The Six Tastes: Sour
Balance My Excess Sour $15.95 Browse RecipesSour Stats ![]() Balance My Excess SourGet the 45 minute presentation 'Balance My Excess Sour' given by Joyful Belly founder and director John Immel.
This presentation will show you Ayurvedic essentials on fixing this imbalance, including diet, lifestyle, and herbal tips from Ayurveda.
Price: $15.95
AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON SOURSour refers to anything fermented or acidic.When something spoils or goes rotten it becomes sour. Sour taste in Ayurveda generally refers to fermented foods as in "the milk has gone sour," or acidic foods. Sour foods include yogurt, wine, beer, miso, and pickles. Acidic fruits like citrus and subacidic fruits like peaches are also considered sour, but where ferments heat the blood, sour fruits cool the blood. Sour and SecretionsSour pacifies Vata. Sours are secretagogues. They moisten and refresh a dry palate, encouraging secretions throughout the GI tract. These might be salivary secretions that improve taste, gastric secretions in the stomach that improve digestion, or a moist colon that facilitates smoother, looser bowel movements.Sour Spoils the BloodSour ferments are hot and may spoil the blood, aggravating Pitta. Since all ferments are pre-digested by bacteria, they are readily absorbed through the GI tract. Sours thus increase the blood (rakta). In Chinese medicine they "generate" the liver. Since ferments are already digested, they contain metabolic byproducts or "bacteria poop." It is the bioavailability of nutrients combined with irritating metabolic byproducts that heat up metabolism in all tissues (dhatu agni), stimulate the liver, and cause the blood to spoil. Heavy ferments also aggravate Kapha. Sour increases flabbiness of tissues and decreases the strength of the sense organs.Sour Increases DesireIntellectuals love wine because it dilates blood vessels and focuses the mind. When our desires aren't satisfied it could lead to "sour grapes," as in the case of Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Grapes." Grapes are supposed to be sweet, and nobody likes eating grapes that have turned sour. If we have sour grapes, our heart rejects the object of our desire.Sour FruitsSour fruits are more sattvic than ferments. They refresh and cleanse the palate. Think of a lemon sorbet between courses at a fine French restaurant. Generally, sour fruits heat digestion, but not the blood. Sour fruits come in two categories: acidic and subacidic. Acidic fruits include citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. Citrus fruits strongly pacify Kapha. However, most sours like lemons exhaust Pitta-Vata livers so caution is required. Mild sours that are also sweet (applesauce, blueberries) are exceptions to the this. Subacidic fruits include peaches, apricots, cherries, apples. Subacidic fruits are the most sattvic of all sours. Many subacidic fruits pacify Pitta-Kapha because they decongest the liver and extract hot toxic bile from the liver.Sour and Chinese MedicineIn Chinese medicine, sour taste is considered cooling because sour taste includes astringent taste. Pomegranates and cranberries are special medicines in Ayurveda because they are examples of sours with strong astringency. These sours focus dispersed energy, bringing the spirit back to the heart. They are also valuable digestive tonics because: (1) sourness aids digestion, (2) the cool quality soothes inflammation, and (3) astringency restores tone to distended tissues.INGREDIENTS WITH SOUR QUALITY
View By:
Alcohol, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Beer, Blackberry, Blue Cheese, Blueberry, Cheddar Cheese, Cherry, Cottage Cheese, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, Grape, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Kefir, Kombucha, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Mayonnaise, Mozarella Cheese, Mulberry, Olives, Orange, Parmesan Cheese, Peaches, Pickle (Cucumber), Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Red Wine Vinegar, Romano Cheese, Sake, Sauerkraut, Sour Cream, Strawberries, Tomato, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar, White Wine (Dry type), Yogurt
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Alcohol, Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Blue Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Feta Cheese, Fish Sauce, Grapefruit, Jaggery, Kefir, Ketchup, Kombucha, Lemon, Miso, Molasses, Mozarella Cheese, Olives, Orange, Parmesan Cheese, Pickle (Cucumber), Pineapple, Pomegranate Molasses, Raspberry, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Romano Cheese, Sake, Sassafras Leaf, Sauerkraut, Sorghum Molasses, Sour Cream, Strawberries, Tamarind, Tomato, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar, White Wine (Dry type), Yeast
FIREResembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.Alcohol, Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Blue Cheese, Cherry, Grapefruit, Jaggery, Ketchup, Kombucha, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Mayonnaise, Miso, Molasses, Olives, Orange, Parmesan Cheese, Pickle (Cucumber), Pineapple, Raspberry, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Sake, Sauerkraut, Sorghum Molasses, Sour Cream, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomato, White Vinegar, White Wine (Dry type), Yeast, Yogurt
RAJASICRajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.Acai, Apple (cooked), Beer, Blackberry, Blueberry, Buttermilk, Cheddar Cheese, Cherry, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Flower / Bee Pollen, Goat Cheese, Grape, Honey Dew, Jaggery, Kefir, Mango, Miso, Molasses, Mozarella Cheese, Orange, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Raspberry, Romano Cheese, Sorghum Molasses, Umeboshi Plums, Yogurt
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Apple (cooked), Beer, Blue Cheese, Buttermilk, Cheddar Cheese, Cherry, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Jaggery, Kefir, Mango, Mayonnaise, Molasses, Mozarella Cheese, Mulberry, Parmesan Cheese, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Rhubarb, Romano Cheese, Sorghum Molasses, Sour Cream, Yogurt
EARTHResembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.Apple (cooked), Blueberry, Buttermilk, Cheddar Cheese, Cherry, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, Grape, Honey Dew, Jaggery, Kefir, Mango, Miso, Mozarella Cheese, Orange, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Raspberry, Romano Cheese, Umeboshi Plums, Yogurt
OJASOjas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.Alcohol, Balsamic Vinegar, Beer, Blue Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Cranberry, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, Ketchup, Molasses, Mozarella Cheese, Olives, Parmesan Cheese, Pickle (Cucumber), Plum, Pomegranate, Red Wine, Rhubarb, Romano Cheese, Sorghum Molasses, Spinach, Yeast, Yogurt
ACIDIFYINGAn herb that creates an acidic pH in the blood chemistry.Apple (cooked), Apple (raw), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Cherry, Grape, Grapefruit, Kombucha, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Mayonnaise, Orange, Peaches, Pineapple, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Raspberry, Red Wine Vinegar, Sake, Strawberries, Tomato, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar
ALKALIZINGAn herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.Apple (cooked), Apple (raw), Blackberry, Blueberry, Buttermilk, Cherry, Cottage Cheese, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Goat Cheese, Grape, Grapefruit, Honey Dew, Jaggery, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peaches, Pomegranate, Raisins, Raspberry, Strawberries, Umeboshi Plums
SATTVICSattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.FruitsAcai, Apple (cooked), Apple (raw), Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Mulberry, Orange, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Strawberries, TamarindAcai, Apple (raw), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Grapefruit, Hibiscus, Mango, Mulberry, Plum, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomato, White Vinegar
ANTIOXIDANTAn antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.Acai, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Buttermilk, Cherry, Cranberry, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Kefir, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Sauerkraut, Sour Cream, Strawberries, Tamarind, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar, Yogurt
IMPROVES-FOCUSReduces scattered thoughts. Creates a steady mind. Includes herbs that relax (for Vata) and herbs that stimulate (for Kapha).Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Jaggery, Lemon, Mango, Molasses, Mulberry, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Raspberry, Red Wine Vinegar, Sorghum Molasses, Strawberries, White Vinegar
RED-BLOODRed blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.Apple Cider Vinegar, Grape, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Molasses, Orange, Peaches, Pickle (Cucumber), Pineapple, Pomegranate Molasses, Red Wine Vinegar, Sauerkraut, Sorghum Molasses, Strawberries, Tamarind, Tomato, White Vinegar
SIALOGOGUEA sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands. Salty taste is very moistening as well. Bitter, pungent and sweettastes also increase salivary output but to a lesser degree. Astringents.Acai, Apple Cider Vinegar, Blueberry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Jaggery, Lemon, Lime, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Red Wine Vinegar, Sassafras Leaf, Strawberries, White Vinegar
ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Alcohol, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Flower / Bee Pollen, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Rhubarb, White Vinegar, White Wine (Dry type)
DETOXICANTAn herb that decongests or dislodges toxins from the body and the lymphatic, transforming or altering fluids to a more healthy state.Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Flower / Bee Pollen, Grape, Jaggery, Molasses, Mulberry, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Raspberry, Sorghum Molasses
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Acai, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Hibiscus, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Spinach, Strawberries
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Lemon, Lime, Peaches, Pineapple, Pomegranate Molasses, Sassafras Leaf, Strawberries, Tamarind
DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestion.Beer, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Flower / Bee Pollen, Grape, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Mango
DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Flower / Bee Pollen, Grapefruit, Molasses, Orange, Pineapple, Sorghum Molasses, Tamarind
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Flower / Bee Pollen, Grape, Honey Dew, Jaggery, Yogurt
TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.Apple Cider Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, White Vinegar
HEPATOPROTECTIVEAn herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Alcohol, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Grape, Grapefruit, Honey Dew, Kombucha, Lemon, Lime, Miso, Mulberry, Olives, Orange, Peaches, Pickle (Cucumber), Pineapple, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Sake, Sauerkraut, Strawberries, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar, White Wine (Dry type)
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Alcohol, Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Beer, Cherry, Jaggery, Ketchup, Kombucha, Lemon, Mango, Miso, Molasses, Olives, Orange, Peaches, Pickle (Cucumber), Pineapple, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Sauerkraut, Sorghum Molasses, Spinach, Tamarind, White Vinegar
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Alcohol, Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Cherry, Grapefruit, Hibiscus, Kombucha, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Pickle (Cucumber), Plum, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Rhubarb, Sassafras Leaf, Sauerkraut, Spinach, Tamarind, White Vinegar, White Wine (Dry type)
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Alcohol, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grapefruit, Kombucha, Lemon, Lime, Miso, Orange, Peaches, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Rhubarb, Sake, Tamarind, White Vinegar, White Wine (Dry type)
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Beer, Blue Cheese, Buttermilk, Cheddar Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, Kefir, Mango, Mayonnaise, Mozarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Raisins, Romano Cheese, Sour Cream, Tamarind, Yogurt
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Acai, Apple (raw), Blackberry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Grape Leaves, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Lime, Mulberry, Pomegranate, Raisins, Raspberry, Strawberries
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Blue Cheese, Buttermilk, Cheddar Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, Jaggery, Kefir, Mango, Mozarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese, Sour Cream, Yogurt
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Grape Leaves, Kombucha, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Sassafras Leaf, Spinach, Strawberries, White Vinegar
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Blue Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, Mayonnaise, Mozarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese, Sour Cream
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Blue Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese, Dosa Mix, Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, Mozarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese, Tomato
DIFFICULTDifficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, Grapefruit, Kombucha, Molasses, Orange, Pineapple, Red Wine Vinegar, Sorghum Molasses, White Vinegar
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Apple (raw), Beer, Buttermilk, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Dosa Mix, Grape Leaves, Plum, Sassafras Leaf, White Wine (Dry type)
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Alcohol, Beer, Red Wine, White Wine (Dry type)
TOXICA substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.Acai, Apple (cooked), Apple (raw), Beer, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Dosa Mix, Flower / Bee Pollen, Grape, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Jaggery, Ketchup, Mango, Molasses, Mulberry, Orange, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Raspberry, Red Wine, Rhubarb, Sassafras Leaf, Sorghum Molasses, Strawberries, Tamarind, Tomato, Umeboshi Plums
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Acai, Apple (raw), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Buttermilk, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape Leaves, Green Mango, Hibiscus, Lemon, Mulberry, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Rhubarb, Sassafras Leaf, Spinach, Strawberries, Tamarind, White Vinegar, White Wine (Dry type)
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Blue Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Feta Cheese, Flower / Bee Pollen, Ketchup, Miso, Mozarella Cheese, Olives, Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese, Spinach
SALTYSalty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.Beer, Flower / Bee Pollen, Grapefruit, Jaggery, Lemon, Molasses, Plum, Rhubarb, Sorghum Molasses, Spinach
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Balsamic Vinegar, Flower / Bee Pollen, Ketchup, Pineapple, Tomato
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Molasses, Sorghum Molasses
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Honey Dew
BLANDBland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.Pineapple
CRUNCHYMakes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.Sassafras Leaf
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Bone JointBlue Cheese, Buttermilk, Cheddar Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese, Sour Cream, Spinach, YogurtBowel Poop EliminationApple (cooked), Apple (raw), Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape Leaves, Hibiscus, Lemon, Lime, Peaches, Rhubarb, TamarindHeart Circulation BloodAcai, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grapefruit, Orange, Pomegranate, Raspberry, StrawberriesLiver GallbladderAcai, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Grapefruit, Red Wine Vinegar, Strawberries, White VinegarHibiscus, Lemon, Strawberries
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).Yogurt
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.Snack DessertApple (cooked), Apple (raw), Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cottage Cheese, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Mulberry, Olives, Orange, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Raisins, Raspberry, Strawberries, Tamarind, YogurtAutumn WinterAlcohol, Apple (cooked), Apple (raw), Beer, Blue Cheese, Buttermilk, Cheddar Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Cranberry, Cream Cheese, Dosa Mix, Feta Cheese, Fish Sauce, Goat Cheese, Kefir, Lemon, Mayonnaise, Miso, Molasses, Mozarella Cheese, Olives, Parmesan Cheese, Pickle (Cucumber), Raisins, Red Wine, Romano Cheese, Sake, Sauerkraut, Sorghum Molasses, Sour Cream, White Wine (Dry type), YogurtSummerAcai, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Grape, Grape Leaves, Grapefruit, Green Mango, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Jaggery, Lime, Mulberry, Orange, Peaches, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Pomegranate Molasses, Raisins, Raspberry, Rhubarb, Sassafras Leaf, Strawberries, Tamarind, TomatoHERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH SOUR QUALITY
View By:
Amalaki, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Bhringaraj, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Haritaki, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Punarnasava, Triphala Ghee (9oz), Witch Hazel
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Bhringaraj, Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Haritaki, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Punarnasava, Triphala, Triphala Ghee (9oz), Vidanga
DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Amalaki, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Ginkgo, Haritaki, Punarnasava, Triphala, Vidanga
ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Amalaki, Bitter Orange Peel, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Haritaki, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Schisandra, Triphala
DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestion.Amalaki, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Haritaki, Triphala, Vidanga
DETOXICANTAn herb that decongests or dislodges toxins from the body and the lymphatic, transforming or altering fluids to a more healthy state.Amalaki, Bitter Orange Peel, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Reduced lemon juice, Rhodiola, Schisandra
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Amalaki, Bhringaraj, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Rhodiola, Schisandra
TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.Amalaki, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Bhringaraj, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Red Peony, Rhodiola
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Amalaki, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Haritaki, Reduced lemon juice, Schisandra, Triphala
SIALOGOGUEA sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands. Salty taste is very moistening as well. Bitter, pungent and sweettastes also increase salivary output but to a lesser degree. Astringents.Amalaki, Bhringaraj, Bitter Orange Peel, Ginkgo, Jujube, Schisandra
HEPATOPROTECTIVEAn herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Amalaki, Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Punarnasava, Sea buckthorn, Witch Hazel
ANTIOXIDANTAn antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.Amalaki, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Schisandra, Triphala
IMPROVES-FOCUSReduces scattered thoughts. Creates a steady mind. Includes herbs that relax (for Vata) and herbs that stimulate (for Kapha).Amalaki, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Sea buckthorn
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Triphala Ghee (9oz)
FIREResembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Witch Hazel
RED-BLOODRed blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Haritaki
SATTVICSattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam
OJASOjas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam
EARTHResembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.Bitter Orange Peel
RAJASICRajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.Triphala Ghee (9oz)
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Bhringaraj, Bitter Orange Peel, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Haritaki, Reduced lemon juice, Triphala, Triphala Ghee (9oz), Witch Hazel
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Amalaki, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Bhringaraj, Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Punarnasava, Red Peony, Rhodiola, Witch Hazel
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Rhodiola, Schisandra, Triphala, Witch Hazel
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Bhringaraj, Bitter Orange Peel, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Haritaki, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Triphala
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Schisandra, Vidanga
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Haritaki, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Reduced lemon juice
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Amalaki, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Triphala Ghee (9oz)
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Triphala Ghee (9oz)
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Bitter Orange Peel
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Bhringaraj, Bitter Orange Peel, Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Haritaki, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Punarnasava, Red Peony, Reduced lemon juice, Rhodiola, Triphala Ghee (9oz), Vidanga
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Amalaki, Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Haritaki, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Rhodiola, Schisandra, Triphala, Triphala Ghee (9oz), Vidanga, Witch Hazel
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Bhringaraj, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Ginkgo, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Jujube, Punarnasava, Schisandra, Triphala Ghee (9oz)
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Bhringaraj, Bitter Orange Peel, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Punarnasava, Rhodiola, Triphala Ghee (9oz), Vidanga
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Bitter Orange Peel, Witch Hazel
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Bitter Orange Peel, Reduced lemon juice
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.DigestionChyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Haritaki, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Reduced lemon juice, Triphala, VidangaAmalaki, Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam, Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Rhodiola
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.Amalaki, Bhringaraj, Triphala, Witch Hazel
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).HELPFUL FOR*'Sour' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.Kidney Bladder UrinarySkinCONTRAINDICATIONS / AGGRAVATES / IS AGGRAVATED BY*'Sour' may aggravate, or be aggravated by, these symptoms and causes below.Blood and CirculationSkinPoopRespiratory HealthWeight LossAbout the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. |
Get Ayurveda's approach to food cravings & emotional eating for balanced weight and health.