Shadrasas
Ayurveda

Shadrasa- the six tastes of ayurveda

mrsdeshmukh
Shadrasas according to Ayurveda
Madhura (Sweet) * Amla (Sour) * Lavana (Salty) * Katu (Pungent) * Tikta (Bitter) and *Kashaya (Astringent).

Ayurveda recommends including each Rasa in every meal of the day. In this way, nutrition can be well balanced, and good health is achieved. The rasas influence doshas, and hence imbalance of doshas in the body can be repaired by adjusting the rasas in the diet.

Charaka says Rasa is experienced the moment a substance comes into contact with the tongue. Charaka further states that the clearly perceived knowledge is only the Rasa of the substance. Any other perception like those which happen afterwards or mildly are termed anurasa (a sequel to the main Rasa).

A diet comprising of all the six rasas is said to be the ideal one, indicating that all components required for a living system can be incorporated under the six rasas. Suśruta says, the strength, complexion, immunity, etc., of a living system is under the control of diet which in turn is under control of the six rasas.

MADHURA : SWEET

(Lowers Vata and Pitta, Enhances Kapha) – Earth & Water elements

  • Most nourishing rasa, is replenishing and rejuvenating, wholesome.
  • Promotes longevity and strength.
  • Helps to gain weight by slow digestion.
  • Soothing, calming and satisfactory effect on mind and sense organs, congenial to the body.

 

 

Foods: Wheat, rice, dairy, cereals, dates, pumpkins corn, coconut, sweet fruits, maple syrup, licorice root, sugar, honey etc.

AMLA: SOUR

(Decreases Vata, increases Pitta and Kapha) – Comprises Earth & Fire Elements

  • Awakens thoughts and emotions pleases the mind and sense organs.
  • Improves appetite, digestion, overall metabolism and elimination of waste from the body.
  • Strengthens heart and is nourishing
SHADRASA- AMLA

 

 

Foods: Lemon, citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, vinegars, pickles, grapes, pomegranate, Indian gooseberry, fermented foods, tamarind, wine, salad dressing, yoghurt etc.

LAVAN: SALTY

(Decreases Vata, increases Pitta and Kapha) – Comprises Water & Fire Elements

  • Provides hydration.
  • Stimulates digestion, enhances appetite and other tastes.
  • Lubricates tissues, has moistening effect.
  • Maintains water electrolyte balance.
  • Nourishes and promotes growth
Shadrasa- Lavan

 

 

 

Foods: All types of salts, soy sauce, black olives, seaweed etc.

KATU: PUNGENT

(Increases Vata and Pitta, decreases Kapha) – Comprises Fire & Air Elements

  • Stimulates digestion, improves appetite.
  • Clears sinuses, causes watering of nose, causes lacrimation, sharpens sense organs.
  • Stimulates blood circulation.
  • Warms body and promotes sweating
shadrasa- katu

 

 

Foods: Essential oils., all types of spices, peppers, chillies, onions, garlic, cayenne, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, mustard, radish, etc.

TIKTA: BITTER

(Increases Vata, decreases Pitta and Kapha) – Comprises Air & Ether Elements

  • Detoxifying, helps remove waste products from the body, kills germs and worms.
  • Reduces excess fat and water.
  • Relieves thirst and fever, relieves itching and skin disorders, strengthens body.
  • Helpful in managing food cravings, improves taste, clears senses and emotions

 

 

Foods: Green leafy vegetables, coriander, curry leaves, bitter gourd, turmeric, citrus peel, kale, celery, broccoli, sprouts, green, black and most herbal teas etc.

KASHAYA: ASTRINGENT

(Increases Vata, decreases Pitta and Kapha) – Comprises Air & Earth Elements.

  • Cleanses blood.
  • Dries moisture and fat.
  • Calming and healing effect on the body

 

 

Foods: Indian gooseberry, unripe bananas, nutmeg, cranberries, green beans, alfalfa sprouts, okra, lentils, broccoli, green apples, pears, cauliflower, cabbage, tea etc.