Mangalore: A compilation of home remedies in Konkani by retired professor Rev Dr Robert Crasta was launched in a simple ceremony at the perron of the St Joseph Chapel of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Kankanady, Mangalore on Saturday 21,2020 at 5:30pm. Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho Director FMCI released the book with great happiness as a honour to Fr Robert Crasta who was the Principal then in Mandanthyar while he was an assistant parish priest.
The book consists of home remedies for many ailments which could be tried as an alternative medicine, rooted in verified empirical preparations passed on from generations. Prior to the allopathic age homemade remedies were used for all sorts of diseases and those which were found to be useful in curing or reducing the disease were scripted in history.
Efforts by Rev Dr Robert Crasta saw the need for simple cures in areas of no health setup or poor infrastructural connect homemade remedies did some good. He set on to compile such and thus released a book in 2018 “ Health Tips”. This is his Konkani version giving focus to ailments of family planning, joint pains, menstruation and many more. He learned most of the recipes from his grandmother who hails from Bela Narampady of Kasargod District. From 1962 Dr Robert started collecting such remedies from people around which turned into a hobby.
The ceremony was graced by Rev Fr Rudolph D’Sa administrator of the Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Rev Fr Felix Monteiro Chaplain and councillor, retired Rev Fr Remidius Aranha, Professor Valerian Rodrigues retired professor JNU and Victor Alvares Konkani writer who has assisted Rev Dr Robert Crasta in the editing and scripting.
Fr. Robert Crasta has given talks in many parishes in the knowhow and use of herbal remedies. He has participated in interviews and during the pandemic lockdown had received numerous calls for common ailments when one could not visit a physician. He himself has not visited the hospital in the past 40 years and has personally adopted these remedies for his illness.
This book is to pass on the knowledge of past generations to the future and to help one through natural remedies for minor ailments only. Doctor’s visit is recommended and advised for all ailments.