Taste Terms - Glossary

Kashaya

Astringent

Astringent taste; increases Vata, decreases Pitta and Kapha. Drying and contracting. Examples: pomegranate, beans, tea.

Tikta

Bitter

Bitter taste; increases Vata, decreases Pitta and Kapha. Cooling and cleansing. Examples: turmeric, neem, bitter melon.

Katu

Pungent

Pungent taste; increases Vata and Pitta, decreases Kapha. Heating and stimulating. Examples: ginger, pepper, chili.

Lavana

Salty

Salty taste; increases Pitta and Kapha, decreases Vata. Moistening and grounding. Example: sea salt, rock salt.

Amla

Sour

Sour taste; increases Pitta and Kapha, decreases Vata. Stimulating and cleansing. Examples: lemon, yogurt, tamarind.

Madhura

Sweet

Sweet taste; increases Kapha, decreases Vata and Pitta. Nourishing and building. Examples: rice, milk, sugar, dates.