College of Natural Health Sciences

College of Natural Health Sciences

 

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Kohlrabi Benefits (Ayurveda Insights)


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Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5 stars
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"I like kohlrabi raw and cooked as well. It tastes like broccoli stems. It's crunchy. I use it diced up, in my porridge..."
- theresa Waianae, HI

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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CONSTITUTIONAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS

Since kohlrabi is sweeter and milder than broccoli, it is less likely to aggravate Vata.

Raw brassicas contain chemicals that can block thyroid function called goitrogens. These chemicals are easily inactivated by steaming or cooking.

About Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is bred from the same plant as broccoli and cabbage. It's name comes from the German Kohl (cabbage) and Rabi (turnip), because kohlrabi has the shape of a turnip.

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Is Kohlrabi a Good Match for My Body?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Kohlrabi' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Constitutional nutrition is tailored to the individual. In the kitchen, especially during your family’s formative years, you shape your family's lifelong health.

Understanding your child's constitution is key to raising resilience, instead of wiring in disease. Study constitutional medicine to discover the keys to personalized nourishment.

Rooted in the insights curated from Ayurveda and Greek medicine, constitutional medicine teaches you which foods match your body, so you and your family have true vitality, strength, and balance. See How it Works.

Medicinal Effects of Kohlrabi

Constitutional nutrition systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, hebs, lifestyle choices, your body, and disease.

AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Kohlrabi
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Lowers Thyroid

LOWERS-THYROID

Reduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-THYROID' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Estrogenic

ANTI-ESTROGENIC

Reduces estrogen, which reduces thickness of the uterus endometrium, pelvic congestive disorders like fibroids, and frequently dysmenorrhea as well.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Chelates

CHELATES

Binds to toxins such as heavy metals making them more soluble for elimination by the body.

SEE ALL 'CHELATES' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Kohlrabi

  • Turnip

    Turnip has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic, Chelates, Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Turnip Greens

    Turnip Greens has these Actions in Common

    Lowers-thyroid, Anti-estrogenic, Chelates

    LEARN MORE

  • Cabbage (raw)

    Cabbage (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic, Chelates, Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Cauliflower

    Cauliflower has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic, Chelates, Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Broccoli

    Broccoli has these Actions in Common

    Chelates, Lowers-thyroid, Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Brussels sprouts

    Brussels sprouts has these Actions in Common

    Chelates, Lowers-thyroid, Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Kale

    Kale has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic, Chelates, Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Green Tea

    Green Tea has these Actions in Common

    Lowers-thyroid, Chelates

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic Mustard

    Garlic Mustard has these Actions in Common

    Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Brazil Nut

    Brazil Nut has these Actions in Common

    Chelates

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Kohlrabi

  • Maca

    Maca has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic, Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Oregon Graperoot

    Oregon Graperoot has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Black Walnut

    Black Walnut has these Actions in Common

    Chelates

    LEARN MORE

  • Ashoka

    Ashoka has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Dandelion Root

    Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Chastetree Berry

    Chastetree Berry has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic

    Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Horsetail

    Horsetail has these Actions in Common

    Chelates

    LEARN MORE

  • Neem Leaf

    Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Black Cohosh

    Black Cohosh has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

Kohlrabi - Metabolic Impact Report

The reports shared below are part of an educational assignment completed by students at the Joyful Belly College of Natural Health Sciences. These represent subjective experiences intended to help students explore principles of Ayurveda through personal observation. In each report below, students ate the selected food for 3 days and self-reported these effects. See other food & herb reports at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Kohlrabi affect your temperature?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
7
10
8
0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your sweat quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
20
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the color of your tongue body?

20
16
12
8
4
0
2
5
0
18
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the swelling of your tongue body?

22
18
14
10
6
2
4
3
18
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your appetite/hunger?

10
8
6
4
2
0
2
9
6
7
1
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your digestion speed?

10
8
6
4
2
0
2
9
9
4
1
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

TOXINS

How did Kohlrabi affect the amount of gas & bloating?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
1
12
7
5
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your stool smell?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
2
15
8
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

15
12
9
6
3
0
3
5
12
5
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the color of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
2
1
1
6
15
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your urine smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
0
19
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
19
4
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your sweat smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
22
0
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

HYDRATION

How did Kohlrabi affect your urine frequency/quantity?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
4
16
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the cracks on your tongue?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
22
0
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Kohlrabi affect your energy levels?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
6
12
4
2
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your muscle tension?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
7
16
2
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your anxiety?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
7
14
3
1
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the stillness of your tongue?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
17
8
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

DIGESTION

How did Kohlrabi affect your appetite/hunger?

10
8
6
4
2
0
2
9
6
7
1
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your digestion speed?

10
8
6
4
2
0
2
9
9
4
1
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the amount of gas & bloating?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
1
12
7
5
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

TONGUE

How did Kohlrabi affect the cracks on your tongue?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
22
0
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

15
12
9
6
3
0
3
5
12
5
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the color of your tongue body?

20
16
12
8
4
0
2
5
0
18
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the color of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
2
1
1
6
15
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the swelling of your tongue body?

22
18
14
10
6
2
4
3
18
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the stillness of your tongue?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
17
8
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

STOOL

How did Kohlrabi affect your stool frequency/quantity?

16
13
10
7
4
1
2
4
14
3
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your stool color?

25
20
15
10
5
0
4
0
1
0
20
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your stool lightness?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
6
15
4
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your stool smell?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
2
15
8
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your stool consistency?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
7
13
3
1
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

URINE

How did Kohlrabi affect your urine frequency/quantity?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
4
16
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
19
4
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your urine clarity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
21
3
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your urine smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
0
19
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your urine lightness?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
17
5
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

SWEAT

How did Kohlrabi affect your sweat quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
20
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your sweat smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
22
0
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

SYSTEMIC

How did Kohlrabi affect your energy levels?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
6
12
4
2
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your muscle tension?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
7
16
2
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your anxiety?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
7
14
3
1
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

How did Kohlrabi affect your temperature?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
7
10
8
0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

Note: These exercises are not part of an FDA-regulated study, and were not designed or conducted under a clinical research protocol. They are neither investigational in nature nor scientific findings. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They are experiential assignments rooted in traditional Ayurvedic education, intended solely for instructional use. No conclusions should be drawn regarding the therapeutic effects of any food, herb, or dietary substance based on these student reflections.


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Kohlrabi may temper these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Kohlrabi may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Kohlrabi. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Spring

Kohlrabi is recommended for Spring. Check out these other Spring foods here.
VIEW ALL SPRING FOODS MORE FOODS FOR PITTA / KAPHA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

Constitutional Nutrition: Strengthen Your Health Naturally

When your dietary choices align with your individual nature (constitution), it supports your metabolism, energy, and health naturally. A personalized diet, fitting to your constitution, leverages your natural strengths while gently supporting your body where it's vulnerable.

Constitutional nutrition is especially beneficial for digestion, a foundational pillar of health influencing your entire well-being. Balanced digestion fortifies your body's natural defenses against illness and enhances your resilience when illness does arise. A healthy digestive fire (*agni*) eases discomfort, speeds recovery, and naturally uplifts your mood.

By embracing constitutional nutrition, you will soon experience a profound sense of renewal, vitality, and inner strength.

CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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Comments & Impressions of 'Kohlrabi'

Do you like 'kohlrabi'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'kohlrabi'?

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 152 likes
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theresa Waianae, HI
2015-02-20
“I like kohlrabi raw and cooked as well. It tastes like broccoli stems. It's crunchy. I use it diced up, in my porridge and my soups. Today I prepared a kim chee soup with some chopped pork, curly kale, endive, turnips, kohlrabi, ginger, long red chili pepper flakes with just enough water to cover all the ingredients in a large pot. "
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