We conclude our journey of the six tastes, or shad rasa, with the astringent taste in Ayurveda. Astringent is comprised of the elements earth (prithvi) and air (vayu). Astringent increases Vata and decreases Pitta and Kapha doshas. The virya, or energy of the astringent taste, is cooling. The vipak or post-digestive effect of astringent is […]
The Salty Taste in Ayurveda
Ayurveda classifies foods by their rasa or initial taste on the tongue. There are six tastes in Ayurveda, known as shad rasa. They are: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Salty taste is comprised of the water and fire elements. With regard to the doshas, the salty taste (lavana rasa) in Ayurveda decreases Vata […]