The 6 Tastes
Have you ever wondered why certain foods make you feel energized while others leave you feeling sluggish? According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, it's all about balance.
Central to this balance are the six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Each taste plays a crucial role in maintaining your health and well-being. Here are some Ayurvedic and Western examples of herbs with these tastes.
Sweet (Madhura)
Ayurveda: This taste is not just about sugar! Sweetness can be found in foods like rice, milk, and honey. Herbs like licorice and fennel seeds are also considered sweet.
Western Herbs: Chamomile and oats are examples of sweet-tasting herbs that soothe and nourish the body.
Sour (Amla)
Ayurveda: Sour foods stimulate digestion and include items like lemons, yogurt, and fermented foods. Ayurvedic herbs like amalaki (Indian gooseberry) are known for their sour taste.
Western Herbs: Apple cider vinegar and hibiscus are popular sour-tasting items that promote digestion and vitality.
Salty (Lavana)
Ayurveda: Salt isn't just for flavor—it's essential for maintaining electrolyte balance. Natural salts, seaweed, and certain mineral supplements fall under this category.
Western Herbs: Celery and nettles are known for their natural salty flavor and benefits.
Bitter (Tikta)
Ayurveda: Bitter foods and herbs detoxify and purify the body. Neem and turmeric are quintessential bitter herbs in Ayurveda.
Western Herbs: Dandelion greens and milk thistle are well-known bitter herbs that aid in liver health and detoxification.
Pungent (Katu)
Ayurveda: This taste is hot and spicy, stimulating digestion and metabolism. Ginger, garlic, and black pepper are common examples.
Western Herbs: Cayenne pepper and horseradish bring that pungent kick, boosting circulation and digestive fire.
Astringent (Kashaya)
Ayurveda: Astringent foods help in tightening tissues and absorbing excess fluids. Lentils, green beans, and pomegranate are astringent in nature.
Western Herbs: Witch hazel and raspberry leaf are astringent herbs often used to tone tissues and reduce inflammation.
In Ayurveda, it's believed that incorporating all six tastes into your diet can help balance your body and mind. Too much or too little of any taste can lead to imbalances and health issues. For instance, an excess of sweet taste can lead to weight gain and sluggishness, while too much bitter can result in dryness and fatigue.
Practical Tips for Incorporating the Six Tastes
Sweet: Eat sweet tasting vegetables such as sweet potato or carrots - see our Sweet Potato and Carrot mash recipe here
Sour: Add a squeeze of lime to your water or enjoy a small serving of lassi with lunch.
Salty: Season your meals with natural land salt and include seaweed.
Bitter: Incorporate dark leafy green or dandelion tea in your diet.
Pungent: Spice up your dishes with ginger, garlic and black pepper.
Astringent: Snack on a handful of pomegranate seeds or brew a cup of raspberry leaf tea.
Embracing the six tastes can be a great with to enhance your health and digestion. Whether you turn to Ayurvedic or Western herbs, there are plenty of choices to incorporate a more diverse flavour profile into your meals. Not only is this more satisfying to your palette meaning you will experience less cravings - it will also give your food a huge boost in medicinal value.
Let me know how you get on!
