There are six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent and each is derived from two of the five elements. The tastes are important in seeing how ‘we are what we eat.’ Our bodies are formed by the elemental nature of our intake which increases or decreases doshic (VPK) balance.
Sweet is made from the elements earth and water; it increases Kapha (also made from earth and water), and decreases Pitta and Vata. Sweet is found in sugars, carbohydrates, fats, oils and amino acids. Its characteristics are heavy, cold and only. While it builds tissue, it also can block ducts and channels, and its cold nature dampens the digestive fire. Over indulgence in the ‘sweetness of life’ produces Kapha illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, blocked circulation indigestion, and respiratory congestion. On the emotional level, sweet provides satisfaction unless over consumed, where it causes complacency and laziness and feeds greed and dissatisfaction (when sweets ferment they turn sour).
Sour is created from the elements earth and fire. It increase Pitta and Kapha but decreases Vata. Sour is found in acid fruits (sour), acid vegetables (ascorbic acid), alcohol (oxalic acid), fermented products, cultured dairy products (lactic acid), and to a lesser extent, proteins (amino acids) and oils (fatty acids). Its properties are heavy, hot and oily. It strengthens digestive fire, and is contraindicated in gastritis, ulcers, inflammation, wasting and other Pitta disturbances. It stimulates appetite and digestion, increases waste elimination and reduces spasms. Sour is associated with envy, jealousy and dissatisfaction; the opposite of sweet. “Sour grapes” metaphorically refers to desire turning to distaste.
Salty is composed from the elements of water and fire. It increases Pitta and Kapha and decreases Vata. It is found in concentrated form in rock salt, sea salt and in diluted forms in sea foods and the mineral salts in vegetables and fruits. If over indulged, it causes inflammation, swelling, fluid retention, wrinkling and early aging. In proper amounts it is important in digestion, appetite, electrolyte balance and elimination. Salt increases our zest and enjoyment of life and reduces fear and anxiety. But the effect of overuse on the mind and emotions is hedonism—craving sensation, anger at obstruction to indulgence or physical pleasure (like an ‘old salt’ on leave from his ship).
Pungent is formed from the elements fire and air, and increases Pitta and Vata while reducing Kapha. Pungent is characteristically heating, light, and dry and is found in spices and concentrated in essential oils (volatiles and aromatics). Pungent functions to stimulate secretions and digestive enzymes, increase appetite and metabolism. It is a treatment for Kapha disorders (obesity, stagnant circulation, diabetes, coughs, respiratory congestion) and aids in the elimination through the skin. Used in excess, it causes or increases pain, thirst, burning, impotency, faintness and debility. Mentally and emotionally, it creates extroversion and the need for stimulation and increases irritability and anger.
Bitter is created by the elements air and ether. It increases Vata (air and ether) and decreases Pitta and Kapha. It is cooling, light and dry and is found in bitter green leafy vegetables (dandelion and endive), bitter herbs (golden seal and gentian) and bitter roots (turmeric). At normal consumption, it purifies and dries secretions, tones and tightens tissue. It is helpful for decreased appetite, digestive problems, fever, liver and skin irritations. Over indulgence can cause all Vata disorders, including nerve irritations, weight loss, dryness, cracking skin, and lack of secretions. Emotionally, it produces dissatisfaction and realization of the need to change (“the bitter truth”). It reduces anger and complacency, but in excess can produce bitter obstinance, frustration, grief and insecurity.
Astringent is composed of the elements air and earth. It increases Vata and decreases Pitta and Kapha, because the air component overrides the earth influence. Astringent is found in tannins, barks, and resins (oak bark, myrrh) and astringent herbs and vegetables (beans, potatoes, alfalfa) and raw honey. In small amounts it reduces secretions, tightens and purifies body tissue. In excess it dries secretions and tissues causing constipation, thirst, tremors and tingling. Emotionally, in overuse, it causes introversion, separateness, fear and anxiety.
Summary of tastes
Through understanding taste and its influence on our doshic nature and metabolism, we can choose foods and essential oils to understand our carvings and emotions and balance ourselves. Western diet overemphasizes sweet, sour and salty foods and produces a society which is greedy, indulgent, hedonistic and increasingly dissatisfied. A personal step toward change can be “tasting the bitter truth,” looking inward and seeking balance through taste.
