Last, but not least, we explore the 6th and final taste. The astringent taste is made up primarily of the earth and air elements. Its qualities are cool, dry, heavy and firm. It helps bring balance to those whose constitutions are predominantly made up of the fire, water and earth elements, while potentially aggravating those who have more of the ether and air elements.
In terms of digestion, the astringent taste is the 6th taste we want to consume in a meal. The air element helps further our absorption of certain vitamins, minerals, and water in the ascending colon, while the earth element helps bulk up the stool, form feces and stimulate mass peristalsis, resulting in elimination.
When we eat something astringent, the taste buds at the very rear, central part of the tongue become active and send a message to the colon.
Some examples of astringent foods
- Vegetables: green beans, alfalfa, brussels sprouts, okra, avocado, broccoli, leafy greens, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, potatoes & most raw veggies.
- Herbs& Spices: nutmeg, oregano, parsley, poppy seeds, rosemary, saffron, turmeric, vanilla, basil, bay leaf, caraway, coriander, dill, fennel, marjoram.
- Fruits: unripe bananas, greengrapes, pomegranates, cranberries, apple, pear.
The astringent taste helps improve absorption, tones the tissues, cools excess heat, reduces sweating, binds the stool, and helps stop bleeding by promoting clotting and the constriction of blood vessels. In addition, it acts as a decongestant, is anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, helps scrape fat, avert coughs and heal wounds and ulcers.
Overconsumptionof astringent foods, however, can lead to spasms, dryness of mouth, stagnant circulation, gas, bloating, constipation and neuromuscular disorders. In excess, it can create convulsions, choking, difficulty speaking, stiffness, stroke paralysis, reduce sex drive and lower sperm counts.
Psychologically, the astringent taste can be supportive and grounding due to the earth element. Emotionally, it helps us to cool off and we may feel stable and unified. It can help mentally purify and strengthen us. It brings things together and makes the mind collected and organized, putting everything in it’s proper place.
Too much astringent taste, however, can make the mind scattered and disorganized. It can lead to insomnia, fear, anxiety, nervousness, fixation, rigidity and depression, due to the holding on of emotions.