In Sthaullyam Chikitsa, which tastes are emphasized as part of the pacifying diet?

• A. Bitter, astringent, pungent
• B. Sweet and salty
• C. Sour and salty
• D. Umami

Answer: (A)

In treating obesity within this system, the goal is to pacify excess kapha, which shows up as heaviness, sluggish digestion, and fluid retention. The tastes chosen for the pacifying diet are bitter, astringent, and pungent. Bitter and astringent have drying and cooling properties that reduce moisture and stagnation, helping to lessen the damp, heavy feel of kapha and promote cleansing of stored excess. Pungent, though heating and stimulating, revamps digestion and metabolism, aiding the mobilization of fatty tissues and counteracting the stagnation that underlies obesity. Together, these tastes specifically target kapha imbalance, whereas sweet, sour, and salty tend to increase moisture and heaviness, and umami is not a classical taste used in this framework.