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<big>'''Abstract'''</big>

<big>'''Abstract'''</big>

<div style="text-align:justify;">The word ‘Rasa’ literally means taste sensation, essence, fluid, mercury, flavours. This chapter is related with the tastes of food substance and its importance in diet related to health. [[Dosha]] and rasa are the prominent factors for the assessment of diseases and drugs respectively. There are six rasas - madhura (sweet), amla (sour), lavana (saline), katu (pungent), tikta (bitter), and kashaya (astringent). These have pacifying and provoking effect on physiological status of [[dosha]] in body. This effect of rasas on [[dosha]] is due to conjunction of rasas and [[dosha]] by virtue of their similar and dissimilar properties. Their proper use in accordance with the body constitution maintains health, otherwise they vitiate the [[dosha]] (increase or decrease) which leads to various disorders in the body. This interaction of rasa and [[dosha]] is described in details. Eight specific factors of dieting and twelve guidelines about eating food have been described in this chapter, which are of immense value for those seeking a healthy and long life. These rules set the criteria for categorizing food as wholesome or unwholesome. </div>

<div style="text-align:justify;">The word ‘Rasa’ literally means taste sensation, essence, fluid, mercury, flavours. This chapter is related with the tastes of food substance and its importance in diet related to health. [[Dosha]] and rasa are the prominent factors for the assessment of diseases and drugs respectively. There are six [[rasa]]s - madhura (sweet), amla (sour), lavana (saline), katu (pungent), tikta (bitter), and kashaya (astringent). These have pacifying and provoking effect on physiological status of [[dosha]] in body. This effect of rasas on [[dosha]] is due to conjunction of rasas and [[dosha]] by virtue of their similar and dissimilar properties. Their proper use in accordance with the body constitution maintains health, otherwise they vitiate the [[dosha]] (increase or decrease) which leads to various disorders in the body. This interaction of [[rasa]] and [[dosha]] is described in details. Eight specific factors of dieting and twelve guidelines about eating food have been described in this chapter, which are of immense value for those seeking a healthy and long life. These rules set the criteria for categorizing food as wholesome or unwholesome. </div>

'''Keywords:''' [[Rasa]], taste, diet, codes of conduct for taking food, principles of diet, [[dietary guidelines]], ashta vidha ahara visheshayatana.

'''Keywords:''' [[Rasa]], taste, diet, codes of conduct for taking food, principles of diet, [[dietary guidelines]], ashta vidha ahara visheshayatana.

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

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The chapter [[Rasa Vimana]] deals with ''rasa'' and [[dosha]], since [[rasa]] is the primary trigger for the action of drugs on [[dosha]]. Three [[rasa]] act as either enhancers or suppressors for each [[dosha]]. Once the action of a particular [[rasa]] on a [[dosha]] is known, the effect of [[dravya]] can be predicted in the same manner and after knowing the action of [[dosha]] one can understand the disease process. Prolonged usage of certain food articles is known to vitiate [[dosha]]. For example, if a person is consuming [[kshara]] (alkali) and [[lavana]] (salt) for a long time, he is advised to decrease the quantity gradually to prevent the effect on [[dosha]]. Typically, it is advised to take meals that have all the six ''rasas'', since that helps neutralize the effect of any particular [[rasa]] on a [[dosha]].

The chapter [[Rasa Vimana]] deals with [[rasa]] and [[dosha]], since [[rasa]] is the primary trigger for the action of drugs on [[dosha]]. Three [[rasa]] act as either enhancers or suppressors for each [[dosha]]. Once the action of a particular [[rasa]] on a [[dosha]] is known, the effect of [[dravya]] can be predicted in the same manner and after knowing the action of [[dosha]] one can understand the disease process. Prolonged usage of certain food articles is known to vitiate [[dosha]]. For example, if a person is consuming [[kshara]] (alkali) and [[lavana]] (salt) for a long time, he is advised to decrease the quantity gradually to prevent the effect on [[dosha]]. Typically, it is advised to take meals that have all the six ''rasas'', since that helps neutralize the effect of any particular [[rasa]] on a [[dosha]].

Thus, considering the beneficial and harmful effects of food, eight types of dietary regimen have been described in [[Ayurveda]], collectively called ''ashta ahara vidhi vishesh aayatana'', with special instructions like eating freshly prepared warm food that is unctuous, neither more or less in quantity, is suitable to the individual’s capacity to digest, is suitable to the location, and that the food is not eaten too slow or too quickly.

Thus, considering the beneficial and harmful effects of food, eight types of dietary regimen have been described in [[Ayurveda]], collectively called ''ashta ahara vidhi vishesh aayatana'', with special instructions like eating freshly prepared warm food that is unctuous, neither more or less in quantity, is suitable to the individual’s capacity to digest, is suitable to the location, and that the food is not eaten too slow or too quickly.

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Three ''rasas'' aggravate one [[dosha]] while the other three pacify it. For example, pungent, bitter and astringent (''rasa'') aggravate [[vata]] while sweet, sour and saline pacify it. Likewise, pungent, sour and saline rasas aggravate pitta while sweet, bitter and astringent ones pacify it. Sweet, sour and saline ''rasa'' aggravate [[kapha]] while pungent, bitter and astringent pacify it. [6]

Three ''rasas'' aggravate one [[dosha]] while the other three pacify it. For example, pungent, bitter and astringent ([[rasa]]) aggravate [[vata]] while sweet, sour and saline pacify it. Likewise, pungent, sour and saline rasas aggravate pitta while sweet, bitter and astringent ones pacify it. Sweet, sour and saline [[rasa]] aggravate [[kapha]] while pungent, bitter and astringent pacify it. [6]

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In case of the conjunction of ''rasa'' and [[dosha]], rasas aggravate those [[dosha]] sharing similar properties and pacify those that have opposing or antagonistic properties. This explains six ''rasas'' for the three [[dosha]]. [7]

In case of the conjunction of [[rasa]] and [[dosha]], rasas aggravate those [[dosha]] sharing similar properties and pacify those that have opposing or antagonistic properties. This explains six ''rasas'' for the three [[dosha]]. [7]

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But this rule is not applicable universally because in case of complex disorders (and ''dravyas'') where the effect is not exactly in accordance with the cause due to multiple causative factors operating, with differing (often conflicting) modes of operation, it is not possible to determine the effect of the ''dravya'' or the disease on the basis of the effect of individual ''rasas'' or [[dosha]]. [10]

But this rule is not applicable universally because in case of complex disorders (and [[dravya]]) where the effect is not exactly in accordance with the cause due to multiple causative factors operating, with differing (often conflicting) modes of operation, it is not possible to determine the effect of the [[dravya]] or the disease on the basis of the effect of individual [[rasa]] or [[dosha]]. [10]

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Hence we shall describe the concept according to the effect of ''rasa'' (individual) and ''dravya'' (total) on one side and [[dosha]] (individual) and disease (total) on the other. [12]

Hence we shall describe the concept according to the effect of [[rasa]] (individual) and ''dravya'' (total) on one side and [[dosha]] (individual) and disease (total) on the other. [12]

===''Dravya prabhava'' (effect of ''dravya'') ===

===''Dravya prabhava'' (effect of ''dravya'') ===

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The effects of the six types of ''rasa'' were described in an earlier verse. Now we shall describe the effect of ''dravya''. Oil, ghee and honey are the substances capable of pacifying [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]] respectively. [13]

The effects of the six types of [[rasa]] were described in an earlier verse. Now we shall describe the effect of ''dravya''. Oil, ghee and honey are the substances capable of pacifying [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]] respectively. [13]

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These are eight specific factors of method of dieting - [[prakriti]] (nature), ''karana'' (processing), ''samyoga'' (combination), ''rashi'' (quantity), ''desha'' (place), ''kala'' (time/ stage of the disease), ''upayoga -samstha'' (rules for use) and ''upayoktra'' (consumer). [21]

These are eight specific factors of method of dieting - [[prakriti]] (nature), [[karana]] (processing), ''samyoga'' (combination), [[rashi]] (quantity), [[desha]] (place), [[kala]] (time/ stage of the disease), ''upayoga -samstha'' (rules for use) and ''upayoktra'' (consumer). [21]

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''Karana'' (processing) is the making or refinement of the ''dravya,'' or the ''samskara'' that are added to the  properties of those substances. These properties are imparted by contact of water and fire, by cleansing, churning, place, time, infusing, steeping, etc. and also by the medium used for storage or processing (e.g., copper vessel, or earthen pot), etc. [22.2]

''Karana'' (processing) is the making or refinement of the [[dravya]], or the ''samskara'' that are added to the  properties of those substances. These properties are imparted by contact of water and fire, by cleansing, churning, place, time, infusing, steeping, etc. and also by the medium used for storage or processing (e.g., copper vessel, or earthen pot), etc. [22.2]

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''Rashi'' (quantity) consists of ''sarvagraha'' (account of a whole amount or unit) and ''parigraha'' (account of part of a substance, or of individual parts (in case the substance is a combination of multiple ingredients or parts)) which ascertain the effect of any food article taken in proper or improper quantity. [22.4]

[[Rashi]] (quantity) consists of ''sarvagraha'' (account of a whole amount or unit) and ''parigraha'' (account of part of a substance, or of individual parts (in case the substance is a combination of multiple ingredients or parts)) which ascertain the effect of any food article taken in proper or improper quantity. [22.4]

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''Desha'' denotes the geographic region relating that the substance(s) are local or endemic to, and thus, are suitable to. [22.5]

[[Desha]] denotes the geographic region relating that the substance(s) are local or endemic to, and thus, are suitable to. [22.5]

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''Kala'' is time. It can be taken to be the ever moving time, as in seasons (e.g., suitable to seasons), or as duration from the standpoint of a condition (e.g., a condition that does not get treated within a specific duration becomes incurable). [22.6]

[[Kala]] is time. It can be taken to be the ever moving time, as in seasons (e.g., suitable to seasons), or as duration from the standpoint of a condition (e.g., a condition that does not get treated within a specific duration becomes incurable). [22.6]

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The characteristics of the eight factors mentioned in the above verses are inter-dependent (for example, a substance of optimum quantity taken in the right season and in the right place). Any regimen prescribed should be done after gaining a thorough understanding of the food articles from these eight aspects for them to be wholesome. Food or any other ''dravya'' that is liked but is unwholesome and likely to result in unpleasant consequences should not be used by ignorance or carelessness. [23]

The characteristics of the eight factors mentioned in the above verses are inter-dependent (for example, a substance of optimum quantity taken in the right season and in the right place). Any regimen prescribed should be done after gaining a thorough understanding of the food articles from these eight aspects for them to be wholesome. Food or any other [[dravya]] that is liked but is unwholesome and likely to result in unpleasant consequences should not be used by ignorance or carelessness. [23]

=== Methods of taking meals (Ahara vidhi vidhana) ===

=== Methods of taking meals ([[Ahara vidhi]] vidhana) ===

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One should eat in proper quantity without disturbing [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]] because that only helps promote one’s life-span, easily passes down the bowels, does not disturb the [[agni]] (digestive fire), and gets digested without discomfort. [25.3]

One should eat in proper quantity without disturbing [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]] because that only helps promote one’s life-span, easily passes down the bowels, does not disturb the [[agni]] (digestive capacity), and gets digested without discomfort. [25.3]

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To sum up (all the verses of this chapter):

To sum up (all the verses of this chapter):

The meaning of vimana is to know the effects of rasas, dravyas, [[dosha]] and disorders, substances not to be used excessively, the three forms or types of [[satmya]], and the eight factors of diet and merits of food. All these have been briefly discussed in this chapter on [[Rasa Vimana]] [27-28]

The meaning of vimana is to know the effects of [[rasa]], [[dravya]], [[dosha]] and disorders, substances not to be used excessively, the three forms or types of [[satmya]], and the eight factors of diet and merits of food. All these have been briefly discussed in this chapter on [[Rasa Vimana]] [27-28]

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== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==

== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==

*''Rasa'' (taste) is one of the attributes present in ''dravyas'' (substances), which can be perceived by the tongue.

*[[Rasa]] (taste) is one of the attributes present in [[dravya]] (substances), which can be perceived by the tongue.

**There are six ''rasas, madhura'' (sweet), ''amla'' (sour), ''lavana'' (salty), ''katu'' (pungent)'', tikta'' (bitter) and ''kashaya'' (astringent).

**There are six [[rasa]], madhura'' (sweet), ''amla'' (sour), ''lavana'' (salty), ''katu'' (pungent)'', tikta'' (bitter) and ''kashaya'' (astringent).

**Each ''Rasa'' is composed of two [[mahabhuta]] (basic elements). Madhura rasa is made up of [[Prithvi]] and [[apa]], amla rasa of [[Prithvi]] and [[agni]], lavana of [[apa]] and [[agni]], katu of [[vayu]] and [[agni]], tikta of [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] , and kashaya is made up of [[vayu]] and  [[Prithvi]].

**Each [[rasa]] is composed of two [[mahabhuta]] (basic elements). Madhura rasa is made up of [[Prithvi]] and [[apa]], amla rasa of [[Prithvi]] and [[agni]], lavana of [[apa]] and [[agni]], katu of [[vayu]] and [[agni]], tikta of [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] , and kashaya is made up of [[vayu]] and  [[Prithvi]].

*Rasas influence [[dosha]] which influence health and disease. For example: madhura, amla and lavana aggravate [[kapha]], while katu, tikta, and kashaya pacify it. Similarly, amla, lavana and katu aggravate [[pitta]] while madhura, tikta, and kashaya pacify it. And katu, tikta and kashaya aggravate [[vata]], while madhura, amla and lavana pacify it. Thus, three rasa aggravate one [[dosha]], whereas others pacify it. Proportionate use of all six rasas in a diet is considered healthy practice and forms the basis of a superior [[satmya]].

*Rasas influence [[dosha]] which influence health and disease. For example: madhura, amla and lavana aggravate [[kapha]], while katu, tikta, and kashaya pacify it. Similarly, amla, lavana and katu aggravate [[pitta]] while madhura, tikta, and kashaya pacify it. And katu, tikta and kashaya aggravate [[vata]], while madhura, amla and lavana pacify it. Thus, three rasa aggravate one [[dosha]], whereas others pacify it. Proportionate use of all six rasas in a diet is considered healthy practice and forms the basis of a superior [[satmya]].

**The three aggravator rasas have similar [[mahabhuta]] constitution as the [[dosha]] while the other three pacifier rasas have opposite [[mahabhuta]] constitution.

**The three aggravator rasas have similar [[mahabhuta]] constitution as the [[dosha]] while the other three pacifier rasas have opposite [[mahabhuta]] constitution.

**Manifestations of panchmahabhautic constitution of dravya follows rules of cause and effect in regards to relationship between rasa, vipaka and veerya and is known as prakriti samasamaveta with an exception of vikrati visham samveta. Same rule is followed by interplay between [[dosha]] in genesis of disease.

**Manifestations of panchmahabhautic constitution of dravya follows rules of cause and effect in regards to relationship between rasa, vipaka and veerya and is known as [[prakriti]] samasamaveta with an exception of [[vikriti]] visham samveta. Same rule is followed by interplay between [[dosha]] in genesis of disease.

**If dravya and manifestations of interplay between [[dosha]] do not follow cause and effect rules, then it is called vikrati vishamasamaveta.

**If dravya and manifestations of interplay between [[dosha]] do not follow cause and effect rules, then it is called vikrati vishamasamaveta.

*Certain drugs are very effective but have side effects when used for prolonged periods, and therefore should be used carefully, such as pippali, kshara and lavana.

*Certain drugs are very effective but have side effects when used for prolonged periods, and therefore should be used carefully, such as pippali, kshara and lavana.

*The effect of ''rasas'' is subdued by ''vipaka,'' which is based on them. ''Vipaka'' is of three kinds i.e., ''madhura, amla'' and ''katu''. According to Agnivesha, it is often noted that the ''dravyas'' having ''katu, tikta'' and ''kashaya rasa'' have ''katu vipaka,'' while ''amla rasa dravyas'' have ''amla vipaka'' and ''dravyas'' with ''madhura'' and ''lavana rasa'' have ''madhura vipaka.''

*The effect of ''rasas'' is subdued by ''vipaka,'' which is based on them. ''Vipaka'' is of three kinds i.e., ''madhura, amla'' and ''katu''. According to Agnivesha, it is often noted that the ''dravyas'' having ''katu, tikta'' and ''kashaya rasa'' have ''katu vipaka,'' while ''amla rasa dravyas'' have ''amla vipaka'' and ''dravyas'' with ''madhura'' and ''lavana rasa'' have ''madhura vipaka.''

*''Eka rasa satmyata'' (literally, one ''rasa'' suitability) provides minimal nutrition to the ''dhatus'' of body, whereas ''sarva rasa satmyata'' provides the most nutrition. ''Sarva rasa abhyasa'' (or, all ''rasa'' exercise/habit) is a practice that helps meet all the nutrient requirement of the body. Consumption of one ''rasa dravyas'' for prolonged periods of time can create imbalances in the body. For example, ''madhura rasa'' is rich in carbohydrates and its habitual consumption may lead to excess carbohydrate and lack of other nutrients.

*''Eka rasa satmyata'' (literally, one [[rasa]] suitability) provides minimal nutrition to the ''dhatus'' of body, whereas ''sarva rasa satmyata'' provides the most nutrition. ''Sarva rasa abhyasa'' (or, all [[rasa]] exercise/habit) is a practice that helps meet all the nutrient requirement of the body. Consumption of one ''rasa dravyas'' for prolonged periods of time can create imbalances in the body. For example, ''madhura rasa'' is rich in carbohydrates and its habitual consumption may lead to excess carbohydrate and lack of other nutrients.

*Some researchers in Finland reported that significant reduction of salt from their diets played a critical role in adding 5 to 6 years to the life expectancies of the Finnish population . They also reported that hypertension is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Reduction of salt intake is recommended as a key measure in the prevention and basic treatment of hypertension both in the United States and worldwide. The Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone (RAA) system is maximally activated when an individual is subjected to prolonged very low sodium intakes of less than 5 mmol a day. Half-maximal stimulation (or inhibition) of plasma rennin activity takes place at sodium intake levels of approximately 30 mmol a day. Sodium intake at the level of 50 mmol a day suppresses secretion of the sodium-retaining hormone, aldosterone, almost completely. The control range of the RAA mechanism is therefore in excellent agreement with the sodium amounts, which can be derived from diets comprising only of natural articles without any artificial addition of salts or other sodium compounds. These findings strongly support the view that human beings are genetically programmed to eat foods that contain sodium in amounts that are naturally present but do not contain added salt.

*Some researchers in Finland reported that significant reduction of salt from their diets played a critical role in adding 5 to 6 years to the life expectancies of the Finnish population . They also reported that hypertension is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Reduction of salt intake is recommended as a key measure in the prevention and basic treatment of hypertension both in the United States and worldwide. The Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone (RAA) system is maximally activated when an individual is subjected to prolonged very low sodium intakes of less than 5 mmol a day. Half-maximal stimulation (or inhibition) of plasma rennin activity takes place at sodium intake levels of approximately 30 mmol a day. Sodium intake at the level of 50 mmol a day suppresses secretion of the sodium-retaining hormone, aldosterone, almost completely. The control range of the RAA mechanism is therefore in excellent agreement with the sodium amounts, which can be derived from diets comprising only of natural articles without any artificial addition of salts or other sodium compounds. These findings strongly support the view that human beings are genetically programmed to eat foods that contain sodium in amounts that are naturally present but do not contain added salt.