How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Cassava is a starchy root with a soft, mild nature. Its mildness grounds the nervous system and calms the mind. Not too heavy, not too light, you'll feel satisfied and soothed after eating cassava.

Although it isn't sugary tasting, its inherent sweet taste is suitable for desserts. It is bland but slightly bitter tasting - hinting at its anti-inflammatory qualities. Its mild earthy taste is even more gentle and subtle than a potato - making it highly versatile as both a savory starch for dinner, or in dessert cakes and cookies.

Also known as yuca (pronounced with a long u as in the word you), cassava is a starchy tuber in the Euphorbiaceae family. It should not be confused with yucca (pronounced with a short u as in the word yuck) - which has two c's and is a member of the asparagus family.

The flesh of raw cassava root is light in colour and has a grainy texture, which softens with cooking. Cassava is also used to make tapioca, testifying to its gooey (demulcent) nature when boiled. Due to its demulcency, it is a frequent gluten free substitute in baking.

Note: The biocharacteristics of cassava changes depending on how you cook them. When boiled, ground into a flour, or mashed cassava has a smooth consistency, more gooey and moist. When baked or fried, cassava becomes more rough, and dry, with fibrous strands.

Cassava root adopts the flavours it's cooked with, making it a useful starch to bulk up soups and stews. During their experiment, a student noted, 'cassava is used to thicken broth in my favourite Nicaraguan seafood stew, Run Down' and mentions that the cassava 'had no flavor but when added to the stew it took on the flavors of the sweet coconut and enlivened flavor of the fish.'

Footnote: The information for this article was in part gathered from a 2021 study and survey of 22 students of Ayurveda who experimented with cassava. During the study, students ate cassava for 3 days and journaled the pharmacological effects. This study was sponsored by the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda, and specifically the Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition certification course.

History & Cultivation

Cassava root (manihot esculenta) currently enjoys the reputation of being both the 3rd-largest source of carbohydrates in the Tropics. Providing more calories than grain cereals, the cassava plant has been consumed along the South American Amazon river basin for thousands of years. Today, it is grown in more than 80 tropical and subtropical countries and is a staple ingredient for over 800 million people.

Take note this staple root also contains cyanides (linamarin), a fast-acting and potentially fatal chemical poison, when consumed raw. Preparation and cooking neutralizes this cyanogen and make cassava safe to eat. But where production shortcuts are taken, people still die from toxic cassava root. Peeling, soaking and boiling all helps to turn this potentially harmful food into a tasty, filling dinner option.

This tough, drought-resistant root doesn't need a lot of fertiliser making it an affordable carbohydrate source. Its roots are tapered, rough, and long. It grows as a shrub and can reach up to 4m in height.

Cassava is Heavy & Satisfying

Cassava feels lighter and more airy due to its lack of density. One student notes, "It is lighter than a potato, lighter than a piece of bread." Nevertheless, Cassava's starches (sweet taste in Ayurveda) make it heavy and satisfying, similar to other tubers such as yams.

Sweet taste is recognisable for its ability to nourish and build tissue (ojas). This nourishing quality supports growth, and restores strength and stability - can be helpful for those recovering from an illness. The weightiness of the root comes from its high carbohydrate levels. One cup of cassava root provides 330 calories, 78g carbohydrates and 3.7g soluble fiber.

Cassava's heaviness is balanced however - its high fiber content and resistant starches temper its heaviness. Soluble fiber balances blood sugar and leaves the person feeling fuller for longer. This long lasting satisfaction makes cassava a good choice if you are trying to cut back on snacking, or keep your appetite at bay until dinner time, and reduces the risk of obesity and Type2 diabetes..

One student notes, ""It is satisfying and nourishing, it kept me full for several hours after eating it." Another noted, 'my muscles felt heavier.' At times, this heaviness even caused sleepiness, 'the first day I got really sleepy'.

VitB3, which cassava contains, has been found to actually help lower cholesterol (soluble fiber does this as well). It works by blocking the enzyme responsible for making cholesterol in the liver (acyl CoA).

While cassava root provides an important carbohydrate source, the root contains only small amounts of protein and fats. Traditionally, cassava root is prepared with its protein-rich leaves to form more of a complete meal. Pairing it with meats or dairy can also incorporate those essential nutrients.

Soothing Demulcent for the Digestive Tract, Bulks Up Stools

Cassava dumplings cooked in boiling water become "gelatinous with a very slimy outer coating," says one student, "It felt like I was chewing a gummy bear." This gooeyness is called demulcent by herbalists. Demulcent is a latin word which means 'caress,' and it is the secret to cassava's soothing qualities. Cassava's demulcency is due to soluble fiber. Cassava is so high in soluble fiber that it is actually extracted and sold as tapioca - known for its smoothness in tapioca pudding.

Cassava's demulcency coats and calms the digestive tract, reducing irritation down the whole length of the bowel. In the body, cassava's sweetness & demulcent forms a soothing film over all mucous membranes, which can soothe pain and inflammation at the site.

Cassava's soluble fiber and demulcency also coats and bulks up stool. These laxative qualities lead to a smooth, satisfying elimination, especially for individuals with dry constipation. 8 students reported stools were more frequent as opposed to 3 who reported less frequent stools. Stools were also "larger," said one student. Another noted a "moistening effect that was uniform across the stool."

Take caution however, when consuming cassava dumplings that are too dense. A dense clump of cassava may continue to absorb water in the digestive tract and form a (bezoar), or mass in the gut. While a cassava bezoar will likely resolve, the mass will be difficult to digest and feel heavy in the gut for a while. One student noted, " I felt as though there was a heavy stuck brick in my intestinal tract that wasn't moving. I massaged my stomach and did long deep breathing until the discomfort subsided and I was able to fall asleep. The next morning my stools were round and big like a huge meatball."

To avoid this effect, take special care to chew the dumplings and mix them well with saliva. Note: The effect is not unique to cassava, but can happen with any sticky grain (cassava, wheat, etc), or any food high in fiber (persimmon). Otherwise, cassava is generally easy to digest.

Cassava Reduces Anxiety, is Grounding

The soothing demulcency, sweetness, and heaviness of cassava is a balm for the nervous system that eases anxious, uneasy sensations.. One student notes, "I gravitate towards Cassava on more stressful days at University with presentations." Cassava grounds the mind and body - calming the nervous system if there is too much light and movement occurring.

In our study, 10 students experienced less anxiety while only 1 student experienced more anxiety (9 reported no change). 7 students reported less trembling on their tongue, while only 1 student reported more trembling (11 reported no change). "I feel more at ease, less tense," says another. "My muscles felt heavier...I was relaxed and calm but not tired," says another.

A Cooling Anti-Inflammatory for Tropical Heat

Cassava may grow in the warm, humid tropics, but its sweet, slightly-bitter taste brings with it cooling, coating, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It's mild astringency aids its anti-inflammatory nature. One student notes, "My tongue was less swollen, the cracks on the tongue were shorter, and the overall size of my tongue seems smaller (less thick)."
6 students noticed this anti-inflammatory quality, reporting that cassava eased burning sensations in their gut. Others noted that their tongue was paler in colour (and therefore cooler) after eating cassava root. These qualities of cassava make it particularly helpful for those experiencing symptoms of high Pitta, such as acidity, diarrhea or irritability.

Traditionally, the cool, anti-inflammatory nature of fresh cassava root is used to heal burns and sores (similar to an aloe vera poultice). Its qualities have also been employed in folk medicine to help soothe migraines and high blood pressure. Indiginous communities have used cassava in remedies for fever and chills, to promote female fertility and to soothe sore muscles, indicating the vegetable's nourishing, anti-inflammatory qualities.

Cassava contains saponins, which are precursors for cortisone, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Saponins also occur in beans, lentils, garlic and fenugreek. They are anti-inflammatory in nature because they block the inflammatory 'messengers' (mediators) in the blood vessels.

The antioxidant levels present in cassava root could also play a large part in its antiinflammatory nature. Antioxidants are molecules that counter harmful, inflammatory free radicals in the body. Per cup, cassava delivers 42.4mg of antioxidant Vitamin C. This supports the reduction of inflammation by neutralizing those free radicals and preventing them from causing oxidative damage to the cells.

These qualities make cassava a nice alternative to nightshade carbohydrates, such as white potato, which can increase inflammation.

Anti-Arthritic Properties

International researchers have discovered the beneficial effects of saponins on arthritis, and inflammation in animals.
The saponins found in cassava are similar to the active elements of anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids). They help to reduce inflammation of the joints particularly, and in the body in general. Cassava is often included in formulas for inflammatory conditions like arthritis and rheumatoid conditions.
The saponins work by supporting the body to break down, or prevent, the calcification of kidney stones, gall bladder stones or calcification of joints. They can also help with conditions like an inflamed prostate.
Cassava is also a rich source of absorbable manganese, which helps in the process of repairing joints. Researchers have looked closely at this plant's action and its effect on joints and cartilage. The steroid-like saponins strengthen the bowel flora of the intestines, breaking down organic body wastes like uric acid (which causes pain) and cleansing mineral deposits that might exist in the joints.

Cassava's Toxicity

Cassava has a slightly bitter taste due to toxic chemical compounds (cyanogenic glycosides), who's job is to deter animals from eating the plant. In its raw form, these compounds are a naturally occuring form of cyanide. If ingested, this is toxic to the body. It is essential to cook cassava before eating.

Side effects of raw consumption can include increased risk of goiter, intoxication or paralyzed legs in children. Death can also be a result of cyanide consumption. In fact, in 2005, 27 people died from poorly prepared cassava in south-central Philippines.

Another reason to take care with your preparation of cassava root is that it can absorb pollutants from the area it grows in. This could be from a roadside or commercial factory and could mean the presence of trace metal elements, herbicides and pesticides in your tasty meal.

So how can we enjoy cassava root? The solution is very simple. Clean, peel and soak the root before cooking it. This neutralizes the harmful compounds and makes it a safe food to eat.

Cassava Supports Healthy Gut Flora

Cassava is high in resistant starch. This is a form of starch that cannot be digested in the small intestine. As a result it is considered to be a type of fiber. This form of starch has similar properties to soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like material in the digestive tract.Resistant starches go to the large intestine where they ferment, acting as a prebiotic and feed the good bacteria in the gut.

The saponins that bring cassava's anti-inflammatory benefits have also been shown to stay in the intestines and act on the intestinal flora helping to regulate the bacterial balance, stimulating the friendly normal flora and inhibiting others.

The saponins in cassava provide a more alkaline environment in the GI, improving digestion, reducing incomplete digestion and decomposition in the colon which causes unpleasant smelling gases. Because of this, cassava root can be a good choice of starch for those who have a slower digestion or have a harder time digesting heavier carbohydrates, like breads or pastas. This can be an issue for those with drier digestive tracts (Vata) or slow, sluggish digestion (Kapha).

Effect of Cassava on Doshas

Vata

Cassava's sweet taste can be nourishing and building for a depleted Vata system. The demulcency of cassava provides much-needed moisture to the Vata digestive tract and can soothe the dry mucous membranes of their nervous system, easing anxiety. Cassava's carbohydrates nourish ojas, balancing the dry and light qualities of Vata.

Vata-dominant people often experience constipation. Cassava's mucilaginous and stool bulking properties act as a laxative to make elimination easier. Someone with very high Vata could benefit from cassava when it is well-cooked in a soup or stew. They should also add digestive spices like cumin or turmeric, to support its movement through the digestive tract. Note: Some of our students noticed that cassava slowed their digestion with it's weighty gooeyness.

Pitta

Pittas generally do well with root vegetables because their grounding sweetness abates their strong hunger. This makes cassava a good choice for them. Cassava also cools and calms some of Pitta's excess heat. Cassava's demulcent quality can protect the stomach from hot acidity, while it's anti-inflammatory nature can moderate the sharp Pitta digestion.

Kapha

Cassava's sweet, heavy, dullness can increase the Kapha qualities in the body. What is grounding and satisfying for the other doshas can be excessively heavy in a Kapha body. Kapha generally don't need support building tissues and they usually have a good store of resources. The slight bitter taste of cassava can support Kapha-constipation or sluggish digestion but there are more effective bitters for Kapha such as peppery arugula or warming basil.

However, if a Kapha person is looking for an ingredient to add substance to their meals, cassava's ability to regulate blood sugar and reduce snacking make it a good option. If a Kapha-dominant person is taking cassava they might choose to take it in smaller quantities, well spiced and accompanied by bitter, pungent ingredients such as steamed leafy greens.

Conclusion

Cassava is a nourishing starch that soothes membranes and cools the blood. It is a slightly sweet, but otherwise bland, food. It combines well with a variety of foods in both savory or sweet recipes. Its demulcency coats and soothes mucus membranes.

Cassava moistens Vata, and cools Pitta. It offers long satisfaction that can help Kapha with weight loss, but, in excess it can aggravate Kapha's heavy qualities. Its saponins are helpful in rheumatoid arthritis. Cassava's soluble fibers supports healthy gut flora, and leave you feeling fuller for longer.

When taking it to support smooth elimination consider adding it to soups and stews, whose moisture will support your digestive system. However, if you want all the filling, blood-sugar managing benefits of the root you might do better to bake it. This will increase the dry quality of the cassava which can be helpful for heavy, oily Kapha-dominant individuals.

No matter how you choose to enjoy your cassava root, make sure to cook it to avoid toxicity.

Buying & Preparation

Cassava root has a "bone" or stiff center that should be removed before cooking.

Cooking Cassava Root / Yuca

Cassava must be peeled and cooked before eating. It should never be taken raw because it contains dangerous amounts of cyanide in its raw form.

One student notes, "I grew up eating yuca in Venezuela where it is a common staple and nutritious. I love eating it with butter and cheese. To this day, my mom still cooks it often and my whole family enjoys it." As a staple, Cassava is cooked into a variety of popular local recipes. In Nicaragua, it is used to thicken the broth of a popular seafood stew, "Run Down", featuring seafood, plantains, and cassava root prepared in a coconut base.

Baking and boiling are the most common cooking methods for cassava. But it can also be fermented. Its flour form is also commonly used to make a flatbread called casabe, to accompany a meal. It also may be baked into chips, or cut and sauteed as fries. When making Cassava fries, be sure to remove the "bone" or stiff center before cooking. Then serve with your favorite hot sauce, sour sauce, or chutney. It also pairs well with lime juice, vinegar, guacamole, or salt and pepper simply.

Cassava may also be boiled into dumplings or used to thicken stews. Jazz up the dumplings by stuffing them with your favorite festive fillings.

Unless ground, cassava is a bit mealy and grainy due to mild astringency. Although bland, it has bitter undertones and a sour smell when peeled. It has a mild earthy taste..

Cassava's bland taste makes it versatile and pair well with any spice. Cassava is often paired with ingredients like bitter orange or cilantro to balance dull quality and add a fresh zing to the plate.

If you're working with fresh cassava, consider using the leaves too! Containing up to 25% protein, the cassava leaves can be cooked or dried, to make a more complete plate. Or try your hand at the traditional yuca con mojo, which combines cassava with pork which is a fatty source of protein.

SERVING SIZE: 1 c

SPECIES: Colocasia esculenta

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae

MEAL: HORS-DOEUVRES, LUNCH-DINNER, SNACK-DESSERT

STYLE: LATIN-AMERICAN, TROPICAL

PREPARATION: BAKED, BOILED, PICKLED-FERMENTED, SOUP

EAT IN: AUTUMN-WINTER

FOR OCCASION: ON-THE-MEND

Metabolic Nature of Cassava Root / Yuca

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

INCREASES Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas) Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic. Learn More	GOOEY ABOUT GOOEY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion. LEARN MORE ABOUT GOOEY COLD ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD HEAVY ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY TOXIC ABOUT TOXIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body. LEARN MORE ABOUT TOXIC
TASTES The 6 Tastes Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below? Learn More	SWEET ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET ASTRINGENT ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying. LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT BITTER ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying. LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER
DOSHAS The Three Doshas / Body Types According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history. The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded. Learn More	PACIFIES AGGRAVATES
HAS THE FOLLOWING	Subtaste: Bland BLAND Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy. SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS Moves Energy: Downward DOWNWARD Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles. SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS , Inward INWARD Inward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down. SEE ALL 'INWARD' FOODS / HERBS Tissue (dhatu): Blood Plasma Lymph BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph. SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS Affinity: Bone Joint, Bowel Poop Elimination, Mind Stress Sleep Family: Euphorbiaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS (see all)	Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Cassava Root / Yuca Experiences are Personal Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition. Digestion: Appetite Suppressant APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain. SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS Bowel Health: Relieves Burning RELIEVES-BURNING Herbs that soothe a burn or reduce an internal burning sensation, such as aloe vera. SEE ALL 'RELIEVES-BURNING' FOODS / HERBS , Breaks Up BREAKS-UP The Sanskrit word for breaking up congealed matter / clogs in the body. Often used for constipation. Be careful with herbs that have Bhedana action. SEE ALL 'BREAKS-UP' FOODS / HERBS , General Laxative GENERAL-LAXATIVE Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives. SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS , High Fiber Laxative HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVE A class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools. The large size of the stool stimulates peristalsis so the stool can pass more easily through the colon. It is important to drink plenty of water when using high fiber laxatives, as they can be dehydr SEE ALL 'HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS Mind, Stress & Sleep: Nerve Relaxant Grounding NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts. SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS , Anxiolytic ANXIOLYTIC Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines. SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS Energy Vitality: Satisfies Stomach SATISFIES-STOMACH Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach. SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS , Nutritive NUTRITIVE An herb that is strengthening and nourishing. SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS Skin Care & Beauty: Soothing SOOTHING Calms and alleviates irritation, discomfort or pain in a particular region. SEE ALL 'SOOTHING' FOODS / HERBS , Demulcent STRONG DEMULCENT Herbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane. SEE ALL 'DEMULCENT' FOODS / HERBS , Vulnerary MILD VULNERARY An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic). SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS Respiratory-Health: Expectorant EXPECTORANT Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract. SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS Immune System: Anti Inflammatory ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS , Antipyretic ANTIPYRETIC Reduces a fever / febrifuge. SEE ALL 'ANTIPYRETIC' FOODS / HERBS , Antirheumatic ANTIRHEUMATIC Antirheumatic herbs help to ease and prevent arthritis and rheumatism. Many are also anti-inflammatory, analgesic, detoxicants and blood thinners. Antirheumatic herbs deal with problems involving the painful, stiff, swollen joints, and fatigue. SEE ALL 'ANTIRHEUMATIC' FOODS / HERBS Heart & Circulation: Antioxidant ANTIOXIDANT An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions. SEE ALL 'ANTIOXIDANT' FOODS / HERBS , Rebuilds Fluids REBUILDS-FLUIDS Herbs or substances that create moisture in the body and increase fluids. SEE ALL 'REBUILDS-FLUIDS' FOODS / HERBS , Refrigerant REFRIGERANT An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions. SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS Kidney & Urinary: Lithagogue LITHAGOGUE An herb used to expel stones such as kidney stones or gallstones. SEE ALL 'LITHAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS Reproductive Health: Promotes Fertility PROMOTES-FERTILITY An herb that promotes fertility. Generally used by women who wish to become pregnant. These herbs may also help with menstrual problems of deficiency, such as amenorrhea (lack of a period). SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-FERTILITY' FOODS / HERBS Bone & Joint: Antiarthritic ANTIARTHRITIC Herbs that ease arthritic pain and promote joint health. SEE ALL 'ANTIARTHRITIC' FOODS / HERBS Constituents: Carbohydrate, Manganese, Soluble Fiber, Vitamin C

Foods with a Similar Nature to Cassava Root / Yuca

Jackfruit

Jackfruit has these Actions in Common

High-fiber-laxative, Rebuilds-fluids, Satisfies-stomach, Anti-inflammatory, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Refrigerant, Soothing, Demulcent, Nutritive, Relieves-burning

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Oats / Oatmeal

Oats / Oatmeal has these Actions in Common

Anxiolytic, General-laxative, Relieves-burning, Appetite-suppressant, High-fiber-laxative, Satisfies-stomach, Demulcent, Nutritive, Vulnerary

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Persimmons

Persimmons has these Actions in Common

Demulcent, Nutritive, Soothing, General-laxative, Rebuilds-fluids, High-fiber-laxative, Refrigerant

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Chickweed

Chickweed has these Actions in Common

Appetite-suppressant, Rebuilds-fluids, Demulcent, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Nutritive, Vulnerary

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Popped Amaranth

Popped Amaranth has these Actions in Common

High-fiber-laxative, Satisfies-stomach, Appetite-suppressant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Soothing, Demulcent, Nutritive

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Amaranth

Amaranth has these Actions in Common

High-fiber-laxative, Satisfies-stomach, Appetite-suppressant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Soothing, Demulcent, Nutritive

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Rose Petals

Rose Petals has these Actions in Common

Antipyretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Appetite-suppressant, Promotes-fertility, Anti-inflammatory, General-laxative, Refrigerant

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Sorghum Flour

Sorghum Flour has these Actions in Common

Anxiolytic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Demulcent, Nutritive, Anti-inflammatory, High-fiber-laxative, Satisfies-stomach

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Sweet Peas

Sweet Peas has these Actions in Common

High-fiber-laxative, Appetite-suppressant, Nutritive, General-laxative, Satisfies-stomach, Anti-inflammatory

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Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Cassava Root / Yuca

Shatavari

Shatavari has these Actions in Common

Demulcent, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Promotes-fertility, Refrigerant, Relieves-burning, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory

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Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)

Licorice Root (Yastimadhu) has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Rebuilds-fluids, Refrigerant, Relieves-burning, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Expectorant

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Licorice Ghee (9oz)

Licorice Ghee (9oz) has these Actions in Common

Expectorant, Nutritive, Rebuilds-fluids, Refrigerant, Relieves-burning, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent

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Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antipyretic, Antirheumatic, Anxiolytic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Vulnerary

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Oats, Fresh Milky Seed has these Actions in Common

Promotes-fertility, Relieves-burning, Soothing, Vulnerary, Anxiolytic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive

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Red Clover

Red Clover has these Actions in Common

Antiarthritic, Demulcent, Nutritive, Rebuilds-fluids, Relieves-burning, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory

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Arjuna

Arjuna has these Actions in Common

Antipyretic, Appetite-suppressant, Expectorant, Refrigerant, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

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Amalaki

Amalaki has these Actions in Common

Antipyretic, General-laxative, Nutritive, Rebuilds-fluids, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

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Comfrey Root

Comfrey Root has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Nutritive, Relieves-burning, Soothing, Vulnerary

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Plantain Leaf

Plantain Leaf has these Actions in Common

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Impact of Cassava Root / Yuca

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Cassava Root affect your temperature?

0	0	12	5	0
Much colder	Slightly colder	Same	Slightly warmer	Much warmer

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your ear temperature?

1	16	0
Hotter	No Change	Cooler

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your sweat quantity?

0	1	16	0	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the color of your skin?

1	2	1	0	13
Yellower/Greener	Paler	Redder	Grayer	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the color of your tongue body?

3	3	0	11
Paler	Redder	Bluer	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the swelling of your tongue body?

0	2	15
More Swelling	Less Swelling	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your appetite/hunger?

6	7	1	3	0
Much less hungry	Slightly less hungry	Same	Slightly hungrier	Much hungrier

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your digestion speed?

1	6	5	1	4
Much faster	Slightly faster	Same	Slightly slower	Much slower

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

TOXINS

How did Cassava Root affect the amount of gas & bloating?

1	4	8	4	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your stool smell?

0	3	12	2	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

Tongue: How did Cassava Root affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0	4	6	7	0
Much smaller	Slightly less	Same	Slightly larger coating	Much larger

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the color of your tongue coating?

0	1	0	5	11
Yellower	Browner	Grayer	Whiter	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your throat soreness?

2	14	1
More sore	No Change	Less sore

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your urine smell?

0	2	12	3	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0	0	16	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Many more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your sweat smell?

0	2	14	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your acne?

1	15	1
More acne	No Change	Less acne

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your freckles/moles?

1	16	0
Darker	No Change	Lighter

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0	1	0	0	0
Redder/Bloodshot	Yellower	Grayer	Browner	Whiter
16
No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0	2	14	1
More green/dark green	More purple	No Change	Less green/purple

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

HYDRATION

How did Cassava Root affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0	3	10	3	1
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the dryness of your skin?

4	1	12
Drier	Oilier	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

3	12	2
Puffier	No Change	Less Puffy

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the cracks on your tongue?

0	1	13	3	0
Larger/longer/more cracks	Slightly more	Same	Slightly less/smaller/shorter	Much less

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Cassava Root affect your ear pressure?

0	15	2
More pressure	No Change	Less pressure

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your congestion?

3	11	3
More congestion	No Change	Less congestion

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

3	11	3
More thick	No Change	Less thick

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Cassava Root affect your energy levels?

0	2	7	7	1
Much less energy	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more energy	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your muscle tension?

1	6	10	0	0
Much less tension	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more tension	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your anxiety?

1	8	7	1	0
Much less anxiety	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more anxiety	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the stillness of your tongue?

6	10	1
More still	No Change	More Trembling / Jittery

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

DIGESTION

How did Cassava Root affect the amount of gas & bloating?

1	4	8	4	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

1	4	12	0	0
Much relief	Slight relief	Same	Slightly more burning	Much more burning

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your appetite/hunger?

6	7	1	3	0
Much less hungry	Slightly less hungry	Same	Slightly hungrier	Much hungrier

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your digestion speed?

1	6	5	1	4
Much faster	Slightly faster	Same	Slightly slower	Much slower

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

TONGUE

How did Cassava Root affect the cracks on your tongue?

0	1	13	3	0
Larger/longer/more cracks	Slightly more	Same	Slightly less/smaller/shorter	Much less

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

Tongue: How did Cassava Root affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0	4	6	7	0
Much smaller	Slightly less	Same	Slightly larger coating	Much larger

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the swelling of your tongue body?

0	2	15
More Swelling	Less Swelling	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the color of your tongue body?

3	3	0	11
Paler	Redder	Bluer	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the stillness of your tongue?

6	10	1
More still	No Change	More Trembling / Jittery

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the color of your tongue coating?

0	1	0	5	11
Yellower	Browner	Grayer	Whiter	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

STOOL

How did Cassava Root affect your stool smell?

0	3	12	2	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your stool consistency?

1	6	5	4	1
Much softer	Slightly softer	Same	Slightly harder	Much harder

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your stool frequency/quantity?

1	1	8	7	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your stool color?

2	0	0	2	13
More yellow	More gray	More green	More orange	Same

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your stool lightness?

0	3	9	5	0
Much lighter	Slightly lighter	Same	Slightly darker	Much darker

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

URINE

How did Cassava Root affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0	3	10	3	1
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0	0	16	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Many more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your urine clarity?

1	13	3
More cloudy	Same	More clear

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your urine smell?

0	2	12	3	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your urine lightness?

0	2	14	1	0
Much lighter	Slightly lighter	Same	Slightly Darker	Much Darker

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

SWEAT

How did Cassava Root affect your sweat smell?

0	2	14	1	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your sweat quantity?

0	1	16	0	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

SKIN

How did Cassava Root affect the color of your skin?

1	2	1	0	13
Yellower/Greener	Paler	Redder	Grayer	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your freckles/moles?

1	16	0
Darker	No Change	Lighter

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your acne?

1	15	1
More acne	No Change	Less acne

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the dryness of your skin?

4	1	12
Drier	Oilier	No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

EYE

How did Cassava Root affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0	1	0	0	0
Redder/Bloodshot	Yellower	Grayer	Browner	Whiter
16
No Change

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0	2	14	1
More green/dark green	More purple	No Change	Less green/purple

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

3	12	2
Puffier	No Change	Less Puffy

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

ENT

How did Cassava Root affect your throat soreness?

2	14	1
More sore	No Change	Less sore

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

3	11	3
More thick	No Change	Less thick

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your ear temperature?

1	16	0
Hotter	No Change	Cooler

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your congestion?

3	11	3
More congestion	No Change	Less congestion

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your ear pressure?

0	15	2
More pressure	No Change	Less pressure

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

SYSTEMIC

How did Cassava Root affect your anxiety?

1	8	7	1	0
Much less anxiety	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more anxiety	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your temperature?

0	0	12	5	0
Much colder	Slightly colder	Same	Slightly warmer	Much warmer

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your energy levels?

0	2	7	7	1
Much less energy	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more energy	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your muscle tension?

1	6	10	0	0
Much less tension	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more tension	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

HEART

How did Cassava Root affect your heart rhythm?

0	14	3
More palpitations	Same	Less palpitations

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

0	0	17	0	0
Much less	Slightly less	Same	Slightly more	Much more

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

How did Cassava Root affect your heart rate?

0	2	15	0	0
Much slower	Slightly slower	Same	Slightly faster	Much faster

Total Responses: 17 Study ID:71 (2021-11-03 - 2021-11-08)

Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.