Onthni Ka Doodh (Camel Milk): Boiling Rules and Diabetes Claims (Video)

Transcript

Safe Camel Milk Basics

Ever wondered how to enjoy camel milk safely and what the buzz about diabetes really means?

Boil it first

The single rule to remember is to boil camel milk before you drink it. Raw milk from a roadside seller in Karachi isn’t the same as the pasteurised version you find in health stores abroad.

At a glance

Boil to kill bacteria like brucellosis. It’s lower in fat than buffalo milk, closer to skimmed cow milk. Expect to pay two to three times more than regular cow or buffalo milk in most Pakistani cities.

Buy safely, boil properly

If you buy from a herder or a street stall, the milk is almost certainly raw. Pasteurised cartons are already safe, but still check the date and give it a sniff. Boil it in a clean pan, only half full, bring it to a rolling boil, and let it bubble for two to three minutes while stirring occasionally.

Camel vs buffalo milk

Camel milk has less fat, about two to three percent, compared with six to eight percent in buffalo milk. It tastes a bit salty and thinner, while buffalo milk is rich and creamy. Vitamin C is noticeably higher, and the price is higher and the supply less widespread.

Diabetes talk

A few small studies in India and the Gulf reported modest improvements in blood-sugar markers when camel milk was added to standard treatment. The trials were short and inconsistent, and no major diabetes body endorses it as a therapy. It can replace a sugary drink, but it isn’t a substitute for medication.

Traditional use

In rural Sindh and Balochistan, elders have long drunk warm camel milk as a nourishing drink for the unwell and new mothers. It wasn’t marketed for a specific disease, just as a strengthening everyday beverage.

Who should be careful

Allergy to camel milk exists, though it’s rarer than cow-milk allergy, so introduce it slowly if you’re sensitive. Raw, unboiled milk should never be given to pregnant women, small children, the elderly, or anyone with a weak immune system because of brucellosis risk. If you’re on insulin or sulfonylureas, monitor your sugar closely for a couple of weeks after adding it.

Safety reminder

Never give raw camel milk to a baby, a pregnant woman, or anyone immunocompromised. Don’t change or stop diabetes medication because of camel milk without talking to your doctor first; sudden shifts can cause dangerous low blood sugar. See a doctor if you develop fever, joint pain or fatigue after drinking raw milk.

Everyday habit

Most people treat camel milk like any other milk, a glass with breakfast, a splash in tea, or a base for a simple lassi. Because it’s a bit saltier and thinner, many start with a half-and-half mix with regular milk. A quarter to half a litre a day is a reasonable amount for an adult.

Where it comes from

Camel herding is concentrated in the desert belts of Sindh, Tharparkar and Cholistan, and parts of Balochistan. Urban sellers in Karachi usually source milk from these regions or nearby peri-urban herds. Quality can vary a lot, so ask trusted sellers how the milk is handled and how far it travels before it reaches you.

Try this

Start with a small amount, boil it properly, and taste it plain before you decide to buy in bulk. It really does taste different from cow or buffalo milk, and it’s worth checking if your household likes it before making it a regular habit.

Closing

For the full story and more details, read the post on thecareonline.com. Remember, this is general information, not medical advice.