Katu rasa is a pungent taste. This taste is made up of fire elements and air elements. When foods with katu rasa are consumed, it excites nerve endings present in tip of the tongue. The irritation caused by katu rasa makes tears flow, increases salivation, and stimulates nasal secretion. Foods that are pungent to taste can cause a burning sensation in the cheeks.
Related article Concept of 6 Tastes or Shad-Rasa in Ayurveda
Herbs that have this taste can cure diseases of the throat, skin rashes, leprosy, and other skin diseases. They help to reduce the swelling of wounds, and dry body fat, and increase the absorption of water. Consumption of herbs or foods with pungent taste can increase hunger, fasten digestion and improve the sense of taste. Pungent-tasting herbs reduce kapha, dilate microchannels, clear the blockage, and help in the digestion of accumulated toxins.
Increased use of pungent-tasting herbs or foods increases thirst and depletes semen or shukra dhatu. This reduces sperm count and sperm motility. It also causes tremors and pain in the muscles of the back.
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