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Donkey milk has a reputation that stretches far back into history. Many of today's claims—such as donkey milk relieving inflammation "naturally"—rely on these ancient traditions. But a long tradition is no proof of effectiveness. In this article, we look at what tradition tells us, what of it is legend, and what can be said about donkey milk today based on the facts.
Donkey milk in ancient stories
The best-known story about donkey milk is about Cleopatra. According to tradition, the Egyptian queen bathed in donkey milk. Whether this was really the case cannot be proven. The story does show, however, that donkey milk was considered valuable from an early period—a luxury that only a few could afford.
A similar story is told about Poppaea Sabina, the wife of the Roman Emperor Nero. According to tradition, she supposedly took an entire herd of donkeys with her on her travels for her baths. The same applies here: it is a story, not a proven fact.
The Greek physician Hippocrates is also frequently mentioned in connection with donkey milk. According to tradition, he is said to have mentioned donkey milk in his writings. From today's perspective, one thing is important: ancient medicine was based on completely different ideas about the body than modern medicine. Ancient recommendations are therefore an exciting piece of cultural history, but not a basis for statements about their effects.
Why donkey milk has always been rare
The reason donkey milk was considered valuable is quite practical: there is not much of it. A donkey gives about 1–2 liters of milk per day—and that is only in addition to what its foal drinks. It is milked by hand or in small quantities. Little has changed in this regard to this day.
For centuries, donkeys were primarily working animals. They carried loads, pulled carts, and worked in agriculture. Milk was rather a rare byproduct. This rarity certainly contributed to the many stories that have developed about donkey milk.
Why tradition is no proof of effectiveness
It is understandable that ancient stories fascinate. But they are not sufficient for making a statement about the effects of a food. There are several reasons for this:
- Traditions change: Many stories were written down only long after the events took place and were retold again and again.
- Different standards: In the past, there was no distinction between food, personal care, and medical treatment as there is today.
- Lack of testing: Whether an application actually led to a result was not examined back then according to today's standards.
- Today's law: Health-related claims about food are only permitted in the EU if they have been tested and approved. There is no such claim about inflammation for donkey milk.
That is why we at DON DONKEY'S refrain from making such promises. Food does not treat diseases.
What can be said today based on the facts
What we can reliably describe today is the composition. Per 100 ml, donkey milk contains about 35–45 kcal, usually less than 1 g of fat, 1.5–1.9 g of protein, 6–7 g of lactose, and 60–90 mg of calcium. It also naturally contains the proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin. These are facts about the milk—not statements about its effects on the body.
Donkey milk is studied scientifically primarily because of this composition. You can find an overview of the topics on our page Donkey Milk in Research.
Good to know: Donkey milk contains more lactose than cow's milk (around 4.7 g per 100 ml), as well as milk protein. If you have intolerances or a milk protein allergy, please consult your doctor about consumption.
Donkey milk as a cultural asset
Perhaps the best way to describe donkey milk today is as a rare food with a long history. Those who drink it enjoy a product that has fascinated people for thousands of years—without any promises of miracles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Cleopatra really bathe in donkey milk?
This is what is traditionally told, but it is not proven. The story is one of the best-known legends surrounding donkey milk.
Are there proven statements about donkey milk and inflammation?
No, there is no approved claim about this. Donkey milk is a food. If you have symptoms, please consult your doctor.
Why is donkey milk so expensive?
A donkey gives only about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to what its foal drinks, and it is milked in small quantities. This makes donkey milk rare and labor-intensive.
How long have people been drinking donkey milk?
Stories about donkey milk date back to antiquity. However, precise information cannot be derived from these traditions.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health-related questions, please consult your doctor.
