Thousands of years ago the vedic rishi-s (enlightened sages or seers), from which all Ayurvedic knowledge andwisdom was born, recognized and understood the true value of the six tastes. As we look a little closer at the lavana or salty taste, which contains a unique combination of both soma and agni, we can clearly see its properties of nurturing (soma) and transformation (agni).
According to the Shaka Vansya Ayurveda lineage, the entire universe, nature, as well as our physiology thrives on prana, our life force. Prana’s three components; soma, agni, and marut are vibrational energies that occur in our natural environment. Soma is characterized as nurturing energy that carries lunar energy vibrations. Soma provides our bodies with stability, aids in lubrication, and supports optimum absorption of what we eat and drink. Agni aides in the transformation process including digestions (of both food and emotions), and carries the vibrational energies of the sun. Marut is associated with the air and space elements, and supports all movement in nature.
Ayurveda places great importance on the six rasas or the six tastes as they have a profound effect on the way we digest our food as well as how they affect our internal organs. Balancing the six tastes in our diets is a key principle for optimum health and wellness. The six rasa / tastes are:
Sweet – madhur
Sour – amla
Salty – lavana
Pungent – katu
Bitter – tikta
Astringent – kashaya
The salty (lavana) taste encompasses all foods that have a healthy salty taste to them. Today, salt often refers only to sodium chloride (NaCl.), yet salt is so much more than that. Based partly on observing the qualities of the salty taste, the Vedic Rishis understood that in addition to improving the flavor of foods, healthy and clean salt aids digestion and circulation, lubricates the stomach lining, enhances absorption, and helps open up blocked channels. The Rishis also recognized that in excess or with improper use, the salty taste will cause imbalances. The Rishis observed that salt exhibits the gunas or qualities of heaviness (guru), unctuousness (snaihika), and warmth (ushna).
I was enjoying the article. but was surprised it ended where it did. Surely there is more to say. It’s not that you have to sell me, I already use no other salt but SVC Soma salt.