According to Ayurveda, every living and non-living being in the Universe is made up of Mahabhutas^ and each distinct species has its own characteristics due to the variation in the combination of their Mahabhutas. Each of the five senses is represented by one of the five elements.
Rasa, or taste, is related to water.
Rasa, or taste, according to Ayurveda, consists of two Bhutas*: Prithvi (Earth) and Ap (water). Variations of the remaining three Panchbhutas are giving each substance its own Rasa. Every substance contains at least a little of six rasas and they are: Svadu/Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour), Lavana (Salty), Tikta (Bitter), Ushna/Katu (Pungent) and Kashaya (astringent). They are present in varying amounts in each substance and this variation gives each substance a distinct flavour. For example, lemon has more Amla flavour.
There are numerous tastes due to the variations in the combination of the substances used, but the category of taste is restricted to six because they’re formed only by Mahabhutas.
According to the Charaka Samhita, rasa mainly performs two actions: elimination and pacification. If used properly, rasa nourishes the body; otherwise, it can negatively affect the balance of doshas#.
According to Ayurveda, each rasa has its own benefits and dosha (if used in excess/alone), and these give us a clear idea of how to maintain a healthy body. The important advantages and disadvantages of the six rasas are as follows:
- Madhura (Sweet)
- Benefits: ojas@, all dhatus^, longevity, strength and lustre; it reduces pitta& and fainting; it is beneficial for skin and hair.
- Drawbacks: Causes obesity, laxity, excessive sleep and hardening of the bowel; mucous lining of the bladder and throat.
- Amla (Sour)
- Benefits: Strengthens Agni or digestive power; energises the body and awakens the mind; strengthens the sense organs.
- Drawbacks: Causes thirst and burning sensation in the throat and chest, develops body hairs; affects blood morbidity.
- Lavana (Salty)
- Benefits: It is an appetiser, depressant and laxative; cleanses channels
- Drawbacks: Cause thirst, fainting and increasing skin diseases; damages potency; hinders sense organs; causing wrinkles, greys your hair; baldness. Its overuse can also accumulate a lot of doshas.
- Katuka (Pungent)
- Benefits: Cleans the mouth, stimulates digestion, make the sense organs clear, destroys itching and check the coagulation of blood
- Drawbacks: Depression, mental confusion, loss of strength and thirst, burning in throat and hot body.
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Benefits: It relieves burning, thirst and itching sensation; brings firmness to skin and muscles; is antipyretic and appetiser
- Drawbacks: It can dry out all the dhatus; carry off strength and create emaciation and mental confusion.
- Kasaya (Astringent)
- Benefits: Calms kapha, raktal; has healing and soothing properties
- Drawbacks: It can cause heartache, interfere with voice, and slow down the movement of channels. It can also lead to impotence and gas formation during digestion.
This clearly shows that food can also act as a poison. While eating, you should try to not only satisfy your tongue but also pay attention to your overall health. Eat wisely and be healthy.
Food Notes
Mahabhutas, or the great elements, are Mahabhutas Prithvi (Earth), Ap (water), Tejas (fire), Vayu (air) and Akasa (Sky/Ether).
Bhutas*– Fundamental elements
Doshas# are forces in the body. When they are in balance, the human body feels healthy.
ojas@– means vigor
dhatus^- means tissues.
pitta&– It is one of the thridhosa; it also denotes a body type.