Why camel milk enthusiasts see it as medicine, not food

Camel milk is rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, and calcium. It also contains high levels of an insulin-like protein that passes through the stomach without being destroyed. [Bruno Mutunga, Standard]

Gladys Mollah says that the first time she took a sip of camel milk in Isiolo town, she had to look at her glass twice to see if somebody had touched the glass with charcoal-stained fingers.

When she inquired about it, she was told that the milk smelled like charcoal because of the sun-burnt plants/trees camels eat. In fact, locals believe that some of the wild plants camels eat are medicinal in nature.