Why Herbal Remedies Sometimes Don’t Work: The Hidden Science of Rasa, Virya and Vipaka
Why Herbal Remedies Sometimes Don’t Work: The Hidden Science of Rasa, Virya and Vipaka In recent years, many people have turned toward Ayurveda and Siddha for natural healing. Yet a common complaint is: “I tried herbal remedies, but they didn’t work.” But is the herb really the problem? The problem is not due to the herb - it is due to misunderstanding classical principles. In Ayurveda, a herb is not chosen just by its name or its general benefit. It must be selected based on three core essential principles: Rasa (Taste) Virya (Potency) Vipaka (Post-digestive effect) When these are ignored, remedies fail. Let us understand why. 1. Rasa – The Immediate Effect Rasa is the taste perceived on the tongue. Ayurveda recognizes six tastes: Madhura (Sweet) Amla (Sour) Lavana (Salty) Katu (Pungent) Tikta (Bitter) Kashaya (Astringent) Each rasa influences doshas differently. For example: Sweet increases Kapha Pungent reduces Kapha but may incre...