What are the benefits and effects of child's urine?
Generally, the purported benefits and effects of child urine include moistening the intestines and relieving constipation, nourishing yin and reducing internal heat, treating headaches caused by cold or heat, promoting diuresis to reduce edema, and nourishing the kidneys. Specific details are as follows:
1. Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation
Child urine is traditionally believed to help moisten the intestines and relieve constipation, making it suitable for individuals suffering from constipation. However, this effect has not been scientifically proven, and drinking urine poses hygiene risks.
2. Nourishing Yin and Reducing Fire
Traditionally, the middle portion of child urine—discarding the initial and final portions—is collected when it appears clear and water-like, and is believed to have the effect of nourishing yin and clearing excess internal heat. This may be related to the traditional Chinese medicinal properties and meridian tropism attributed to its components, although the exact mechanism remains unclear.
3. Treating Headaches Caused by Cold or Heat
Child urine has been used in treating symptoms such as headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, fever, hemorrhoids, and cough caused by wind-cold or wind-heat. However, treatment for these conditions should primarily rely on modern medical diagnosis and therapies rather than depending solely on child urine.
4. Promoting Diuresis and Reducing Edema
Due to its salty taste and cold nature, child urine is believed to have a certain diuretic effect and may be used to treat conditions such as edema and difficulty in urination.
5. Nourishing Yin and the Kidneys
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), child urine is believed to nourish kidney yin and is mainly used to treat symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus caused by kidney deficiency.
However, due to hygiene concerns and potential health risks associated with child urine—including risk of infection and allergic reactions—it is not recommended as a method for treatment or health promotion. Patients experiencing relevant symptoms should seek timely medical attention and follow professional medical advice for proper treatment.