Urine Therapy: What It Is, Its Claims, and What Science Says
An evidence-based overview of urine therapy: what supporters claim it can cure, why medical science does not back these claims, and the potential health risks to consider for patients and English learners.
Urine therapy is a controversial alternative practice that uses human urine for healing purposes. Proponents claim it can treat a wide range of conditions, but medical science does not support these claims. This article explains what it is, what supporters say, and why experts advise caution.
What is urine therapy?
Urine therapy involves collecting urine and using it in different ways, such as applying it to the skin, soaking, rinsing the mouth, or in some cases, drinking small amounts. While some adherents describe dramatic results, there is no reliable evidence to prove benefits.
What supporters claim
Proponents describe urine as a source of healing compounds released by the body. They suggest it can help with many health issues, including:
- Acne
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Infertility
- Sprains and injuries
- Mononucleosis
- Psoriasis
- Hepatitis
- Burns
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Endometriosis
- Ulcerative colitis
- HIV/AIDS
- Heart and circulatory diseases
- Cancer
Does it really work?
There are no clinical guidelines that endorse urine therapy. Scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is lacking because researchers have not conducted rigorous studies testing urine as a medical treatment in people or animals. In many reports, authors acknowledge the difficulty of identifying any active medicinal component in urine.
Potential risks and side effects
Unlike proven therapies, urine therapy can cause real harm. The following issues have been reported or could occur:
Digestive upset
Drinking urine may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in the first days after intake.
Drug interactions
Some medicines are eliminated through the urine. Consuming urine while taking medications can alter how these drugs work, potentially increasing risks or reducing effectiveness.
Infections
Urine is not sterile even in healthy people. Bacteria can be present and may cause inflammation if the liquid is ingested or used on the eyes or skin.
Skin reactions
Urine left on the skin or used on acne-prone areas can feed bacteria and lead to skin infections rather than clearing the condition.
Delaying proper care
Choosing urine therapy and avoiding medical advice can waste time and money and allow a disease to progress, increasing the risk of complications.
What treatments have you found trustworthy? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Expert comment
Expert comment: A medical researcher notes that there is no reliable evidence for benefits and warns that using urine may expose people to infections and drug interactions. Relying on evidence-based treatments remains the safest approach.
Summary
Urine therapy is an old, controversial practice that has never earned broad scientific support. While supporters claim it helps many conditions, rigorous studies do not confirm these effects. Health professionals warn about possible infections and drug interactions, and advise seeking proven, safe treatments.
Key insight: Evidence-based medicine keeps patients safer; avoid unproven therapies like urine therapy that can carry real health risks.