The 6 Tastes:

          Rasa: Rasa means many things in Ayurveda. Rasa is “essence”, “juice”, “pleasure” and “plasma” as well as meaning “taste”. It makes perfect sense, as our experience, our “taste” for life is what gives us pleasure or pain. Our ability to extract the “essence”, the” juice” from life is a key determinant of our health and vitality.

Sweet: The sweet taste provides the building blocks and basic nourishment for all life. It promotes strength, love and satisfaction. In excess it promotes greed, attachment and laziness. Sweet taste is found in carbohydrates, fats and proteins as well as the simple sugars of glucose, fructose and lactose. Sweet taste pacifies Vata and Pitta, while in excess, increases Kapha. Herbs with a primary sweet taste are often considered tonics as they strengthen the “Ojas” (essence), increase stress resistance and promote tissue growth.

Sour: The Sour taste creates heat in the body and mind, stimulates digestion and moistens dryness. It can promote will power and courage, but in excess can create envy, jealousy and anger. Substances with a primary Sour taste often provide us with necessary vitamins such as the Vitamin C found in acidic fruits. Sour taste is also experienced in yogurt, pickles, sourkraut, vinegar, sour dough bread and many condiments. Herbs with a primary sour taste usually will pacify Vata but can increase both Pitta and Kapha.

Salty: The Salty taste also creates heat and moisture, while enkindling digestion. It is very grounding for nervous Vata types and a great source of vital, essential minerals. In excess, it aggravates Pitta and Kapha because as it can promote high blood pressure and water retention. In addition to sea and rock salts, the salty taste is found in seaweeds, the famous ayurvedic mineral pitch shilajit and mineral rich herbs like nettles.

Pungent: The Pungent taste is heating, drying and stimulating. It clears excess mucus and secretions, promotes the digestive fire and wakes up the mind. In excess it contributes to anger, agitation, passion and excitement. It is primarily found in digestive spices with aromatic oils such as ginger, cardamom and black pepper. Herbs with a primary pungent taste pacify Kapha, increase Pitta and pacify Vata (in small amounts only).

Bitter: The Bitter taste is cooling, drying, and lightening. It drains excess fluid accumulations, clears toxins from the blood and enhances liver function. In excess, the bitter taste creates anxiety and fear, weakens the kidneys and decreases libido. The bitter taste is found in some vegetables such as kale and dandelion and in many herbs such as neem, gentian and goldenseal. Many herbs with a dominant bitter taste have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. The Bitter taste decreases Kapha and Pitta but increases Vata.

Astringent: The Astringent taste is cooling, drying and constricting. It draws tissues and the mind inward. It reduces excesses and pacifies both Kapha and Pitta. In excess, the astringent taste can leave you feeling dry and unfulfilled. The astringent taste is found in foods such as raspberries and pomegranates and in tannin rich herbs such as tea, myrrh and the famous ayurvedic triphala.