A video that is claimed to show yoga guru Baba Ramdev demonstrating an “Ayurvedic hookah” has gone viral on social media, sparking a mix of amusement, curiosity and debate. Baba Ramdev is seen preparing what appears to be a traditional hookah with a woman, using a blend of herbs and other ingredients.
What Goes Into An ‘Ayurvedic Hookah’?
In the video, Ramdev places mulethi (liquorice) into the hookah while explaining the preparation, saying, “Isme saari jari butiya hai.” He then adds turmeric, mustard seeds, carom seeds, camphor and kakda singi before declaring the mix ready. The Tribune report stated that in the clip also shows camphor on the fire as part of the process.
The Claimed Health Benefits
Elsewhere in the clip, Ramdev suggests that inhaling the smoke can help balance vata, pitta and kapha, the three doshas in Ayurveda, and offer relief from complaints like cough and nasal congestion.
Also Read: Baba Ramdev Has Been Practicing Yoga For The Last 50 Years And Has Been Teaching For 35 Years Now!
Here’s How The Internet Reacted
The video demonstration quickly made users turn it into memes. “Bro know this generation pretty well,” one user commented, while another joked about “ayurvedic hukka bar” replacing regular hookah at clubs. Some viewed it through the lens of traditional remedies, recalling that smoke was historically used as treatment in ancient India, while others joked about ingredients Ramdev may have missed.
Does Herbal Smoke Actually Have Health Benefits?
The viral moment has also raised genuine questions about safety. There is no strong clinical evidence that inhaling smoke from herbal preparations is a safe or effective treatment for cough, congestion or other respiratory issues. In fact, smoke inhalation can irritate the airways and may worsen respiratory conditions, particularly for those with asthma or other chronic lung issues.
Also Read: Baba Ramdev Shared The Ideal Seqence Of Eating With Us
Part Of A Wider Herbal Smoking Conversation
The clip arrives amid separate interest in nicotine-free herbal smoking products, including a “herbal cigarette” promoted by a Haridwar-based Ayurvedic college as a possible smoking-cessation aid, though researchers say data collection is still ongoing and no firm conclusions can be drawn yet.
Cover Image Courtesy: Swami Ramdev/Instagram
FAQs
What health benefits does Ramdev claim it offers?
He suggests that inhaling the smoke can help balance the three doshas — vata, pitta and kapha — and provide relief from cough and nasal congestion.
Is inhaling herbal smoke actually safe?
There is no strong clinical evidence supporting it as a safe or effective treatment. Smoke inhalation can irritate the airways and may worsen respiratory conditions, especially for people with asthma or chronic lung issues.