The term “urology” literally translates to the study of urine. Excretion of urine forms an important aspect of homeostasis. Urine has been used from the pre-historic to the present time for variety of medical, medicinal and other bizarre uses.

The uses of urine were searched on MEDLINE and various internet search engines. Old manuscripts were also reviewed.
Results

Our search revealed bizarre uses of human as well as urine of different animals.

Urine therapy has been documented in the Bible and in the ancient Hindu manuscript of Damara Tantra. Aztecs also recommended urine for stomach ailments. The use of Camel’s urine has been documented in Islamic hadith. Urine therapy still continues in the present day with famous personalities admitting to it including Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Steve McQueen and former Indian Prime Minister, Morarji Desai. In Siberia, the Koryak tribesmen drink urine of the person who has consumed the entheogenic mushroom, Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric) to get hallucinations. Urine of domestic cow has been considered as “holy water” in India and was used for treatment of almost all ailments.

Urolagnia is a recognised psychiatric disorder with fetish for urine and urination.
In ancient Rome, urine was used as a bleaching agent by the fullers. Tax was levied on the public for using toilets. In the middle ages, it was thought that gold imparts its yellow color and attempts were made by alchemists to isolate this, which in turn led to the discovery of white phosphorous!
During the First World War urine impregnated swabs were used to cover the eyes when exposed to bombs containing chlorine. During the Second WW, as natural penicillin was in short supply, urine from soldiers being injected was being collected to isolate crystals of penicillin, which was then being administered to soldiers suffering from gonorrhoea!


Urine from pregnant women has been used to extract HCG, which in turn has been used in fishing industry for spawning. Urine has also been used to isolate urokinase. Urine from a pregnant mare has been used to manufacture Premarin. Recently, urine has been used to rehydrate food packets of the US army and the first paper battery that generates electricity from urine has also been patented. Urine has also been used to produce gunpowder, cure tobacco, dying, tanning, cheese making, tattooing, hair shampoo, skin conditioner, antiseptic, mouthwash, pain killer, to cure cataracts and a long list of other bizarre applications.

Our search yielded interesting uses of urine throughout the ages, in different cultures and continues to be used even today. Urine also provides an abundance source for proteins such as enzymes, hormones and amino-acids. The future may unveil more fascinating applications of this precious liquid white gold, Urine.

Urine. Urination, Catheterisation, Collection. The Liquid White Gold is a book which offers an all-embracing overview on the subject of urine – the substance from which Urology takes its name. It is a must-have for all specialists practising or interested in urology.