Paresh Rawal Claims 'Drinking Urine Healed Him'; U.S. Army Field Manual Prohibits Soldiers from Consuming Urine Even in Survival Situations— Learn Why Urine Consumption Is Harmful

New Delhi- Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal recently made headlines with a startling revelation that he drank his own urine to recover from a knee injury. In an interview with Lallantop, Rawal disclosed that he followed this unconventional method on the advice of the late stunt director and actor Ajay Devgn’s father, Veeru Devgan. Veeru Devgan visited Rawal while he was admitted to Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai and suggested drinking his own urine.

This claim has reignited the debate around urine therapy. A post on the social media platform X by Dr. Nisha Yadav further fueled the controversy, where she labeled urine as bodily waste and called its consumption foolish. Meanwhile, as per media reports, the U.S. Army Field Manual explicitly prohibits soldiers from drinking urine, as a water substitute, even in survival situations. Let’s delve into the scientific facts, historical claims, and expert opinions to understand why urine consumption can be harmful.

What Is Urine Therapy?

Urine therapy, also known as urotherapy or shivambu, is an alternative medical practice that involves drinking one’s own urine, applying it to the skin, or using it in other ways. Proponents claim it can treat conditions such as allergies, acne, cancer, heart disease, infections, wounds, stuffy nose, skin ailments, and even stings. However, the scientific community dismisses these claims, as there is no credible research to support them.

Urine is a waste product filtered from the blood by the kidneys. According to a detailed report prepared for NASA in 1971, the composition of urine includes:

• Over 95% water

• Urea: 9.3 grams/liter (nitrogen-containing waste)

• Chloride: 1.87 grams/liter

• Sodium: 1.17 grams/liter

• Potassium: 0.750 grams/liter

• Creatinine: 0.670 grams/liter

• Other dissolved ions, inorganic and organic compounds such as uric acid, trace amounts of proteins, hormones, glucose, and water-soluble vitamins.

These substances are expelled from the body because they are unnecessary or potentially harmful. In her X post, Dr. Nisha Yadav emphasized that urea, creatinine, and uric acid are toxic to the body, and re-consuming them can strain the kidneys.

Scientific Perspective: Is Drinking Urine Beneficial?

From a scientific perspective, drinking urine is not only ineffective but can also pose several health risks. Key reasons include:

1. Reabsorption of Toxins: Urine contains urea, creatinine, and uric acid, which are waste products. Re-ingesting them can place additional stress on the kidneys and liver, potentially leading to long-term health issues.

2. Risk of Infection: While urine may be sterile in the bladder, it can come into contact with bacteria as it exits the body. Drinking it increases the risk of bacterial infections.

3. Dehydration: Urine contains high levels of salt and electrolytes, which can exacerbate dehydration, especially in individuals already lacking water.

4. Drug Residues: If a person is taking medications, their urine may contain drug residues, which can cause allergic reactions or other complications when re-consumed.

5. U.S. Army Field Manual Warning: The manual explicitly prohibits soldiers from drinking urine in survival situations, as it reintroduces toxins, bacteria, and drug residues into the body, potentially worsening the situation.

History of Urine Therapy

Urine therapy has a history spanning thousands of years. It was used in ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt, and India to treat various ailments. For instance:

• In ancient Rome, urine was used to whiten teeth.

• In India, texts like Ayurveda and Shivambu Kalpa describe urine as having medicinal properties.

• In medieval Hatha Yoga, it was referred to as “amaroli.”

Modern urine therapy gained popularity in 1945 through British naturopath John W. Armstrong. His book, The Water of Life: A Treatise on Urine Therapy, claimed that urine could cure all major illnesses. Armstrong suggested that those near death should consume only their urine and apply it to their skin daily for weeks. His claims were inspired by family practices and a biblical phrase, “Drink water from your own cistern,” though biblical scholars consider this interpretation inaccurate.

Several prominent figures have endorsed urine therapy. Former Indian Prime Minister Morarji Desai claimed that drinking urine helped maintain his health. Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez and other celebrities have also spoken in its favor. In some Nigerian communities, urine is still used as a traditional remedy for children with seizures, but research indicates this practice may increase the risk of bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.

Despite claims by Paresh Rawal and many others, there is no scientific evidence to support urine therapy. The U.S. Army Field Manual’s warning and scientific research confirm that drinking urine is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful. Urine is a bodily waste product, and consuming it can strain the kidneys, cause infections, and worsen dehydration. Experts advise consulting qualified medical professionals before adopting any alternative therapies. For health issues, rely on proven medical treatments rather than unverified claims.