Baba Ramdev, famous for promoting yoga, Ayurveda, and Patanjali products, has sparked curiosity after a video of him drinking donkey milk went viral. In the video, Ramdev is seen milking a donkey and trying its milk for the first time. “I am trying donkey’s milk for the first time in my life. I’ve also tried milk from camels, cows, sheep, and goats. Milk acts as a super tonic and a super cosmetic for both health and beauty," Ramdev said.

He described the milk as “very tasty" and claimed it was exceptional compared to other types of milk he had tried. He also mentioned the historical significance of donkey milk, referring to Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, who was said to have bathed in it for its cosmetic benefits.

High costs and rare consumption in India

Ramdev expressed that donkey milk could be a good alternative for people allergic to cow’s milk. However, it is more expensive, costing between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000 per litre, unlike cow milk, which costs approximately Rs 65 per litre.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stated there are “no safety and toxicity concerns" with consuming donkey milk, it remains uncommon in India. The FSSAI website notes that “lack of legislation/approval for use of donkey milk as a food, social taboo, and low milk yield are considered limiting factors for its commercialisation."

Experts suggest consulting a doctor before trying donkey milk, as its health benefits, though supported by some studies, require further validation.

Who is Baba Ramdev?

Baba Ramdev, born Ram Kisan Yadav, is an Indian yoga guru, businessman, and co-founder of Patanjali Ayurveda. He is well-known for promoting yoga and Ayurveda in India. Since 2002, he has been conducting large yoga camps, with his sessions being broadcast on various TV channels and attracting millions of followers.

In 2006, Ramdev co-founded Patanjali Ayurveda and Patanjali Yogpeeth with his associate Balkrishna. The company focuses on promoting Ayurvedic products and traditional remedies, making it one of India’s most recognised brands.

Ramdev has faced criticism for his remarks about modern medicine, yoga, and Ayurveda. However, he remains a popular figure and has aligned himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on various issues.

In 2011–2012, Ramdev led protests against corruption in India and called for the return of black money stored in foreign banks. His activism during this time gained significant attention and support across the country.

Baba Ramdev continues to be a significant influence in promoting traditional Indian practices and entrepreneurship.