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“Rasa” is one among the five qualities of dravya (substance). The term “rasa” means taste or the perception of taste. Also the guna (quality) of the rasendriya is known as rasa (the rasa dhatu among the saptdhatus is distinct from this rasa) Rasa in dravya(substance) are known by their effects in our body.

“Rasa” (Samskrit : रसः) is one among the five qualities of dravya (द्रव्यम् substance). The term “rasa” means taste or the perception of taste. Also the guna (गुणाः quality) of the rasanendriya (रसनेन्द्रियम्) is known as rasa (the [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|rasa dhatu]] among the [[Dhatus (धातवः)|saptdhatus]] is distinct from this rasa) Rasas in dravya (substance) are known by their effects in our body.

== Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः॥ Etymology ==

रस्यत आस्वाद्यत इति रसः | (Char. Samh. 1.64)<ref>Chakrapani Commentary on Charaka Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 64])</ref>

<blockquote>रस्यत आस्वाद्यत इति रसः | (Char. Samh. 1.64)<ref>Chakrapani Commentary on Charaka Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 64])</ref>

Meaning: Rasa means which can be perceived by the tongue or that which can be tasted.

rasyata āsvādyata iti rasaḥ | (Char. Samh. 1.64)</blockquote>Meaning: Rasa means which can be perceived by the tongue or that which can be tasted.

== Types of Rasas ==

== रसभेदाः ॥ Types of Rasas ==

There are shadrasa meaning six in number: <blockquote>रसाः स्वाद्वम्ललवणतिक्तोषणकषायकाः||</blockquote><blockquote>षड् द्रव्यमाश्रितास्ते च यथापूर्वंबलावहाः (Asht. Hrud. 1.14-15)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam ([http://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read&h=rasAH Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 14-15])</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Madhura, Amla, Lavana, Katu, Tikta and Kashaya are 6 types of rasa which are present in substances. These rasas are in decreasing order of providing strength to the body.

There are shadrasa meaning six in number: <blockquote>रसाः स्वाद्वम्ललवणतिक्तोषणकषायकाः| षड् द्रव्यमाश्रितास्ते च यथापूर्वंबलावहाः (Asht. Hrud. 1.14-15)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam ([http://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read&h=rasAH Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 14-15])</ref>

Svadu/Madhura(sweet), Amla(sour), Lavana(salty), Katu(pungent), Tikta(bitter) and Kashaya(astringent) are the 6 types of rasa. According to Ayurveda acharyas these rasas provide strength to the body when consumed through diet and medicines. Although all these rasas provide strength, not all of these have equal ability to provide strength. Acharya Vagbhata states that, these rasas are in decreasing order of providing strength to the body. This means madhura rasa imparts maximum strength whereas Kashaya rasa lowest.

rasāḥ svādvamlalavaṇatiktoṣaṇakaṣāyakāḥ| ṣaḍ dravyamāśritāste ca yathāpūrvaṁbalāvahāḥ (Asht. Hrud. 1.14-15)</blockquote>Meaning: Madhura, Amla, Lavana, Katu, Tikta and Kashaya are 6 types of rasa which are present in substances. These rasas are in decreasing order of providing strength to the body.

== Origin of rasa and their panchabhautikatavam ==

Each of the 6 rasas constitutes of two mahabhutas. For every rasa those 2 mahabhutas which are dominantly found in it have been specifically mentioned by Ayurveda.<ref>Asthanga Hrudayam ([http://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 1])</ref> The dominant mahabhutas for each rasa have been listed in the table below.  

 

== रसोत्पत्तिः तथा पाञ्चभौतिकत्वम् ॥ Origin of rasa and their panchabhautikatavam ==

Each of the 6 rasas constitutes of two [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|mahabhutas]] (महाभूतानि). For every rasa those 2 mahabhutas which are dominantly found in it have been specifically mentioned by Ayurveda.<ref>Asthanga Hrudayam ([http://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 1])</ref> The dominant mahabhutas for each rasa have been listed in the table below.  

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|'''Rasa'''

|'''Rasa (रसः)'''

|'''Mahabhuta'''

|'''Dominant Mahabhutas (महाभूताधिक्यम्)'''

|-

|-

|Madhura

|Madhura

|Vayu, prithvi(air+earth)

|Vayu, prithvi(air+earth)

|}

|}

For manifestation of any rasa jala mahabhuta and Prthvi mahabhuta are essential.  

For manifestation of any rasa, jala mahabhuta and Prthvi mahabhuta are essential.  

== How to determine rasa ==

== रस-अनुमानम् ॥ How to determine rasa ==

Rasas are found in dravyas (substances). Thus, rasa of a dravya can be determined by either tasting that dravya (i.e. on contact of dravya with tongue/ sensory organ).<ref>Charaka Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read&h=nipAte Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 26 Sutram 66])</ref> According to [[Ayurveda and Darshanas (आयुर्वेदः दर्शनानि च)|Darshana shastras]] rasa can be determined by three modes as follows,

Rasas are found in dravyas (द्रव्यम् । substances). Thus, rasa of a dravya can be determined by either tasting that dravya (i.e. on contact of dravya with tongue/ sensory organ).<ref>Charaka Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read&h=nipAte Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 26 Sutram 66])</ref> According to [[Ayurveda and Darshanas (आयुर्वेदः दर्शनानि च)|Darshana shastras (दर्शनानि)]] rasa can be determined by three modes as follows,

# Pratyaksha (प्रत्यक्षम्। Direct perception by senses)- By directly tasting a dravya

# Pratyaksha (प्रत्यक्षम्। Direct perception by senses)- By directly tasting a dravya

# Anumana (अनुमानम्। Inference drawn on the basis of well established relationships that are previously known to the individual)- On the basis of its effects on body after its contact and  

# Anumana (अनुमानम्। Inference drawn on the basis of well established relationships that are previously known to the individual)- On the basis of its effects on body after its contact and  

# Aptopadesha (आप्तोपदेशः। Knowledge obtained from trusted sources like classical treatises, Gurus etc)- As described in classical treatises/books

# Aptopadesha (आप्तोपदेशः। Knowledge obtained from trusted sources like classical treatises, Gurus etc)- As described in classical treatises/books

Here mainly pratyaksha pramana is used. When any dravya(substance) comes in contact with rasanendriya (Gustatory sense organ or taste buds in tongue) a peculiar taste is perceived this is called rasana pratyaksha jnanam (Rasana- tongue, Pratyaksha-direct perception, Jnana-knowledge).  

Here mainly pratyaksha pramana (प्रत्यक्ष प्रमाणम्) is used. When any dravya (द्रव्यम्  ।  substance) comes in contact with rasanendriya (रसनेन्द्रियम् । Gustatory sense organ or taste buds in tongue) a peculiar taste is perceived this is called rasana pratyaksha jnanam (रसनाप्रत्यक्षज्ञानम् ।  Rasana- tongue, Pratyaksha-direct perception, Jnana-knowledge).  

== Concept of Anurasa ==

== अनुरसः ॥ Concept of Anurasa ==

Anurasa or uparasa are those which are not perceived at first (contact with body/organs) but are perceived at the end or not at all. Anurasas are perceived by anumana pramana (inference) but can only be understood by aptopdesha (ancient literature or classical treatises). For example, Ayurveda treatises have in depth description of various metals and minerals for medicinal use. In Ayurveda, the action of each of the medicinal drug is determined based on its rasa, veerya, vipaka, karma and prabhava. However, it is not possible to taste any raw metal/mineral to understand its rasa. In such cases, description of these medicinal substances available in classical treatises helps one to understand their various properties like rasa, veerya etc. On this basis madhura rasa in Suvarna (Gold), rajata (Silver) is not perceived but is known by reading classical literature which is authentic source of information on Ayurveda. This type of knowledge about rasa or anurasa is said to be through Aptopadesha pramana.  

Anurasa (अनुरसः) or uparasa (उपरसः) are those which are not perceived at first (contact with body/organs) but are perceived at the end or not at all. Anurasas are perceived by anumana pramana (अनुमानप्रमाणम् । inference) but can only be understood by aptopdesha (आप्तोपदेशः । ancient literature or classical treatises). For example, Ayurveda treatises have in depth description of various metals and minerals for medicinal use. In Ayurveda, the action of each of the medicinal drug is determined based on its rasa, [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|veerya]], [[Vipaka (विपाकः)|vipaka]], karma and [[Prabhava (प्रभावः)|prabhava]]. However, it is not possible to taste any raw metal/mineral to understand its rasa. In such cases, description of these medicinal substances available in classical treatises helps one to understand their various properties like rasa, veerya etc. On this basis madhura rasa in Suvarna (सुवर्णम्  ।  Gold), rajata (रजतम्  ।  Silver) is not perceived but is known by reading classical literature which is authentic source of information on Ayurveda. This type of knowledge about rasa or anurasa is said to be through Aptopadesha pramana.  

== Properties of rasa ==

== विविधाः रसाः तथा तेषां गुणाः ॥ Properties of rasa ==

Each of the six rasas possess peculiar properties. These properties are responsible for their specific action inside body. Therefore one can make therapeutic use of dravyas through their rasas only when one understands properties of each of these rasa as described in classical literature of Ayurveda. Effect of each rasa on various body components, consequences of excessive use of each rasa are described in brief here.  

Each of the six rasas possess peculiar properties. These properties are responsible for their specific action inside body. Therefore one can make therapeutic use of dravyas through their rasas only when one understands properties of each of these rasa as described in classical literature of Ayurveda. Effect of each rasa on various body components, consequences of excessive use of each rasa are described in brief here.  

=== Madhur rasa ===

=== मधुर रसः ॥ Madhur rasa ===

It nourishes the saptdhatu, provides longevity, helps maintaining health of sensory organs, enhances bodily strength and lusture. Helps pacifying pitta and vata dosha.  It also reduces burning sensation and excessive thirst. It is advantageous for skin, hair and throat. It promotes strength to those who are weak and emaciated. It has guna (properties) of being snigdha(unctuous), sheeta(cold) and guru(heavy). If consumed in excess amounts may lead to various abnormalities like obesity, laziness, excessive sleep, heaviness of the body etc.<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 26 Sutra 43)</ref>

It nourishes the saptdhatu, provides longevity, helps maintaining health of sensory organs, enhances bodily strength and lusture. Helps pacifying pitta and vata dosha.  It also reduces burning sensation and excessive thirst. It is advantageous for skin, hair and throat. It promotes strength to those who are weak and emaciated. It has guna (properties) of being snigdha (unctuous), sheeta (cold) and guru (heavy). If consumed in excess amounts may lead to various abnormalities like obesity, laziness, excessive sleep, heaviness of the body etc.<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 26 Sutra 43)</ref>

=== Amla rasa ===

=== अम्‍ल रसः ॥ Amla rasa ===

Amla rasa dravyas (sour tasting substances) are appetizing, improve agni (digestive fire), quickly energize body as well as mind and also strengthen them. Amla rasa helps in digestion of food by balancing the water content (helps moisten the food) required for the process of digestion. It provides nourishment and energy. Enhances sensory organs by quickly refreshing them. It helps to maintain normal flow of vata dosha in body. It is believed to be good for Hrudayam (due to its action on sensory organs and mind). It increases salivation. It has guna (properties) of being laghu (light), snigdha (unctuous) and ushna (heat).

Amla rasa dravyas (अम्‍ल रस द्रव्याणि । sour tasting substances) are appetizing, improve [[Agni (अग्निः)|agni]] (अग्निः । digestive fire), quickly energize body as well as mind and also strengthen them. Amla rasa helps in digestion of food by balancing the water content (helps moisten the food) required for the process of digestion. It provides nourishment and energy. Enhances sensory organs by quickly refreshing them. It helps to maintain normal flow of vata dosha in body. It is believed to be good for Hrudayam(हृदयम्) (due to its action on sensory organs and mind). It increases salivation. It has guna (properties) of being laghu (light), snigdha (unctuous) and ushna (heat).

If consumed in excess amounts amla rasa leads to teeth sensitivity, increases thirst, increases pitta dosha. Also it may cause weakeness in body, heart burn and burning sensation in throat.<ref name=":0" />

If consumed in excess amounts amla rasa leads to teeth sensitivity, increases thirst, increases pitta dosha. Also it may cause weakeness in body, heart burn and burning sensation in throat.<ref name=":0" />

=== Lavana rasa ===

=== लवण रसः ॥ Lavana rasa ===

Lavana rasa (dravya) aids digestion, improves appetite, helps to correct the sluggish digestion. It acts as expectorant and helps to clear pathways. Pacifies vata dosha, increases salivation, improves circulation by cleansing the channels, provides laxity to the body, liquefies kapha, goes well with food, not very guru (heavy)in nature, is snigdha(unctuous), ushna (hot). When consumed in excess lavana rasa aggravates pitta dosha, excessive thirst, causes skin diseases, damages teeth, causes inflammations, leads to hairfall, greying of hair.<ref name=":0" />

Lavana rasa (dravya) aids digestion, improves appetite, helps to correct the sluggish digestion. It acts as expectorant and helps to clear pathways. Pacifies vata dosha, increases salivation, improves circulation by cleansing the channels, provides laxity to the body, liquefies kapha, goes well with food, not very guru (heavy)in nature, is snigdha(unctuous), ushna (hot). When consumed in excess lavana rasa aggravates pitta dosha, excessive thirst, causes skin diseases, damages teeth, causes inflammations, leads to hairfall, greying of hair.<ref name=":0" />

=== Katu rasa ===

=== कटु रसः ॥ Katu rasa ===

Katu rasa helps to keep the mouth clean, improves digestion and food absorption, cleanses nasal channel, causes lacrimation, enhances sensory organs, alleviates sluggish digestion, swellings, heaviness of body, improves appetite, relieves itching, heal wounds, kill worms, helps remove blood clots, cleanses bodily channels, pacifies kapha dosha, is laghu(light), ushna(hot) and ruksha(dry) in guna(property). If consumed in excess can cause malaise, weakness, loss of weight,burning sensation in throat,loss of strength, excess thirst, Giddiness, burning sensation in body, tremors and various vata disorders.<ref name=":0" />

Katu rasa helps to keep the mouth clean, improves digestion and food absorption, cleanses nasal channel, causes lacrimation, enhances sensory organs, alleviates sluggish digestion, swellings, heaviness of body, improves appetite, relieves itching, heal wounds, kill worms, helps remove blood clots, cleanses bodily channels, pacifies kapha dosha, is laghu(light), ushna(hot) and ruksha(dry) in guna(property). If consumed in excess can cause malaise, weakness, loss of weight,burning sensation in throat,loss of strength, excess thirst, Giddiness, burning sensation in body, tremors and various vata disorders.<ref name=":0" />

=== Tikta rasa ===

=== तिक्त रसः ॥ Tikta rasa ===

Tikta rasa dravya even though are distasteful help increasing the appetite, reduces giddiness, burning sensation, itching, various skin infections, thirst. It reduces fever, improves digestion, helps reduce excess moisture, fat, lymphatic fluid, sweat, pus, pitta dosha and kapha dosha. Reduces frequent urination and faeces Tikta rasa is ruksha (dry), sheeta (cold), laghu (light) in guna (property). If there is excess utilization it will cause weakness, fatigue, mental confusion, giddiness, dryness in mouth and various vata dosha related disorders.<ref name=":0" />

Tikta rasa dravya even though are distasteful help increasing the appetite, reduces giddiness, burning sensation, itching, various skin infections, thirst. It reduces fever, improves digestion, helps reduce excess moisture, fat, lymphatic fluid, sweat, pus, pitta dosha and kapha dosha. Reduces frequent urination and faeces Tikta rasa is ruksha (dry), sheeta (cold), laghu (light) in guna (property). If there is excess utilization it will cause weakness, fatigue, mental confusion, giddiness, dryness in mouth and various vata dosha related disorders.<ref name=":0" />

=== Kashaya rasa ===

=== कषाय रसः ॥ Kashaya rasa ===

Kashaya rasa is constipating and binding in nature. It helps in healing the damaged part, pacifies kapha, pitta dosha and rakta dhatu. It is ruksha (dry), sheeta(cold),  heavy in guna (property). If there is over utilization of this rasa, it may lead to dryness in mouth, abdominal distention, speech disturbances, darkening of complexion, indigestion, weakness. It can also cause various vata dosha disorders when in excess.<ref name=":0" />

Kashaya rasa is constipating and binding in nature. It helps in healing the damaged part, pacifies kapha, pitta dosha and rakta dhatu. It is ruksha (dry), sheeta(cold),  heavy in guna (property). If there is over utilization of this rasa, it may lead to dryness in mouth, abdominal distention, speech disturbances, darkening of complexion, indigestion, weakness. It can also cause various vata dosha disorders when in excess.<ref name=":0" />

== Reference ==

== Reference ==

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