The Six Tastes According to Ayurveda- Know about Astringent taste

The astringent taste signifies the flavour of dryness and is basically formed by tannins in the bark, leaves and outer rinds of fruits and trees. It originates from the mucus membranes in the mouth to contract and result in an utmost dry, chalky (sometimes even choking) sensation in the mouth. Sweet and sour tastes sometimes compliment the astringent taste as well.

About the third rasa- Astringent

Astringent taste is also known as the kashaya rasa. Astringent flavour consists of the elements of the world like earth Prithvi and air vayu. This flavour helps increase Vata and decrease Pitta and Kapha doshas. The basic property of the astringent taste is cooling and the post-digestive outcome of this astringent taste is pungent.

The astringent taste is homeostatic- it can end bleeding, sweating, and put a stop to diarrhoea as well by encouraging the fluid absorption and hindering their elimination. Due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, the astringent taste is also well known as the soother of many internal things. This taste boosts the healing of the joints and also aids in the closing and healing of the wounds.

Location on the Tongue: centre at the back of the tongue
Affinity for Organs: colon
Associated positive emotions: stable, unified, collected, and grounded

The Significance of the Astringent Taste

In terms of qualities, astringent is related to the basic nature like drying, firming, cooling, light, clear and contracting. It can often make the mouth pucker and create the sensations of dryness as well.

Some common food staples of astringent flavour include pomegranates, green beans, okra, alfalfa sprouts, turmeric, and cranberries. Foods which are high in tannins like teas cooked from barks of trees or red wine are also astringent in nature. A lot of legumes, medicines you consume on a daily basis are astringent in nature and this might be a great reason for Vata disorders.

Foods that illustrate Astringent taste

Astringent taste generally include fruits and vegetable Pomegranates, bananas (green), cranberries, apples, sprouts, broccoli, avocado, lettuce, peas, cauliflower, and potatoes that helps in developing a soothing taste to taste buds while cooling down the body — and the mind.

Various grains and spices like Wheat, quinoa, rye, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, poppy seeds, rosemary, saffron, turmeric, vanilla, basil, bay leaf, caraway, coriander, dill, fennel, and marjoram also come under the astringent taste.

Benefits of Astringent rasa

The astringent taste is enriched with great surprising benefits and can make your body better like nothing else. The astringent taste is motivating and has advantageous properties, and it can effectively clean skin, tighten pores and dry out oil.

• Shrink appearance of pores
• Shred out the weight
• Tighten skin
• Cleanse irritants from the skin
• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce acne
• Provide antibacterial benefits

If consumed in excess

Excessive consumption of the astringent taste can create several problems and can also drag your health towards ghoulish. Various destructions to excess consumption of astringent taste are as follows

• Lead to dry mouth
• Heart pain or other heart problems
• Blood clots
• Constipation
• Weakens the voice
• Obstructs circulation
• Makes the skin dry
• Weariness, thirst, and stiffness.
• Retention of gas, urine, and faeces
• Muscle spasms
• Osteoporosis

Footnote

Now you know everything about this taste! So, take care and start consuming the quantity that can bring natural harmony to your health.