Does Urine Therapy Help Any Medical Condition?

Urine therapy, also known as urotherapy, is a folk remedy practice that involves using one's own urine for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. Proponents of urine therapy claim that it can cure a variety of disorders, including acne, cancer, diabetes, eye infections, cuts, bee stings, chilblains and even AIDS. However, there is almost no scientific evidence to support these claims, and urine therapy is not recommended by medical and healthcare professionals.

Urine is a waste product that the body eliminates through the urinary system. It contains a variety of compounds, including water, urea, creatinine, microbes and various salts and minerals. While some of these substances may have therapeutic properties, they are typically excreted from the body because they are waste products that the body needs to eliminate and no longer has a use for them.

Proponents of urine therapy argue that the compounds found in urine can help the body heal itself and fight off many different diseases. For example, they claim that urine contains antibodies and immune system boosters that can help fight infections and diseases, especially cancers. They also argue that urine is rich in vitamins and minerals that can improve overall health and well-being, however the vitamins and minerals in the urine have been excreted by the body as it no longer has a use for them, so drinking them back into the body is not going to achieve much.

However, these claims for urine therapy are not close to being supported by any scientific evidence. While urine does contain some compounds that could potentially have therapeutic properties, there is no evidence to suggest that these substances are effective when ingested or applied to the skin. The body has excreted them as it no longer has a use for them In fact, drinking or applying urine to the skin can introduce harmful bacteria and toxins into the body, leading to infections and other health problems. There is a widespread myth that urine is sterile, but it is not and can contain various quantities of microbes.

Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that urine therapy can cure serious diseases like cancer or AIDS or even minor problems like chilblains. The claims that it can affect modern infectious diseases are often quickly debunked by fact checkers. These conditions require evidence-based medical treatments to give people the very best care possible. To rely on urine therapy or any other alternative or folk remedy instead of seeking appropriate medical care can be dangerous and even life-threatening. If any of these therapies are claimed to work, then it is more likely that they helps as they were just a placebo or it was the natural history of the condition to get better.

Urine therapy is not supported by scientific evidence and is not recommended by medical professionals. While urine may contain some compounds that could potentially have therapeutic properties, there is no evidence to suggest that ingesting or applying urine to the skin is an effective treatment for any ailment. It is important to consult a medical professional for any health concerns and to follow evidence-based treatments and therapies.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.