College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Kohlrabi Benefits (According to Ayurveda)


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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?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

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 Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

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.

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Metabolic Nature of Kohlrabi

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

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

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry metabolic nature. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Other

Bland

BLAND

Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.

SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS

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 Research & Clinical Trials

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study 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 Study ID:130 (2021-01-26 - 2023-04-02)

Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Kohlrabi may be beneficial for 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. 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.
  • Lowers-thyroid: May magnify or reduce other thyroid medications.

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

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda 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. His wife and family of 7 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, 147 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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