Wasabi

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

The heat goes directly to the sinuses, clearing them.

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SERVING SIZE: 1/8 tsp
FAMILY: Brassicaceae
SPECIES: Eutrema japonicum
EAT IN: SPRING

Metabolic Nature of Wasabi

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.
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MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?
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PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

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.
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PACIFIES

AGGRAVATES

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.
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PACIFIES

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

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

AGGRAVATES

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.

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SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot and oily with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body. Vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Other

Subtaste:

Acrid

STRONG ACRID

Acrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.

SEE ALL 'ACRID' FOODS / HERBS

Moves Energy:

Outward

OUTWARD

Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating.

SEE ALL 'OUTWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Upward

UPWARD

Upward-moving substances (Urdvha Gati Marga) include anything stimulating or activating, or that move upward in the body.

SEE ALL 'UPWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Wasabi
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)

Digestion:

Warms Abdomen

WARMS-ABDOMEN

Warms the muscles and organs of the abdomen, stimulating digestion and metabolism.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-ABDOMEN' FOODS / HERBS

Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Bowel Health:

General Laxative

GENERAL-LAXATIVE

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives.

SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Mind, Stress & Sleep:

Wakes You Up

STRONG WAKES-YOU-UP

Invigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy.

SEE ALL 'WAKES-YOU-UP' FOODS / HERBS

Analgesic

STRONG ANALGESIC

Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.

SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:

Refreshing

REFRESHING

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.

SEE ALL 'REFRESHING' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care & Beauty:

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Rubefacient

RUBEFACIENT

An herb used topically that causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation. The skin will appear red or flushed.

SEE ALL 'RUBEFACIENT' FOODS / HERBS

Respiratory-Health:

Warms Chest

STRONG WARMS-CHEST

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-CHEST' FOODS / HERBS

Clears Sinuses

CLEARS-SINUSES

Cleanses sinuses by draining excess mucus, allowing for clear, easy breathing.

SEE ALL 'CLEARS-SINUSES' FOODS / HERBS

Flushes Sinuses

FLUSHES-SINUSES

An herb that relieves sinus congestion by flushing out mucus.

SEE ALL 'FLUSHES-SINUSES' FOODS / HERBS

Irritates Throat

IRRITATES-THROAT

Creates abrasive feeling in the back of the mouth. May stimulate coughing.

SEE ALL 'IRRITATES-THROAT' FOODS / HERBS

Expectorant

STRONG EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

Mucolytic

STRONG MUCOLYTIC

An herb that breaks apart mucus, liquefying the mucus.

SEE ALL 'MUCOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:

Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial

ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Immune Calming

IMMUNE-CALMING

Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.

SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-CALMING' FOODS / HERBS

Repairs Membrane

REPAIRS-MEMBRANE

Reduces inflammation and allergen reactivity by restoring epithelial barrier function. Repairs tight cell junction in leaky gut, interstitial cystitis, eczema, asthma, etc.

SEE ALL 'REPAIRS-MEMBRANE' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:

Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

SEE ALL 'CARDIAC-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

Vasodilator

VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Kidney & Urinary:

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs 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.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Lithagogue

LITHAGOGUE

An herb used to expel stones such as kidney stones or gallstones.

SEE ALL 'LITHAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Liver & Gallbladder:

Cholagogue

CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Weight Loss:

Lowers Thyroid

LOWERS-THYROID

Reduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-THYROID' FOODS / HERBS

Other:

Aromatic

Constituents:

Aromatase Inhibitor

AROMATASE-INHIBITOR

Blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting conversion of progesterone and testosterone into estrogen.

SEE ALL 'AROMATASE-INHIBITOR' FOODS / HERBS

, Polysaccharides, Sulfated Polysaccharides, Sulphur

Foods with a Similar Nature to Wasabi

Horseradish

Horseradish has these Actions in Common
Diuretic, General-laxative, Lithagogue, Refreshing, Vasodilator, Warms-chest, Analgesic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Immune-calming, Lowers-thyroid, Repairs-membrane, Wakes-you-up, Antibacterial, Cholagogue, Digestive, Flushes-sinuses, Irritates-throat, Mucolytic, Rubefacient, Warms-abdomen, Antimicrobial, Clears-sinuses
LEARN MORE
Garlic (raw)

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common
Antibacterial, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Mucolytic, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Repairs-membrane, Warms-abdomen, Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic, General-laxative, Rubefacient, Warms-chest
LEARN MORE
Mustard

Mustard has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Rubefacient, Warms-abdomen, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Flushes-sinuses, Vasodilator, Warms-chest, Analgesic, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, Irritates-throat, Wakes-you-up
LEARN MORE
Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common
Irritates-throat, Wakes-you-up, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Rubefacient, Warms-abdomen, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Flushes-sinuses, Vasodilator, Warms-chest, Analgesic, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic
LEARN MORE
Mustard Powder

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Rubefacient, Warms-abdomen, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Flushes-sinuses, Vasodilator, Warms-chest, Analgesic, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, Irritates-throat, Wakes-you-up
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Daikon Radish

Daikon Radish has these Actions in Common
Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Mucolytic, Warms-chest, Cholagogue, Digestive, Flushes-sinuses, Refreshing, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, General-laxative, Warms-abdomen
LEARN MORE
Spanish Black Radish

Spanish Black Radish has these Actions in Common
Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic, Immune-calming, Mucolytic, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Lithagogue, Repairs-membrane, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Lowers-thyroid
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Cloves

Cloves has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Digestive, Vasodilator, Analgesic, Cardiac-stimulant, Expectorant, Warms-abdomen, Antibacterial, Diaphoretic, Rubefacient, Warms-chest
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Cinnamon

Cinnamon has these Actions in Common
Rubefacient, Antibacterial, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Warms-chest, Antimicrobial, Digestive, Mucolytic, Analgesic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic
LEARN MORE
Radish (raw)

Radish (raw) has these Actions in Common
Cholagogue, Expectorant, Lithagogue, Repairs-membrane, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Lowers-thyroid, Diuretic, General-laxative, Mucolytic
LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Wasabi

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Warms-chest, Clears-sinuses, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Immune-calming, Antibacterial, Refreshing
LEARN MORE
Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil has these Actions in Common
Refreshing, Vasodilator, Wakes-you-up, Analgesic, Warms-chest, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Expectorant
LEARN MORE
Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common
Diaphoretic, Digestive, Expectorant, Immune-calming, Rubefacient, Vasodilator, Analgesic, Warms-chest, Cardiac-stimulant
LEARN MORE
Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common
Vasodilator, Wakes-you-up, Analgesic, Warms-chest, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Diuretic, Immune-calming, Refreshing
LEARN MORE
Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal has these Actions in Common
Rubefacient, Analgesic, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic, Expectorant
LEARN MORE
Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz has these Actions in Common
Rubefacient, Antibacterial, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Expectorant, Immune-calming, Mucolytic
LEARN MORE
Hot Shower

Hot Shower has these Actions in Common
Cardiac-stimulant, Clears-sinuses, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Flushes-sinuses, Mucolytic, Vasodilator, Warms-chest
LEARN MORE
Hot Bath

Hot Bath has these Actions in Common
Cardiac-stimulant, Clears-sinuses, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Flushes-sinuses, Mucolytic, Vasodilator, Warms-chest
LEARN MORE
Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom Salt Bath has these Actions in Common
Vasodilator, Warms-chest, Cardiac-stimulant, Clears-sinuses, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Flushes-sinuses, Mucolytic
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Hyssop Powder

Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common
Expectorant, Mucolytic, Refreshing, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic
LEARN MORE
Goldenrod

Goldenrod has these Actions in Common
Diuretic, Expectorant, Immune-calming, Irritates-throat, Mucolytic, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant
LEARN MORE

Wasabi Impact Report

The reports shared below are part of an educational assignment completed by students at the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda. 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.