Tomatoes have long been subject of controversial debate because they belong to the potentially irritating nightshade family. Tomatoes are wet which increases Kapha and aggravate conditions of catarrh and edema, they are Sour and may increase Pitta and aggravate conditions of burning sensations, heartburn and ulcers, and because they contain solanine, they may cause abdominal pain or gas for Vata individuals or to anyone with a delicate digestive tract.Â
However, relatively balanced Kapha people with a good digestive function can enjoy some tomatoes without any risk. Pitta People should prefer the sweetest variety of cherry tomatoes. Vata people will generally find their peel and seeds aggravating, but can usually handle them cooked, in the form of a paste, sauce or juice in small quantities. Chopped into a salad with salt, lemon and olive oil could be beneficial for dry type constipation.  Â
Although acidic, after digestion tomatoes alkalize the blood. Vine-ripe tomatoes are best; green picked tomatoes that are later ripened can weaken the kidney-adrenal function (Kidney Yang). Large amounts of tomatoes are weakening to everyone.Â
Properties
Taste: sour, sweet
Natural Attributes: Wet, Heavy
Tissue impact (Vipak): SourÂ
Thermal impact (Virya):Â NeutralÂ
Dosha impact: Increases Kapha and Pitta, Slightly decreases Vata
Digestive impact (Agni): Hard to digest
Channels (Srotas): opensÂ
Feces: laxative, stool softenerÂ
Urine:Â diuretic
Strength (Bala): Â clears congestion and obstruction
Mind (Manas): Rajasic
Effect: sialogogue, hypotensive, anticarcinogenic, aphrodisiac, rubefacient
Chinese five element impact: Wood, Fire
Chinese medicine syndromes: builds yin fluids, purifies blood, clears liver heat
Medicinal propertiesÂ
- Blood-circulation-liver: thirst, high blood pressure, red eyes, headache caused by heat, stagnant blood (also topically), liver excessÂ
- Bones-joints-tendon-ligaments: Â gout
- Digestive system: diminished appetite, indigestion, food retention caused by low stomach-acid secretion, anorexia, constipationÂ
- Cleansing: detoxifies the Liver
Harmful for: arthritis, deficient Qi of spleen-pancreas, condition of excess cold, diarrhea, organ prolapse due to spleen weakness.