The Six Tastes According to Ayurveda- Know about Salty taste

Salty taste is composed of Fire and Water and is hot and heavy. This flavour creates moisture and heat. The Salty taste is singularly derived from salt and is readily identified in our diets.

About the second rasa- Salty

Salty taste is somewhere between Sweet and Sour tastes with regard to its heavy and moist qualities. While Sweet taste stimulates the greatest water retention and weight gain in the body, Salty taste almost has similar effects when used in excess by any of the doshas.

Location on the Tongue: rear edges of the tongue
Affinity for Organs: kidneys
Associated positive emotions: courage, confidence, enthusiasm, interest

The Role of the Salty Taste

The element of Water in salt’s composition, however, relates to its water retaining quality. It is also energizing, nutritive, demulcent, grounding, soothing to the nervous system, and it softens masses and prevents tumors. The Salty taste provides nourishment to the plasma (rasa dhatu), clears the channels of the body, and prevents stiffness.

Made from the water and fire elements, a smallest particle or grain of salt dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles flavour. Derived from sea, in correct quantities it is vital to our existence and is as essential to our health as water and food.

The Salty taste is grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. However, Ayurveda recommends that excess use affects the emotions; causing greed and the desire for more flavour.

Foods that illustrate Salty taste

Naturally, it is found in any salt (such as sea salt and rock salt) and Ayurveda suggests few other foods of Salty rasa which might go unrecognized like vegetables (celery, seaweed), sea vegetables (like seaweed and kelp), dairy food (like cottage cheese), meat & fish (like tuna), spices & Flavorings like oregano, soy sauce, other chutneys and more.

Word of caution: Avoid using table salt. Keep a check on consumption of items like chips, and pickles. Limit some foods to which large amounts of salt are added like roasted nuts, cheese and other processed food items.

Too much salt can worsen the situation in the case of hypertension, ulcers, or if there are imbalances in the blood. It is advisable to keep low intake of salt or consult a doctor, especially in case of hypertensive patients.

Benefits of Salty rasa

The Salty taste supports body processes like digestion, absorption, assimilation, and elimination. If consumed in moderation, Salty taste improves the flavour of food and here are a few benefits:

• It improves digestion,
• It lubricates tissues,
• It liquefies mucus,
• It helps in growth, supports muscle strength, moistens the body
• It increases salivation
• It maintains the water electrolyte balance
• It aids in the elimination of wastes, and calms the nerves.
• Due to its tendency to attract water, it also improves the radiance of the skin and promotes overall growth in the body.

If consumed in excess

Excess salt also aggravates skin conditions, hinders sensory perception, and may cause burning sensations, wrinkles, grey hair, baldness, ulcers, intestinal inflammation, hyperacidity, and vomiting.

High amounts of salt can also easily overshadow other flavors entirely and can be addictive, so it is important to strike a balance by using salt in small quantities. If over consumed, the Salty taste can disturb all of the doshas. It tends to cause edema, sodium and/or water retention, which can lead to viscous blood, thickening and narrowing of the blood vessels, excess thirst, swelling, or high blood pressure.

Footnote

Natural Mineral Salt, or rock salt is best to be consumed in the right amounts and has a cooling effect rather than heating. It is far more balancing for pitta than other forms of salt. Rock type salt is beneficial in the Ayurvedic tradition, and is considered a superior salt. If used externally, most types of salt aid in drawing moisture and toxins out of the body and can help to reduce swelling and inflammation, or help in healing wounds.