A CRITICAL REVIEW ON SIX RASA (TASTE) IN AYURVEDIC MEDICINE & HERBALS

Abstract

The Sanskrit word for taste is Rasa. It means delight or essence, both of which are healing. If the taste of the food is not pleasing, the gastric fires may not digest the food, and thus proper nutrition  is  not  received.  According  to  Ayurveda,  there  are  six  Rasa  viz.Madhur,  Amla, Lawan, Tikata, Katu and Kashay. Ayurveda teaches us to fully acknowledge, appreciate – even relish – the variety of flavors we encounter throughout each day. As discussed above each of the six tastes either increase, or decrease, each dosha. Taste of Aushadhi enhances its uses however it should not hampered therapeutic quality of medicine