JEDDAH: With the arrival of spring in the Northern Borders region, camel milk has regained its prominence as a staple of Bedouin life.
The mild weather and flourishing natural pastures have led to an abundance of milk, making it a focal point for residents and campers during desert excursions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Consuming camel milk at this time of year is a social custom. It is traditionally offered to guests in spring camps as families move between grazing lands, reflecting long-standing traditions tied to mobility and pastoral life.
Intertwined with desert living for centuries, camel milk remains both a vital source of nourishment and a powerful symbol of local identity. The seasonal rise in demand underscores the community’s connection to the natural environment and its commitment to preserving inherited customs.
This annual practice creates a distinctive cultural scene that blends the heritage of the Northern Borders with its vibrant wildlife and blooming spring landscapes.
At the same time, camel milk is gaining renewed attention for its cultural significance. As allergies and digestive disorders become increasingly common, choosing the right type of milk is no longer a routine decision but one that can significantly affect quality of life.
Dr. Abrar Sheikh Al-Eidrous, a general practitioner at a hospital in Makkah, told Arab News that camel milk differs from cow’s milk in its protein composition, notably because it does not contain beta-lactoglobulin, a protein closely linked to milk allergies.
She added that camel milk contains active immune compounds such as lactoferrin and higher levels of vitamin C, which support the immune system. Its relatively lower lactose content also makes it easier to tolerate for individuals who experience bloating and digestive discomfort.
“From both clinical and personal experience, replacing cow’s milk with camel milk during pregnancy had a clear impact in reducing the uncomfortable bloating associated with pregnancy,” Al-Eidrous said.
She noted that camel milk has also shown effectiveness in cases of cow’s milk protein allergy, a condition common among children.
“This includes my own son, where we observed noticeable improvement in symptoms and better tolerance. Similar outcomes have been seen in many comparable cases,” she added.
Interest in camel milk is not limited to modern scientific research. Its benefits were also referenced in the Prophetic tradition, where the Prophet Muhammad recommended camel milk for its therapeutic properties, reflecting early recognition of its health value.
Al-Eidrous said that camel milk should not be viewed solely as a heritage product, but as a functional nutritional solution with genuine health benefits, particularly at a time when demand is growing for dietary alternatives that align more closely with the body’s natural tolerance.
