Rasa

  • What is Rasa?

All of these attributes are interconnected and influenced by each other but to get a better understanding of the theories, we’ll be looking at the 6 flavors only here.

Ayurveda has a unique approach to break down tastes scientifically, each having its own therapeutic effects and changing impacts on your body; from the first taste to entering the body to being absorbed. The six tastes or Rasas that are distinguished in the Ayurvedic diet are Sweet, Salty, Sour, Pungent, Astringent and Bitter. These tastes originate from the five elements and transmit their properties. For a balanced diet Ayurveda recommends getting all of these flavors with every meal and adjust the amounts of each to your personal constitution. Apart from feeling satisfied this practice also ensures that all major food groups and nutrients are present.

Overview

The following table provides an overview over the effects of the different tastes; the upper row naming the positive effects of the taste, the row below naming the effects when taste is consumed in excess. Pure forms of the tastes will aggravate your dosha more easily than complex versions and thus should be used with care; e.g. yoghurt is sour, sweet and heavy which makes it a complex taste and will less likely aggravate the Kapha Dosha than pure sugar.

Taste

Physical Effect

Mental Effect

Source

earth, water

Sweet

nourishes, builds and strengthens body tissues

soothing, calming, satisfactory

Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat

Grains, pasta, rice, bread, starchy vegetables, dairy, meat, chicken, fish, sugar, honey

  

fat diseases, obesity, diabetes

lethargy, anxiety

water, fire

Salty

lubricates tissues, softens, maintains mineral balance and holds water

enhances appetite and other tastes, enthusiasm, calms nerves and stops anxiety

Mineral salts

Table salt, soy sauce, salted meats, fish, seaweed

  

wrinkles, thirst, loss of strength, baldness

cravings, anger, impatience, lethargy

earth, fire

Sour

stimulates appetite and digestion, strengthens heart, relieves thirst and satiates

enhances intellectual activities

Organic acids: ascorbic acid, citric acid, acetic acid

Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, pickled foods, salad dressing, yoghurt, alcohol

  

loss of strength, fever, thirst

resentment and jealousy, anger, impatience, hot temper

fire, air

Pungent

warms body and promotes sweating, improves metabolism and relieves nerve pain

opens mind and senses

Essential oils

Peppers, chilies, onions, garlic, cayenne, black pepper, cloves, ginger, mustard, salsa, raddish, wasabi

  

thirst, depletion of reproductive fluid and strength, fainting, waist/back pain

irritability, anger, impatience

earth, air

Astringent

cleanses blood and helps maintaining healthy blood sugar level, dries moisture and fat

cools fiery minds,clears senses and emotions, removes lethargy

Tannins

Lentils, dried beans, broccoli, green apples, pears, grape skins, cauliflower, cabbage, pomegranates, tea

  

gas or constipation, heart pain, thirst

anxiety, worry, fear, insomnia

ether, air

Bitter

cleanses and detoxifies, reduces fat and water excess, relieves thirst and fever, antibiotic

helpful in managing food cravings, clears senses and emotions

Alkaloids or glycosides

Green leafy vegetables, green and yellow vegetables, kale, celery, broccoli, sprouts, beets

  

gas or upset stomach, tissue depletion

anxiety, fear, insomnia

Effects of the Flavors on the Doshas

o - soothing effect

x - aggravates Dosha when taken in excess

Taste

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

Sweet

o

o

x

Salty

o

x

x

Sour

o

x

x

Pungent

x

x

o

Astringent

x

o

o

Bitter

x

o

o

 

 

Leave A Comment