Guest guest Posted July 14, 2005 Report Share Posted July 14, 2005 Nice article Dr Bhate . here's my 2 cents THE SIX TASTES AND THEIR ACTION Note: The ideal meal would be to have all six tastes present. SWEET Sweet is derived from earth and water elements. It increases Kapha and decrease Vata and Pitta. Its actions are nourishing, building, harmonizing to the mind and senses. Nourishes all tissues, is a demulcent, expectorant, and mild laxative. Cools anger and helps to comfort fears. TOO MUCH damages the spleen and pancreas, causes diabetes, hypoglycemic, obesity, increase toxicity (Ama) and mucous. Creates complacency and greed. TOO LITTLE Undernourished and emaciated. SOUR Sour is derived from fire and earth elements. It increases Pitta and Kapha; Decrease Vata. Its actions are stimulating, carminative, nourishing to all tissues except the reproductive tissue. Increases circulation, stimulates the mind, and strengthens the heart. Improves appetite and digestion. Creates discrimination. TOO MUCH damages the lower stomach and small intestine creating hyperacidity and ulcers. Also creates envy, greed and anger. TOO LITTLE Undernourished and cold, with poor circulation. SALT Salt is derived from water and fire elements. It increases Pitta and Kapha, decreases Vata. Its actions are softening, laxative and sedative. Calms nerves and relieves anxiety. Increases digestive capacity. Large doses act as a purgative. Creates a zest for life and allays fear. TOO MUCH damages the kidneys create hypertension, stones, edema, and anger. TOO LITTLE The body loses its elasticity, become hard and ridged. PUNGENT Pungent is derived from fire and air elements. It increases Pitta and Vata, but decreases Kapha. It improves metabolism, aids digestion, increases circulation, opens the mind, and clears channels (srotas). Relieves nerve pain and muscle tension. Creates extroversion through seeking stimulation. TOO MUCH damages the lungs creating dryness in the lungs possible bleeding and coughing. Impatience, anger and sharpness with others. TOO LITTLE Low digestive fire and poor circulation. ASTRINGENT Astringent is derived from earth and air elements. It increases Vata and decreases Pitta and Kapha. Its actions stop excess discharge like blood or sweat. Promotes healing of mucous membranes. Constricts tissues. Creating introversion through avoidance of stimulation. TOO MUCH damages the colon, creating gas, constipation, distention, and insecurity. TOO LITTLE Excess discharges, mucous, or circulation. BITTER Bitter is derived from air and ether elements. It increases Vata and decrease Pitta and Kapha. It purifies blood, detoxifies, and reduces all tissues in the body. Increases lightness of body and mind. Acts as an antibiotic, antiseptic and dries up secretions. Creates capacity to change and growth which comes from mild dissatisfaction. TOO MUCH damages the heart, creates anemia, low blood pressure, frustration, bitterness, dissatisfaction, insecurity and fear. TOO LITTLE Accumulation of toxins. VIPAKA (POST-DIGESTIVE EFFECT) The six tastes can result in three long term post-digestive effects. This is different from a secondary taste or after taste which is still felt in the mouth. It refers to their long term affect upon the digestive process. Sweet and salty have a sweet post-digestive effect. They increase saliva and alkaline secretions of the stomach and help build all body tissues. Sour tastes have a sour post-digestive effect. It increases acid and bile secretions in the digestive process, mainly in the small intestine. It builds all but the reproductive body tissues. Pungent, bitter and astringent have a pungent post-digestive affect. They increase gas and are involved in the last stage of digestion in the colon. They have a long term astringent or drying and contracting action on the tissues. (For this reason the pungent post-digestive effect can be better under- stood if we call it astringent). Noel Gilbert Counselor Body, Mind & Soul LifeStyle Counselor Ayurveda - Herbalism Nutrition - Medical Astrology Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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