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Donkey milk appears in the lore of various eras – often in connection with home remedies and folk knowledge. This lore is culturally and historically interesting, but it does not prove any effects in humans. Today, donkey milk is legally and professionally classified as a food. In this post, we show where its reputation comes from and how to classify it objectively.
What "lore" means
Much of what is told today about donkey milk in ancient times comes from lore. This refers to texts, stories, and customs that have been passed down through generations. Often, it cannot be said exactly what is historically proven and what was added or embellished later.
For classification, this means: Lore shows how people in the past thought about a food. It says nothing about whether the ideas of that time were correct. That is why we consistently label such content as lore and do not associate it with any promise.
Donkey milk in antiquity and folk knowledge
According to lore, Hippocrates is said to have mentioned donkey milk in his writings. It is also told that the Roman upper class valued donkey milk – especially in connection with baths and body care. How exactly these stories reflect historical everyday life is difficult to say.
In later centuries, donkey milk repeatedly appears in folk home remedy traditions in various regions of Europe and around the Mediterranean. Donkeys were widespread there for a long time as working and pack animals. Their milk was therefore generally available in some regions, but because of the small quantities, it was always something special.
Important: What was said about donkey milk in such traditions was based on observations and ideas of the respective time, not on verifiable studies. We therefore deliberately do not reproduce these earlier ideas of application in detail.
Why donkey milk had such a special reputation
The fact that donkey milk was considered something precious for centuries has mainly practical reasons:
- Small quantities: In addition to the needs of its foal, a donkey gives only about 1–2 liters of milk per day.
- Laborious milking: It has been and still is milked by hand or in small quantities.
- Rarity creates value: What is difficult to obtain is often associated with special properties in stories.
These factors still apply today: The quantities are small, the effort is high. That is why donkey milk is still a rare and comparatively expensive food today. The special reputation from earlier times can therefore be explained with very sober reasons – without having to attribute special powers to the milk.
How we understand donkey milk today
Today, donkey milk is no longer described through lore, but through its composition. Per 100 ml, it contains about:
| Nutritional value | per 100 ml (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g (mostly under 1 g) |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
In addition, donkey milk naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin, which we call ingredients purely as ingredients. Donkey milk is scientifically investigated primarily because of this composition. You can find an overview on our page Donkey milk in research.
Please note: Donkey milk contains milk protein and, with about 6–7 g per 100 ml, rather more lactose than cow's milk (around 4.7 g). It is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula.
Tradition and modern classification in comparison
The difference between the past and today can be summarized well: In the past, donkey milk was assessed through stories and customs. Today, what can be measured and verified counts. Legally, donkey milk is a food. It serves nutrition and enjoyment and is not associated with the treatment of diseases. The history remains a beautiful part of its culture nonetheless.
Frequently asked questions
Was donkey milk used in folk medicine in the past?
According to lore, donkey milk appears in home remedy traditions in various eras. This lore is culturally and historically interesting, but does not prove any effects.
Is donkey milk a medicine today?
No. Donkey milk is a food and is classified as such.
What is the truth behind the stories about Hippocrates?
It is handed down that he is said to have mentioned donkey milk. What exactly was meant and how reliable the lore is cannot be said with certainty today.
Why is donkey milk still rare today?
Because a donkey gives only about 1–2 liters per day in addition to the foal and is milked by hand or in small quantities.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. For health questions, please contact your doctor.
