fire \\ liquid, light, heating, oily \\ V- P+ K+

FOODS

  • citrus fruits, sour cream, yogurt, vinegar, cheese, lemon, green grapes, fermented foods

QUALITIES

  • refreshing, delicious, stimulate appetite, improve digestion, energize the body, nourish the heart, enlighten the mind.

EXCESSIVE USE

  • causes thirst, hyper acidity, heartburn, acid indigestion, ulcers and sensitive teeth, can cause skin conditions and be toxic to the blood, may cause acidic body pH, burning in throat, chest, heart, bladder, urethra

Salty – Lavaṇa

water & fire \\ heating, heavy, oily \\ V- P+ K+

FOODS

  • sea salt, rock salt, kelp

QUALITIES

  • relieves vata, increases pitta and kapha, is a laxative, lessens spasms in the colon, promotes growth, maintains water electrolyte balance, aids digestion & absorption and elimination of wastes

EXCESSIVE USE

  • make blood thick, hypertension, worsens skin conditions, feel hot or fainting, skin wrinkling and baldness, water retention, edema, ulcers, bleeding disorders, hyperacidity

Pungent – Kaṭu

fire & air \\ light, drying, heating \\ V+ P+ K-

FOODS

  • hot peppers, onions, radishes, garlic, mustard, ginger

QUALITIES

  • improves digestion and absorption and cleans the mouth, clears sinuses, aids circulation, breaks up clots, helps with elimination, kills germs and parasites, brings clarity of perception

EXCESSIVE USE

  • can kill sperm and ova, sexual debility, burning, choking, fainting, fatigue with feelings of heat and thirst, diarrhea, heartburn and nausea, aggravate vata, ulcers, asthma, colitis, skin conditions

Bitter – Tikta

air & space \\ cool, light, dry \\ V+ P- K-

FOODS

  • coffee, bitter melon, aloe vera, rhubarb, turmeric, dandelion root, sandalwood

QUALITIES

  • most lacking in North America, promotes the other avors, anti-toxic, kills germs, relives burning and itching and fainting and skin disorders, reduces fever, stimulates rmness of skin/muscles, relieve gas, digestive tonic

EXCESSIVE USE

  • deplete plasma, blood, muscles, fat, bone marrow, semen, sexual debility, extreme dryness, emaciation, weariness, dizziness, unconsciousness

Astringent – Kaṣāya

air & earth \\ cooling, drying, heavy \\ V+ P- K-

FOODS

  • unripe bananas, pomegranates, chickpeas, green beans, okra, alfalfa sprouts, goldenseal, turmeric

QUALITIES

  • helps heal ulcers, stops bleeding by clotting, aids in absorption

EXCESSIVE USE

  • dryness in mouth, difficulty in speech, constipation, stagnation of circulation, sex drive down, emaciation, convulsions, Bell’s palsy, stroke paralysis, neuromuscular vata disorders