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mind and senses. But, in excess it causes
fainting, tremors, pains, and depletion of
reproductive strength.
Bitter tastes heal infections, thirst,
skin disorders, fever, nausea, burning
sensations and are easily digestible; they
improve intelligence and are drying. In
excess, bitter tastes deplete the tissues.
Finally, astringent tastes cleanse the blood,
stop bleeding, sweating and diarrhea, and
heal ulcers. But they can cause indigestion
and tighten tissues. In excess, astringent
tastes increase gas, thirst and emaciation;
obstruct channels and cause loss of virility,
constipation, indigestion and heart pain.
Sweet tastes strengthen tissues, build the body, heal
bones, promote longevity and are mild laxatives. “I have the simplest tastes. I am always
They create mental harmony and content, but satisfied with the best.”
are also hard to digest. Overindulgence in sweets - Oscar Wilde
can cause obesity, diabetes, enlarged glands and
promote cancer.
Ayurveda provides combinations of herbs
for healing and bringing equilibrium back
Salty tastes clear channels and pores, improve to our physical and mental selves. Getting
digestion, moisten and penetrate tissues. In the right to know the wonderful plant life around
amounts, salt pacifies anxiety. Excess salt increases will help us best utilize these storage houses
blood flow, wrinkles, grey and balding hair, thirst, of powerful healing energies!
skin diseases and weakens body strength.
Uma Hingorani
Sour tastes are good for the heart and circulation,
improve digestion, relieve burning sensations and References
thirst, and get rid of gas. Sour tastes awaken the mind 1. What to Eat for How You Feel: The New
and senses. In excess, however, sour tastes promote Ayurvedic Kitchen - 100 Seasonal Recipes by
envy, hyperacidity, loss of strength, blindness, giddiness, Divya Alter. Rizzoli. New York. 2017
itching, irritability, swellings, thirst and fevers. 2. The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets
to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity by Swami
Pungent tastes heal throat diseases, allergies, Sadashiva Tirtha. Ayurvedic Holistic Center Press.
oiliness and skin disorders, edema, ulcers, swelling Bayville, NY. 1998
3. Page 4, The Yoga of Herbs. An ayurvedic
and excess fat. They also promote hunger, taste and guide to herbal medicine. David Frawley and
digestion, break up hard masses and open body Vasant Lad. Copyright 2001. Published by Lotus
channels. Pungent taste improves alertness of the Press. P.O. Box 325, Twin Lakes, WI 53181.
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