Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Baba Ramdev’s Ayurvedic Hookah Claims Draw Health Warnings, Online Mockery
Baba Ramdev appeared in a video discussing a hookah-like preparation made with several herbs and household ingredients.
The ingredients included liquorice, turmeric, mustard, cow ghee, Kakra singi and desi camphor.
He said inhaling the smoke might help with a blocked nose and cough.
He also connected the practice to the Ayurvedic ideas of vata, pitta and kapha.
Health experts’ warnings in the article say that smoke can carry tiny particles and harmful chemicals into the lungs.
The article says no strong medical evidence proves this preparation is safe or effective.
Some people online mocked the idea and called it unhealthy.
The article advises that these claims should not be treated as medical advice.
A video shows Baba Ramdev describing a traditional-style “Ayurvedic hookah” preparation.
The ingredients mentioned include liquorice, turmeric, mustard, cow ghee, Kakra singi and desi camphor.
Ramdev claims the resulting smoke may ease cough and nasal congestion and balance Ayurvedic doshas.
The article says there is no strong clinical evidence that inhaling the smoke is safe or medically effective.
Online commenters criticized the idea, warning that smoke from burning substances can harm the lungs.
- Who
- Yoga guru Baba Ramdev discussed the preparation; online users reacted to it.
- What
- A video featured claims about an “Ayurvedic hookah” made from herbal and household ingredients.
- When
- The article does not specify when the video was recorded or posted.
- Where
- The location of the video is not specified.
- Why
- Ramdev said the smoke may help with cough and nasal congestion, while critics raised concerns about the health effects of inhaling smoke.
Traditional-health claims
Medical and public criticism
Reported health effects
Traditional-health claims
Baba Ramdev says inhaling the preparation’s smoke may help clear nasal congestion and relieve cough.
Medical and public criticism
The article says these benefits have not been established by strong clinical evidence.
Safety of inhalation
Traditional-health claims
The preparation is presented as Ayurvedic and uses traditional ingredients such as liquorice, Kakra singi and desi camphor.
Medical and public criticism
Health warnings state that smoke from burning substances can contain particles and combustion products, regardless of whether tobacco is present.
Public response
Traditional-health claims
The video presents the practice as a possible traditional remedy linked to balancing vata, pitta and kapha.
Medical and public criticism
Online commenters criticized the practice, with some saying it could expose users to harmful substances and damage the lungs.
- Preparation
- A hookah-like setup used to heat and inhale a mixture of ingredients.
- Ingredients
- Liquorice, turmeric, mustard seeds, cow ghee, Kakra singi and desi camphor.
- Claimed benefits
- Relief from nasal congestion and cough, along with management of Ayurvedic doshas.
- Medical evidence
- The article says there is no strong clinical evidence proving the preparation safe or effective.
- Health concern
- Burning substances can produce particulate matter and combustion products that enter the respiratory system.
- Public reaction
- Commenters mocked the idea and described it as unhealthy or potentially toxic.