A craving is a deep communication from our Inner Being—speaking to us in a subtle language of taste and impulse. There is much benefit in learning to listen to and understand the healing wisdom of cravings, rather than the usual response of indulging our cravings (which can lead to compensating habits and addictions) or repressing our cravings (which can lead to deep suppressed discontent and frustration).
Ayurveda shares a foundation of qualities (gunas) from the wisdom of the five elements (space, air, fire, water, and earth) that can act as gentle signposts to help point us in the direction of our own natural healing—especially through everyday herbs and diet.
Craving Sweet
The sweet taste in moderation can be most satisfying. It also has an excellent taste for stimulating growth and grounding (again, when taken in moderation). Cravings for the sweet taste can indicate a lack of feeling loved or satisfied.
In balance, the sweet taste can promote a feeling of contentment and well-being, a profound sense of satisfaction. There is a relieved feeling of “aah” that comes from sweet. For this reason, sweet taste can be calming to the nervous system and mental/emotional energy. Sweet deserves a place in each person’s palate—the appropriate amount and kind for that individual.
The Sweet Taste and Our Relationship with Love
If you are craving the sweet taste, it can be a profound practice to explore your ability to love and be loved, to allow yourself to be vulnerable, and to accept the “sweetness” of life. Do you feel a lack of love? Are you overwhelmed, unorganized, or ungrounded? Often those who crave sweet are needing a deeper sense of peace, calm, support, and stability in their lives.
Transitioning to Natural Sweet Food Sources
Often as we begin to allow in sweetness on other levels (love, warmth, whatever sweet means for us), we find our bodies becoming more satisfied, relaxing. The craving for sweet begins to calm.
Grains, dairy, and sweet fruit and veggies such as sweet potatoes, squash, and pumpkin are a great healthy source of “sweet.” Maple syrup, honey, dried fruit, and cane sugar are other amazing natural sources of sweetness.
Observing your relationship to the delightful treats and desserts of life is a great practice of deeper awareness and healing.
Craving Salty
The salty taste (found in salt, kelp, and seaweed) is an important taste we need on a regular basis.
In small doses, salt is necessary to provide structure and enhance digestion. It is moistening, calming and aids in tissue growth.
Do you feel unsettled, thin and weak? If you are craving salt then it is simple to slightly increase the amount of salt you use to season your food. A good quality sea salt or other natural salt is recommended. A slight increase of salt in your foods can alleviate the strong desire to binge on salty snacks which are often processed with poor-quality oils.
Craving Cold
A craving for cold food or drink is an indication of excess heat in the system.
It is generally not advisable to take cold foods or drinks (especially in the winter) and the craving for such are a good indication you need to take a deeper look at the heat, acid, frustration and anger you may be holding.
How to Balance Excess Heat and Inflammation While Supporting Digestion
Do you feel critical, angry or frustrated? Are you overheated, flushed and have any burning sensations?
If you are craving cold food or drink to offset accumulated heat, intensity or inflammation, it’s important to be aware that an excess of cooling food has a negative effect on the powers of digestion– imagine putting cold water on a campfire.
Instead, foods with a cooling and soothing nature are advised such as fennel tea, milk, coriander, cucumber, coconut water, coconut milk and aloe. (Though an occasional ice-cream and delightful cold beverage – especially on a warm day – is a special treat).
Craving Warm
A craving for warm foods and drink is an indication of excess cold within the body.
Supporting the desire for warmth is important to nurture effective digestion, a strong immunity and healthy tissues.
Feeling Cold and Contracted Circulation
Cold causes us to contract and tighten. Do you feel afraid and alone? Do you have cold hands and feet? This can be reduced by ensuring food is well spiced, well cooked and eaten warm. A deeper exploration of using spices such as ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, basil, oregano etc is indicated. Crafting a spice mix or churna for easy, everyday use in cooking is a great place to start.
Craving Dry
If we are craving light or dry food, it may be a good indication that your digestion has become sluggish or your channels are clogged with excess water, tissue, or toxins.
Are you feeling stuck, heavy or lethargic? Do you resist change or are you stubborn in your opinions? A light diet of kitchari (basmati rice, mung dal and fresh cooked vegetables) could be useful for a while.
Spices such as dry ginger, pepper, cumin, coriander, basil, oregano, fennel would be helpful to remove stagnancy and balance digestion.
Craving Moist (saucy)
If we’d prefer our food to be moist we are likely experiencing an excess of dryness within.
Is your skin also dry or prone to issues? Are your emotions dry or withdrawn? Are your relationships feeling parched or burned out? Increasing liquid intake can be helpful to bring balance.
Favour herbals teas with fennel, licorice, rose or chamomile. Also consider juices such as grape, pomegranate or coconut water. Saucy food has a certain satisfaction and warmth. Adding sauces to meals or favouring dals and soups can increase liquid intake and satisfy the feeling of contentment that a certain amount of “juiciness” brings.
Cravings and The Six Tastes in Ayurveda
Sometimes we may crave an ingredient or food (especially from our past) that conveys a certain set of qualities that can bring comfort or balance to our current state. Exploring the art and science of the Six Tastes in Ayurveda is a holistic approach that can be very interesting, revealing and beneficial.
Ayurvedic Wellness Coaching can help you look deeper at your cravings to explore the qualities of what you are seeking. Creamy, spicy, comforting, heavy, fresh….. the descriptive words YOU use are a great indicator to what it is you’re needing to restore balance.
