Hour 61 Ayurveda – Tastes & Health III

Shad Rasa (Bitter, Pungent, Astringent) Part 3

Tikta Rasa (Bitter Taste)

• Qualities: Dry, cold, light.
• Actions and Benefits:
  • Restores the sense of taste and addresses anorexia.
  • Improves intellect and has anti-poisonous properties.
  • Cleansing and healing properties, purifies blood.
  • Calms Pitta Dosha.
  • Removes stomach worms.
  • Beneficial in conditions like burning sensations, diabetes, skin diseases, and itching.
  • Reduces moisture in the body (fat, sweat, urine, stools), aiding in managing obesity.
  • Clears the throat and purifies breast milk.
• Excessive Consumption Effects:
  • Depletes Rasa Dhatu (nutritional fluids), Majja Dhatu (bone marrow), and Shukra Dhatu (semen).
  • Causes dryness of the mouth, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, unconsciousness, and Vata-related disorders.

Katu Rasa (Pungent Taste)

• Qualities: Light, hot, dry.
• Actions and Benefits:
  • Cleanses the mouth and promotes digestion.
  • Aids in nutrient absorption and waste elimination.
  • Acts as a germicidal agent and helps dissolve blood clots.
  • Clears bodily channel blockages, ensuring free flow.
• Excessive Consumption Effects:
  • Depletes Shukra Dhatu (semen).
  • Causes loss of strength, emaciation, fainting, tremors, and burning sensations in the throat.
  • Produces excessive body heat and leads to increased thirst.

Kashaya Rasa (Astringent Taste)

• Qualities: Dry, cold, heavy.
• Actions and Benefits:
  • Balances Pitta and Kapha Doshas.
  • Excellent blood purifier.
  • Reduces secretions and exudations, heals wounds, and keeps skin clean and healthy.
  • Used in dry powder massages for skin health (as seen in Dinacharya).
• Excessive Consumption Effects:
  • Causes constipation, bloating, heart pain, and obstruction in bodily channels.
  • Depletes Shukra Dhatu (semen) and leads to convulsions, spasms, and emaciation.

Shad Rasa Ahara (Benefits of food with all six tastes)

In Ayurveda, it is mentioned that consumption of shadrasas is best to promote strength & immunity. Having food with only one rasa in excess is best to cause debility. The habit of using all six tastes every day is ideal for the maintenance of health. Habitual intake of diets consisting of all tastes in proportionate quantity will lead to a balanced state of tridosha in the body. Consumption all all tastes is superior, & that of only one taste is inferior. Ayurveda recommends starting meals with a sweet taste and ending with an astringent taste. Example: In India, meals often begin with sweet dishes like kheer and end with astringent options like buttermilk.

Conclusion

Understanding the properties and effects of Shad Rasa (six tastes) helps in making informed dietary choices to maintain balance and well-being. Including all six tastes in daily meals prevents imbalances and supports health.