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The Incredible Camel: Nature’s Kind Guardian of Health, Livelihoods, and Climate Resilience

The camel, revered for centuries as Ata Allah—the Gift of God—stands as an enduring symbol of survival, strength, and sustenance. From the golden dunes of Arabia to the arid plains of Africa and Central Asia, this magnificent creature has been an unwavering companion to humankind, offering more than just transport and trade. The camel is a lifeline, a healer, and a provider, deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage, health, and food security of millions.
In an era of climate uncertainty and food scarcity, the camel’s extraordinary adaptability emerges as a beacon of hope. Unlike other livestock, camels thrive where others perish, sustaining communities with their nutrient-rich milk, wholesome meat, and invaluable ecological benefits. Every part of this majestic animal—its milk, meat, urine, and even dung—holds profound significance, making it a true pillar of sustainability.

A Timeless Bond: The Camel in Culture and Tradition
For millennia, camels have shaped the lives of desert nomads, traders, and warriors. Across vast landscapes, they have served as more than mere beasts of burden—they are woven into the very fabric of history, legend, and identity.
Among the Bedouins and pastoral communities, camels are a source of poetry, songs, and proverbs, revered as loyal companions through the harshest terrains. Their bones are carved into jewelry, their dung fuels fires for cooking, and their hide is transformed into shelter and garments. Camels are not just animals; they are custodians of ancient wisdom, symbols of endurance, and testaments to human ingenuity.

Camel Milk: The Elixir of Life
Hailed as white gold in desert cultures, camel milk is a superfood and a natural remedy. With a legacy tracing back to 3500 BC, this nutrient-rich elixir has sustained civilizations for centuries. Unlike cow’s milk, camel milk is uniquely tailored for human health, packed with immune-boosting properties, essential vitamins, and medicinal compounds.
Why is Camel Milk Extraordinary?
A Natural Pharmacy – Rich in lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and antimicrobial agents, camel milk acts as a shield against infections and inflammation.
A Lifeline for Diabetics – The milk contains insulin-like proteins that remain stable in the digestive system, aiding blood sugar regulation.
A Potential Cure for Autoimmune Diseases – Studies suggest its effectiveness in alleviating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
A Boon for Gut Health – With high levels of beneficial probiotics, camel milk plays a crucial role in healing leaky gut syndrome and improving digestion.
A Natural Beauty Secret – Overflowing with Vitamin C (five times more than cow’s milk) and niacin, it enhances skin health, slows aging, and boosts overall vitality.
For children with autism, camel milk has shown promising results in improving cognitive function and behavior. Scientists continue to explore its potential in cancer prevention, owing to its anti-tumor properties.
Even in extreme drought, a camel can produce up to 40 liters of milk daily, proving its unparalleled efficiency in sustaining life in the harshest environments.

Camel Meat: A Forgotten Superfood
Beyond its milk, camel meat is a nutritional powerhouse. Low in cholesterol and high in polyunsaturated fats, it is a heart-friendly alternative to conventional meats. Traditionally consumed by desert dwellers, camel meat is known for its medicinal properties, helping manage conditions like hypertension, hyperacidity, and respiratory ailments.
With increasing global interest in sustainable diets, camel meat is gaining recognition as an eco-friendly protein source—one that requires minimal water and feed compared to conventional livestock.

A Champion of Climate Resilience
As climate change intensifies, bringing droughts and food insecurity, the camel stands resilient. Unlike cattle and sheep, camels possess an unparalleled ability to survive in extreme heat, enduring weeks without water and subsisting on sparse vegetation.
Water Conservation Experts – A camel can drink 190 liters in just 10 minutes, efficiently storing and utilizing every drop.
Low-Input Sustainability – Unlike industrial livestock, camels require minimal feed, thriving on hardy desert shrubs that other animals cannot digest.
A Guardian of Ecosystems – Camels do not overgraze like other livestock, playing a crucial role in maintaining delicate desert ecosystems.
In drought-prone regions, camels provide a sustainable source of nutrition, making them indispensable to food security efforts.

Overcoming Challenges: The Future of Camel-Based Systems
Despite their immense value, camels remain underappreciated in mainstream agriculture and food systems. Disease outbreaks, restrictive policies, and lack of research have hindered their full potential.
To harness the power of camels in combating food insecurity and climate change, policymakers, researchers, and international organizations must take urgent action:
Invest in camel research – Enhanced studies on camel milk, meat, and disease resistance can unlock new health and agricultural innovations.
Support camel herders – Sustainable policies can empower traditional camel-based livelihoods.
Promote camel-based nutrition – Raising awareness about the health benefits of camel products can drive demand and market expansion.
Organizations such as Camels4Life and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are working to amplify the role of camels in sustainable agriculture. With the right advocacy and investment, camels can serve as a cornerstone of climate adaptation strategies, ensuring a food-secure future for millions.

Conclusion: Embracing the Gift of the Camel
The camel is more than an animal—it is a lifeline, a healer, and a symbol of endurance in an ever-changing world. From the heart of the desert to the halls of scientific research, its significance continues to unfold, offering solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
In an age where sustainability is paramount, it is time to recognize the camel’s unparalleled contributions and embrace its potential for a healthier, more resilient future.
As climate uncertainty looms, the silent hero of the desert stands ready—offering nourishment, medicine, and hope.
Let us honor this divine gift and ensure its legacy thrives for generations to come.

References

  • Raziq, A. (2009). Camel: The Desert’s Gold.
  • FAO. (2013). The Role of Camels in Food Security and Climate Resilience.
  • Raziq, A., & Ludwikowski, M. (2025, February 27). Camel milk: A revolutionary elixir for leaky gut, immune health, and beyond—backed by science. Camel4All. https://camel4all.info/index.php/2025/02/27/camel-milk-a-revolutionary-elixir-for-leaky-gut-immune-health-and-beyond-backed-by-science/
  • Al Ain Camel Research Center. (2020). Camel Milk: A Natural Pharmacy.
  • Camels4Life. (2021). Advocacy for Camel Conservation and Development.
  • Shabo, Y., & Yagil, R. (2005). Camel Milk for Food Allergies and Autoimmune Diseases. Journal of Medicinal Food.
  • Mullaicharam, A. R. (2014). A Review on Medicinal Properties of Camel Milk. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. given in numeric order.
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Camel Products

The Versatile Legacy of Camel Bones: Art, Utility, and Sustainability

Introduction

In a world increasingly focused on ethical sourcing and sustainability, camel bones emerge as a valuable and eco-friendly resource, offering a viable alternative to elephant ivory. Their durability, density, and aesthetic resemblance to ivory make them a prized material in artisanal crafts, reducing the demand for elephant tusks and contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. Beyond craftsmanship, camel bones serve diverse roles in nutrition, medicine, and agriculture, reflecting the ingenuity of cultures that have long embraced their multifaceted applications. This article explores the various ways camel bones are utilized, highlighting their cultural significance, functional benefits, and environmental impact.

Tasbeeh made in Africa from Camel bones
Tasbeeh made in Africa from Camel bones

Artisanal and Spiritual Craftsmanship

Renowned for their durability, density, and smooth texture, camel bones are a prized material in traditional craftsmanship. Their resemblance to ivory makes them an ethical alternative in regions where elephant ivory trade is restricted.

  • Jewelry: Skilled artisans carve camel bones into rings, pendants, and beads, polishing them to achieve a lustrous finish. In Islamic traditions, bone beads are used for Tasbih (prayer beads), prized for their longevity and tactile comfort.
  • Decorative and Utility Items: Intricately designed boxes, knife handles, and figurines showcase the material’s resilience, with well-maintained artifacts lasting over a century.
  • Spiritual and Cultural Artifacts: In many traditions, camel bone objects are believed to offer protection from negative energies and enhance spiritual focus.
  • Ornamental Elements: Used in buttons, inlays, and sculptural details, camel bone remains an integral part of heritage craftsmanship.
Beautiful necklace made in Africa from camel bone
Beautiful necklace made in Africa from camel bone

Functional and Medical Applications

Camel bones have been historically used for practical applications due to their high density and strength.

  • Tools and Implements: They are fashioned into durable tools such as needles, knife handles, and spoons, particularly in desert and nomadic communities.
  • Bone Grafting in Medicine: As an alternative to porcine bone (which is restricted in Islamic contexts), camel bones are explored for use in surgical bone grafting and regenerative medicine.
  • Traditional Remedies: Ground camel bone powder is consumed as a natural source of calcium and is used in some traditional healing practices.
Camel Bone Jewelry Box in New Delhi

Nutritional Value: The Benefits of Camel Bone Broth

Camel bone broth is a nutrient-rich elixir, produced by simmering bones for up to 24 hours. This slow cooking process breaks down collagen into amino acids like glycine and proline, yielding a broth packed with proteins, antioxidants, and essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Boil cleaned bones in water with vinegar to enhance mineral extraction.
  2. Simmer on low heat for 18–24 hours.
  3. Strain and consume as a base for soups, stews, or as a standalone health drink supporting gut health and joint function.
A ring made from camel bone
A ring made from camel bone

Agricultural and Environmental Contributions

Camel bones contribute to sustainable agriculture through their transformation into fertilizers and biochar, promoting eco-friendly farming solutions.

  • Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP) Fertilizer:
    • Process: Bones are cleaned, sterilized, sun-dried, and ground into powder to create calcium-rich bone meal, enhancing soil phosphorus levels and boosting plant growth.
    • Usage: Ideal for flowering plants and vegetable gardens.
  • Biochar for Soil Enhancement:
    • Pyrolyzing (heating in a low-oxygen environment) camel bones produces biochar, a porous substance that improves soil water retention and microbial activity.
    • This method enhances soil fertility and aids in carbon sequestration, making it a sustainable choice for arid regions.

Cultural and Ethical Considerations

The utilization of camel bones exemplifies sustainable resourcefulness in arid regions, minimizing waste while supporting local economies. However, ethical sourcing remains paramount to ensure responsible use and ecological balance.

Knife hand made from camel bones
Knife hand made from camel bones

References:

  1. IUCN Red List, Elephant Ivory Trade Regulations (2023).
  2. Al-Makki, A., Islamic Artisan Traditions (Cultural Heritage Press, 2020).
  3. UNESCO, Crafts of the Sahara (2019).
  4. Ahmed, S., Spiritual Symbolism in Bedouin Cultures (Nomadic Studies Journal, 2021).
  5. Healthline, Benefits of Bone Broth (2022).
  6. USDA Nutrient Database.
  7. FAO, Bone Meal Fertilizer Guidelines (2018).
  8. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Biochar Research (2021).
  9. Khan, R., Traditional Craftsmanship in Arabia (Heritage Publishers, 2019).
  10. MDPI, Uses of Camel Bones (https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/22/7946).
  11. Ark Biodiversity, What Are the Uses of Camel Bones? (https://arkbiodiv.com/2023/12/28/what-are-the-uses-of-camel-bones/).

This refined version enhances readability, incorporates standardized terminology, and aligns with SEO best practices while preserving the integrity of the original content.

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Amazing Role of CMB in Ecosystem Sustenance

What is CMB?

The CMB is the camel manure ball. They are made in different designs and sizes. They are amazing and rich sources of microorganisms, nutrients (NPK), and moisture for the germination of seeds.

What are the ecological functions of CMB?


The CMB is Mother Earth’s gift that comes from camels. It is a package of seeds containing nutrient-rich components that harbor a wide variety of microorganisms (diverse microbiomes) that enrich the soil and nurture the seed during and after germination for at least 3 months.

How does CMB disperse the seeds?
The CMB features a distinctive design and shape. It has up to 37% moisture when fresh. The CMB gets dry in a few days but still sustains some moisture inside the ball to help in the germination and sustenance of the seed.

What type of seeds are spread

The CMB travels great distances, rolling and blowing in the desert with powerful strong winds. Almost all types of seeds (of the plants found in the ecosystem) are hidden in the CMB.

The seeds of plants found in the desert typically have hairs and wings that allow them to fly, but other species, such as Acacia, Prosopis, Zizyphus, etc, have rounder, heavier seeds that are unable to fly and blow with the winds easily. interestingly the trees of such seeds are highly desirable to camels.

The CMB then disperses these seeds since it is lighter and made to roll or fly with the wind more easily. If the camels are kept at an appropriate density, the camel can be a tool in seed dispersal, and soil enrichment.

In conclusion, camel manure (CMB) is an untapped precious resource which is not been properly utilized so far. The visionary and innovative opinion in Gulf countries, especially the UAE can bring silver sliding into the clouds and may find ways to use this precious resource for the agricultural development and nature conservation of the region. Also, the research institutes of the region should come forward to chalk out projects on the exploring true worth of camel dung. For more reading, please click the link. https://arkbiodiv.com/2016/02/02/camels-dungzfrom-waste-to-a-worthwhile-farming-agent

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Camel Products

Properties of Camel Wool

Does the color drain from camel fleece?

Does water cause camel wool to bleed? Does it change color in the water to its native state? In an attempt to wash the camel wool, I put it in a pail with hot water and noticed an odd thing happened: the water turned the same dark brown hue as the Majaheem camel’s wool. The wool has been tightly woven into a blanket that is difficult to separate or arrange. Kindly share your thoughts with me. Crude camel hair contained 15 – 35% sand and dust. It appears the color of the water after the camel hair was drenched may exceptionally well be credited to this dust. I did a test too, earlier this year. And I can confirm what has been mentioned here: no color, mostly dirty water, and little to no lanolin.

The structure of the camel wool

The outer layer of the fingernail skin contains color granules that are dispersed within the medulla, the central area of the fleece fiber (same as in camel fur). More color granules have accumulated in the fiber’s core the darker the hair. Each strand of camel hair, known as the cortex, has some water porosity, yet a camel is kept dry by its resistance to water. My argument is that this water-resistant outer cortex would need to be penetrated if the common camel hair color were to drain.

Camel Wool is Hard to be Carded and Clean Properly

It is exceedingly difficult to thoroughly clean wool. There is a thin layer of cuticles covering every wool strand. Each fiber’s cuticle layer becomes entangled with one another. With the right instruments and equipment, the majority of it can be carded and brushed. However, when the wool has “felted” it is very difficult to do so.

Camel Wool Grease

How fat is camel wool? Sheep wool has a lot of lanolin, which gives the wool its special properties. I have read that camel wool has low amounts of fat, but perhaps this is not correct.  it’s correct, camelwool contains very little part of lanolin.

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Camel Products

Camel Hump, the treasure of food

Camel Hump

It is a myth that the hump is full of water. In many places, the hump is the most prized part of the animal, as it is considered fattier and more tender than the rest of the beast. Camel hump is made of fats. When camels turn fats into ATP during the scarcity of feed, water is produced as a byproduct. Metabolism produces about 110 grams of water per 100 grams of fat combustion. A hump of a healthy camel with medium size having a weight of almost 40 kg.

In some traditions, the camel herders’ communities cook their food in the camel hump’s fats (CHF). Some people eat the CHF raw as a food, energy booster, and dewormer. Some communities including the traditional healers use the CHF for some medicinal purposes by extracting the oil. In recent history, the CHF has been used for cosmetic purposes in many regions of the world.

The Camel Hump Fat

In the ensuing lines, I shall be very happy to share some very important information related to CHF and its uses in traditional healing techniques.

CHF (oil) benefits and uses

Since ancient times, and throughout history, we found in most folk medicine books that CHF has many important uses. For ages, the traditional healers used CHF as an efficient dewormer.

camel fat oil

Also, CHF is being used for the relief of cold pain (pain without fever), arthritis, and also to treat cold cough, asthma, whitening of the skin (dermatitis), hair care, and fattening (treatment of skiny disease) as well.

There are many benefits of fat extracted from camel hump on the human body, as can be summarized in the following points

  • Eating a spoonful of camel’s hump twice a day will clean the human gut from the worms.
  • CHF oil is the best moisturizer for human skin, especially in dry and cold weather
  • Traditionally, the CHF is crushed and tied to the abdomen of the woman after childbirth. It helps in strengthening the abdominal muscles and prevents the sagging of the abdomen
  • If massaged with the CHF oil, the pain in the hands, neck, legs, and vertebral area will evaporate
  • Treatment of joint pain and rheumatism, in addition to muscle tension, because it works to relax and get rid of spasms in general
  • Application of CHF oil on the skin prevents sunburn and darkening of the skin from the sunshine
  • Increasing libido in men, as it increases erection and sexual desire both by eating CHF/oil and application on the organs directly
  • Treating respiratory infections, specifically asthma, by eating it on an empty stomach few days (one spoonful of CHF oil)
  • Treating cracking and dryness problems in the feet, especially the heels and ankle area
  • CHF oil is one of the natural remedies for different hair problems because it nourishes the hair from the roots to the ends, and increases hair density and softness, in addition to treating the problems of baldness, specifically in men. Massaging the hair with CHF oil twice during the week, half an hour before showering will give magic results
  • Traditionally it has been used for childbirth difficulties in women among the nomadic people and others

How to prepare and prepare camel hump fat

2 kg of CHF is cut into small pieces. Put the small slices in the pot over low heat and leave it until the grease dissolves in whole or in part. Remove the pot from the fire when the oil has been released from the fats.

Filter the oil with a piece of Muslin cloth, it is preferred to collect and store the oil in a glass bowl. The oil is kept and used accordingly whenever needed.

Application of CHF Oil in different situations

For the treatment of asthma

Mix an amount of dissolved hump fat with a little honey, and eat it on an empty stomach, and before going to bed on a daily basis, it is possible to replace honey with a quantity of Rashad love.

For hair

Dissolving a quantity of camel hump fat on a quiet fire until it becomes like oil, and then mix it with a little olive oil or coconut oil, and it can also be mixed with any hair cream to treat hair, as it is applied to the hair twice in one week until you get the desired result.

For the Skinny disease

by mixing equal amounts of dissolved hump fat and flax seeds with sesame and peanuts, and twice the amount of almonds, with an appropriate amount of melted chocolate.

A specialized CHF product is prepared in the United Arab Emirates

Jamal Bakhit Mohammad Abdulla Al Falasi, 50, in the back kitchen of his home in Dubai’s Al Mizhar community, opens a small tub and scoops out some of its yellow wax-like filling with a small spoon, encouraging the journalist to rub it into my hand. “This cream tightens the skin, it has no chemicals. It really works like magic, and” stresses the owner of The Wadak Cream company, “you can use it anywhere on the body. It is very popular with women, especially if they’ve had children.” The details of Jamal’s story are provided in the link.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/emirati-man-uses-camel-fat-to-create-natural-skincare-products-1.890218

Acknowledgment

Muhammad, a dear friend, camel lover, and activist shared such valuable information about camel hump fats and their uses.

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Camel Products Camel Products are Safe and Healthy General about camel

Blaming Camels for the MERS Transmission

What is the MERS?

MERS was first detected in 2012. But since then, it has been regularly reported from multiple countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is an illness that can cause respiratory infection. It is caused by a common type of virus called coronavirus. These viruses cause mild to moderate respiratory illness. But in some cases the symptoms are severe. 

The Latest News (July 2023) of MERS 

A 28-year-old man has tested positive for (MERS-CoV) in Alain, Abu Dhabi on the border with Oman, the World Health Organization said on Monday. The affectee had no contact with the camels.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/man-tests-positive-mers-abu-dhabi-near-oman-border-who-2023-07-24/

Not a matter of concern

There is no immediate cause for worry or concern, a public health analyst and epidemiologist have told Down To Earth (DTE) a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a man had been infected with the deadly Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar, international camel dairying consultant, founder of World Camel Day, and Camel4Life International, who resides in Al Ain, however, told DTE that the case should not be used to villainize camels.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/no-immediate-cause-for-concern-epidemiologist-tells-dte-as-mers-case-detected-in-uae-90818

A MERS Case Reported was from UAE in February 2021

The case is a 39-year-old male national, owner of a camel farm. He developed a fever and cough on 18 January and visited a private hospital several times with no improvement.  The condition of the case worsened, and on 24 January, a chest X-ray confirmed the diagnosis of pneumonia. On 26 January, he was admitted to a private hospital and was transferred to a governmental hospital on 28 January. A nasopharyngeal swab was collected on 31 January and tested positive for MERS-CoV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on 1 February at the Shiekh Khalifa Medical Center laboratory in Abu Dhabi. He has no underlying conditions. SARS-CoV-2 testing was performed more than once, and it was negative. No history of previous infection or exposure to SARS-CoV-2 was reported. The case reported a history of close contact with dromedary camels at his farm in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms. No travel history was reported during the same period. Currently, the patient is in stable condition. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2021-DON314

Is MERS Really Transmitting from Camel?

It is the burning question of the day. An article was published in a local newspaper regarding the presence of MERS-CoV in camel nasal discharge. As per the ‘The National’ newspaper report, the MERS-CoV is present in almost the majority of the camels in Africa and the Middle East.

Bats and Camels are the Natural Reservoirs of MERS CoV

MERS-CoV is found in Bats and camels both. Both animals are the reservoirs for it. One Chinese study revealed that it is found in the Bat only.

Conclusive Remarks of Famous Camelogists

According to Bernard Faye (the famous camelogist and veterinarian), in his camel farm in KSA, all the camels were MERS-CoV positive but there was no sign of Virus transmission among the workers. Also, no camel showed signs of infection in the 3 years period of time. (Pers. Comm.)

Dr. Bernard Faye, Camelogist
FAYE, Bernard, famous camelogist. He is a French Veterinarian and global camel researcher.

The author (Camelogist Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar) has been working closely with camels for the last 9 years and has contact with at least 400 camels daily. Also, many members of my team have close contact with camels on a daily basis.  We have not noticed any camel or human has shown any sign of sickness. But if we check the nasal and fecal samples, we will find the viruses and other microorganisms including MERS CoV. 

Many other colleagues (camel owners, farmers, workers, and more) said that they had not noticed any such infection. According to a very reputable research study conducted by Dr. Wernery and his team (Wernery is the scientific director of the central veterinary lab of Dubai), the virus is rarely transmitted from camel to human.

Some very important and conclusive remarks/findings
  • Only there is very little chance of transmission for those who are already very weak and sick and facing immuno-depression.
  • It does not affect the camel’s health either.
  • Only nasal discharge can be noticed in newborn calves infected with MERS
  • The virus is found in nasal discharge and transmitted via nasal way, therefore studies conducted used nasal swabs as the source of the virus
  • The camel products, especially the milk and meat are 100% safe as this virus has no viability below 4C and above 20C
  • Also, the virus is not discharged in milk and meat. There is no reason to consider that camel milk or meat could be a way of contamination as the virus is excreted only by the respiratory way

The deep reality

When I read much more about MERS and camels, I reached the conclusion that blaming camels for MERS is a political/business motive to terrify the people and sell vaccines in the future. In business, there is no rule at all.

The take-home message

So there are no worries, do not avoid camel products. Please use camel milk as before. Camel milk is a natural pharmacy, that boosts immunity and keeps infections at bay.

Further reading

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Camel Products

Camel Saved Human in Challenging Condition

An Arab friend of mine told me that the camel saved generations of people in the world’s driest ecosystems for centuries. The camel pastoralists were used to walk with their camels, drinking their milk with the dried dates.

What Ibne Khaldun Says?

Ibne Khaldun says “before Islam, the tribe of Mudar used to eat a portion of food made from the grounded wool (crushed with stone) of camels cooked in the blood named as IHLIZ اهلز”

In times of extreme drought or famine, it’s possible rules that religion may normally ban may be relaxed to ensure survival. In parts of east Africa in drought time people used to have to cut up, grind up and boil the camel and cattle skins they used as sleeping mats in order to survive.

Dr. Piers Simpkin, the honorable member of the camel4life advocacy group

Camel Skin and Hair are Sometimes Edible

A colleague of our camel advocacy group “Tumal from Oronto of Gabbara Pastoralists” told that; Around the year 1936, there was a serious drought in Northern Kenya, locally known as “Olla Qolaji” Olla- is drought Qolaji- dry poor cowhide. Hence Pastoralists Herders roasted cowhides from collapsed animals due to severe drought. My dad moved from Maikona in Marsabit County to Magado currently (350Kms) in Isiolo County- those days called Northern Frontier Districts by the Colonial government. Camels’ hides are roasted during food shortages in those days because it retains oil layers.

In some cultures, the camel pastoralists eat raw hump. Some communities even open the hump of the living camel, cut the hump, and sew the skin again. They eat the hump fats as raw food to subside their hunger. Drinking the camel’s blood from a living camel is still quite common in some camel pastoralists’ communities, especially in Africa.