Organoleptic and Medicinal Properties of Camel Urine and Camel Milk

Abstract

Camel milk and urine consumption is an age-long tradition amongst the Arabs for 14 centuries. Camel urine and milk consumers had attested to its miraculous healing properties most especially against terminal illnesses. Although, camel urine and milk consumption is challenged by non-acceptance by World Health Organization and other related health authorities; some individuals still find healing in its consumption. This study takes a look at consumers’ perception of camel urine and milk consumption and its related medical significance. Four countries (Nigeria, Somalia, Turkey and Pakistan) were the research areas used in the survey. The research involved 1000 respondents. From the survey, participants from Nigeria were more than half (62%) of the total participants. More than 80% of the participants believed in the healing power of traditional medicine. Camel milk and camel urine were consumed for health-related issues by 48.4% and 40.1% of participants respectively. More than half (57.5% and 70.4%) of the participants claimed that consumption of camel milk and camel urine is not authorized in their respective countries. The study showed that camel urine and milk consumption is evident in our survey area. We, therefore, implore health regulatory authorities in these countries to fund camel research.