Sweet (madhura)

In Ayurveda, the sweet taste, known as madhura, is composed of earth and water elements, giving it heavy, cooling, oily, and soft qualities. It is grounding, building, and nourishing, balances vata and pitta doshas, and promotes a sense of grounding, calm, and overall well-being.

Sweet herbs will have a tonic effect, nourishing all tissues and increasing kapha whilst reducing pitta and vata. They lubricate mucous membranes and have a laxative effect, promoting bowel movements and urination. Other benefits include promoting mental clarity, calmness, and awareness, enhancing sattva qualities like stability, love, and contentment. Madhura also has a soothing effect on gastrointestinal tissues.