Introduction to Taste and the Elements
Taste and the Elements aims to impart the keys to managing symptoms of elemental imbalance with specific reference to food. As such, the material is not really about nutrition in the modern sense of calories, nutrient density, and antioxidants but rather about how preparing exactly the right foods for the constitutional type and learning how to reduce symptoms of imbalance through careful food choices.
Live Webinar Date: 1 January 2021, 8:00 pm PST
The Sweet Taste: Water and Earth
Sweet tasting foods are stabilizing,
tonifying, and calming. In excess, they contribute to excess water and earth. However, they constitute more than 90% of most diets and thus need to be carefully understood from the standpoint both of nutritional benefit and contraindications.
The Sour Taste: Pacifier of the Air Element
The sour taste is due to the presence of acids that are both heat-producing and stimulating to the gastrointestinal system. Acids are found predominately in fruits and fremented foods. Most sour foods are moist so the fire is buffered by water.
The Salty Taste: The Element Stabilizer
Quality salt is rich in minerals, stimulating to the salivary glands and circulation, and cleansing because of its ability to attract water as well as promote movement. It is vastly underestimated and has many benefits.
The Pungent Taste: Hot and Dry
Pungent foods tingle because of the presence of volatile essential oils. They stimulate salivation and digestion, improve circulation, and are decongesting. Because of the heat, in excess, pungent foods can be drying so learning to use them with discernment is helpful, especially for those who are in the second half of life.
The Bitter Taste: Dry, Cold, and Light
The bitter taste is due to the presence of alkaloids, and this taste is found extensively in green vegetables and herbs. Since many people's health is affected by over-acidity, bitters are actually the antidote and thus need to be combined carefully with other foods and used more extensively except where the air elements is already deranged.
The Astringent Taste: Dry, Cold, and Heavy
Astringency is due to the presence of tannins, such as found in black tea and some styptic herbs. While it is drying and cold, it is also heavy and this property is what reduces hypersensitivity. As with alkaloids, astringent food and herbs need to be carefully, but they will relieve excess water and prevent fluid loss when used correctly.
Summary of Taste and the Elements
Food and herbs can be used to manage almost all symptoms of element imbalance. This does not mean that the underlying tendencies are transformed but rather that correct use of food can result in balance and therefore freedom from the issues of excess or deficiency conditions. Just about every person in the world can benefit by correct application of the information on Taste and the Elements.
Live Webinar Date: 1 January 2022, 8:00 pm PST