Indians Washing With Cow Poo Over Covid Fears

Fears of Covid-19 death prompted some Indians to bathe in cow faeces. Doctors, on the other hand, warn that there is no proof that cow dung can cure the novel coronavirus, and also warn of other diseases that can be contracted from bacteria and germs found in the faeces. India has been devastated by the pandemic, with 22.66 million Covid-19 infections and 246,116 deaths so far.

However, experts believe the figures maybe 5 to 10 times higher than those published, as a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen, and medication has caused many people to die due to a lack of care. Some people in Gujarat, India's western province, go to cow shelters once a week to bathe in cow feces and urine in the hopes of boosting their immunity against the coronavirus.

The cow is a sacred symbol of life and Earth in Hinduism, which might sound disgusting and strange. Cow manure has been used by Hindus to clean their homes and in prayer rituals because they believe it contains antiseptic and medicinal properties. Gautam Manilal Borisa, an associate manager at a pharmaceutical firm, claims that using cow dung last year helped him recover from the virus.

“As you can see... Even doctors visit this place. They believe that this therapy boosts their immunity, allowing them to care for patients without fear.”

However, not all physicians agree on the effects or healing properties of it. The national president of the Indian Medical Association, J.A. Jayalal, disagrees.

“There is no solid scientific evidence that cow dung or urine boosts immunity to Covid-19. It is solely focused on faith. Smearing or eating these items carries health risks, since other diseases may be transmitted from the animal to humans.”

He also believes that for groups to bathe themselves is dangerous since it could spread the Covid virus further. Those who believe in the dung and urine mixture, on the other hand, continue to queue up to suffocate in the concoction. They hug or honour the cows at the shelter as it dries, and they practice yoga to keep their energy levels up. They wash the mixture with milk or buttermilk until it has dried.