Tastes is
important and has direct effect on bodily doshas. According to Ayurveda, each
food and each herb, medicinal herb has a specific taste. When the tastes are
used in the proper amount, individually and collectively, they bring about
balance of our bodily systems.
The taste of an herb
is not incidental but is directly related indeed directly responsible for much
of its therapeutic value. That is why Ayurvedic herbs are generally taken in a
form that requires tasting them, rather than concealing the taste in a capsule.
There is no
problem in taking an herb that has a sweet pungent, or otherwise tempting
taste, but most people here don’t like the bitter or astringent taste, and if
they have to take an herb with either of these tastes, they want tp put the herb
into a capsule and swallow it without tasting it. Since the stomach has no
taste buds, when the herb is taken this way, the effects and benefits derived
from the taste are lessened, because they are not perceived. When we eat food,
we don’t lose the effect of the tastes because we have to chew, when we use capsules, we miss the taste of the
herb
One of the
reason the Ayurvedic physician prescribes an herb is to balance whatever taste
is lacking in the body. The herb transmits that taste and its effects into rasa
dhatu (plasma). Triphala, for example, provides all the tastes except salty,
but it tends to yield the predominant taste that is lacking in the body, which
for most westerners is the bitter taste. That’s why for many people Triphala
taste bitter for some time.later, after regular use, the bitter taste will have
been received into the rasa dhatu, and Triphala may taste sour or sweet.
In Ayurvedic
medicine, most herbs are classified according to their predominant taste,
secondary aftertaste, and potential taste. The main taste acts on rasa dhatu,
the aftertaste acts on the nervous system, and the third taste has either a
heating or cooling effect.
Effects of tastes on the Doshas (constitution)
1) Vata –
People of vata constitution should avoid bitter, pungent, and astringent
substances in excess, because they increase air and have tendency to cause gas.
Foods and herbs containing sweet, sour and salty tastes are good for
individuals of vata constitution.
2) pitta – pitta individuals should avoid sour, salty, and
pungent substance, which aggravate bodily fire. However, sweet, bitter, and
astringent tastes are beneficial for pitta.
3) Kapha – kapha individuals should avoid foods that has the
sweet, sour, and salty tastes, for they increase bodily water, Bitter foe them
are foods with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes.
This time of the year, colds are common in people. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, congestion, headache, drowsiness, and an achy body. In Ayurveda, colds are viewed as a kapha and vata disorder. Kapha is due to the congestion qualities (cool, moist properties in excess) along with high vat, manifesting as a decreased appetite, chills and body aches.
Here are 6 tips to deal with a cold according to Ayurveda:
Rest – slow down and give your body the time to heal and balance. We have less energy during these winter months. It is a time when our energy wants to go inward so honor this and give yourself the space to relax and restore.
Avoid dairy Products – dairy increases kapha, which manifests as mucous. If you are feeling congested then it is best to avoid all dairy so you don’t add to this congestion.
Sip warm water – this will help you to flush your system as well as keep you warm throughout the day.
Eucalyptus Steams – in a large pot boil water with either eucalyptus leaves or add a few drops of eucalyptus oil once the water is steaming hot. Cover face with towel and bend over pot. Breath in the steam for several minutes. This should help clear up congestion.
Neti – Using a neti pot with salt water will help to flush out excess mucous from your nasal passages follow with breath of fire and alternate nostril breathing.
Ginger – This is one of the best remedies out there for cold because it combats the kapha and vata qualities out of balance. We suggest using fresh herbs such as ginger root, turmeric root, and cinnamon sticks if these are available to you. If not powdered can work as well.
Herbal medicine is an important aspect of Ayurvedic Healing.
Following an Ayurvedic routine can also help maximize wellness and also boost immunity to help ward off colds.
According to Ayurveda, each organ is at its highest functioning power during certain times. Reflect on different times in your day and utilize healing and balancing tools to bring clarity, routine, and ease mind this fall/winter season.
6-8 am Lunch (kapha) try gentle yoga, pranayama, or walking.
8-10am pancreas (kapha) have a breakfast, and allow digestion to occur.
10-12pm stomach (pitta) digest.
12-2pm heart (pitta) have a lunch and digest.
2-4pm spleen(vata) digest
4-6pm colon, kidneys, Bladder (vata) enjoy dinner
6-8pm lungs (kapha) walk outside.
8-12pm pancreas, small intestine, stomach (kapha+pitta) rest, digest, and sleep.
Adding simple things to your daily routine, such as practicing self abhyanga (warm sesame oil self massages). An hour before shower or any form of exercise. Eat a seasonal warm cooked meal on time. Avoid cold drinks and food during cold winter months.
Ayurvedic oil massage (Abhyanga) is another important aspect of a health and wellness routine.
Jalpa Patel (Jagadamba)
Jalpa Patel (“Jagadamba”) is a knowledgeable Ayurveda Practitioner who is passionate about integrating Ayurveda and Yoga for health and healing. View courses with Jagadamba >
