The collective wisdom of our forefathers is a treasure trove in the art of healthy living. Old dwellings, houses and mansions were made of mud, stones, wood and Mangalore tiles. The mud being porous helped maintain thermodynamic equilibrium so that during the hot season, heat is dissipated and during the cooler winter warmth is retained. The stones granted endurance and solidity to the structures,while the capillary action of wood served as a natural aeration system. The tiles control the heat due to the properties of the red clay used to make them.
Another aspect was the use of firewood for cooking. Made of cellulose, wood also contains certain volatile substances that on burning impart a distinctive aroma which enriches the food. The aromatic qualities of different woods differ and in turn imparts its unique flavour to the food that is cooked. As an example, one may quote the espetada (skewer used for roasting pigling) which now seems to be just a memory. It would also be right to narrate the effects of the rooster made of red clay and used for storing water. Our grandmothers had a recipe of their own for every ailment collected from the roots of trees, leaves and various herbs and shrubs, which were a sure cure for any disease. These natural forms of medicine have absolutely no side effect and efficient curative properties. Goan villages still abound in most of these treasures and it should be the duty of each of us to preserve and conserve our time-tested structures and ways of life.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
