Sour Taste

Sour is called amla and is comprised predominantly of Earth and Fire elements. The word means sour, acidic, and that which easily ferments. Sour decreases vata but increases pitta and kapha. Although it initially burns kapha, long-term or excess use will increase kapha. Sour substances are liquid, light, heating, and oily, and they stimulate metabolism. Sour taste is found in foods like sour cream, yogurt, vinegar, cheese, citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit, unripe mango, green grapes, and fermented foods.

The moment you put a sour substance on the tongue, your senses sharpen and you close your eyes. Sour makes the eyes, ears, and teeth sensitive, increases salivary secretions, stimulates appetite, and enhances digestive enzyme secretion. A moderate amount is anti-flatulent and antispasmodic; it refreshes and energizes the body, nourishes the heart, and enlivens the mind. A small regular dose of apple cider vinegar can balance cholesterol and eliminate congestion.

Psychologically, sour taste brings comprehension, appreciation, recognition, and discrimination. It sharpens the mind and enhances attention span. In excess, however, sour induces judgment, criticism, jealousy, and hate, making the mind agitated and hyperactive.

In large quantities, sour dries the membranes and creates congestion. Excess sour can cause sensitive teeth, excessive thirst, hyperacidity, heartburn, acid indigestion, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and ulcers. Because sour has a fermentation action, it is toxic to the blood and can cause skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, rashes, eczema, boils, and psoriasis.

It may lead to acidic pH in the body and cause burning in the stomach, throat, chest, heart, bladder, and urethra. Excess sour can also lead to diarrhea, dysentery, edema, damp lungs, and worsen congestive disorders. In a pitta person, even a large dose of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can create acid indigestion or skin rashes, while in large amounts it may be toxic to the liver and cause inflammatory conditions like cystitis and urethritis.