Cow Urine (Gomutra) Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

The antioxidant property of gomutra and its ability to repair DNA make it effective in the management of cancer. In a preclinical study, cow urine administration was found to be useful in reducing the risk of tumours. Regular usage of gomutra also decreased the severity of tumours.

Further research shows that a unique kind of treatment called cowpathy or panchgavya pathy is highly effective against cancer symptoms.

Read more: Difference between cancer and tumour

In vivo (animal-based) studies demonstrate that topical application of cow’s urine has potent wound healing properties. This is because of the presence of allantoin in it, which improves the process of wound healing. It also increases the levels of antibodies that make sure that your wounds don't get infected.

Traditionally, cow urine is used for the treatment of intestinal worms. To confirm this effect, Panchgavya, the medicinal product consisting of milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine from cow was tested on Indian earthworms. As earthworms are anatomically and physiologically similar to intestinal roundworms, this study helped in understanding the anthelmintic properties of Panchgavya. It showed that monitored dosage of Panchagavya as compared to other drugs was very effective in causing paralysis and death of earthworms in a dose-dependent manner.

The study concluded that the anthelmintic properties of gomutra can be used in treatments of colic and other parasitic infections.

Read more: How to do deworming for adults

Gomutra is known as a bioenhancer in ayurvedic medicine. This means that cow urine, when administered along with other drugs increases their bioavailability. Several ayurvedic medicines use this bio enhancing property of gomutra. But it is especially used along with drugs that needed to be given in low doses to avoid their side effects. This concept is known as Yogvahi in ayurveda.

When combined with different constituents, cow urine is used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Research indicates that cow’s urine helps in transporting drugs across the cell membranes (outer protective layer of body cells), making them more easily available to the body. According to ayurveda, gomutra contains the ‘Rasayana’ tatva, which acts as a bioenhancer.

Ancient vaidyas believed that gomutra enhances our body’s resistive power by up to 104%. In a research conducted on animal models, it was found that cow’s urine increased both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. The study also indicated that the consumption of cow urine leads to an increase in white blood cells count and the total immune response within a month. It has been suggested that the “Rasayana” tatva present in gomutra is responsible for the strengthening of the immune system.

Read more: Immunity boosting foods

Research evidence indicates that cowpathy or panchagavya pathy is highly effective in the treatment of diabetes. In a study to assess the effect of gomutra on diabetic animal models, it was found that regular consumption of gomutra reduces blood glucose levels significantly and no side effects were found in spite of increasing the dose. 

In another study, the anti-diabetic effects of cow urine were compared to that of a traditional polyherbal formulation composed of cow urine and some ayurvedic herbs, to be used for alleviating diabetes symptoms. As per the findings of this study, cow urine alone is more effective than the formulation.

Read more: Blood sugar test

However, diabetic people are recommended to talk to their doctor before taking cow urine in any form.

Read more: What not to eat in diabetes

Certain healthy micronutrients in our body are washed out along with the waste through urine on a regular basis. This results in the ageing of our body. Gomutra consumption refills the body with these lost elements making up for their deficiency. It thus slows down the ageing process and hence is also referred to as a life-giving elixir.

Furthermore, as a source of antioxidants, cow urine helps in scavenging the free radicals from your body, making sure that your tissues do not suffer from oxidative stress. However, if you are taking it as a supplement, it is best to refer to an ayurvedic doctor first.

Read more: Anti-ageing treatments and prevention

Cow urine is traditionally used for the treatment of various skin diseases including vitiligo and fungal infections of the skin. It is also believed to keep off acne. Though cow urine has been demonstrated to possess antifungal activity against Candida species (a common yeast), and some level of antibacterial effects, lack of strong evidence makes it difficult to confirm these benefits.

Cow urine is an excellent wound healing agent. Being an antibacterial and immunomodulatory, it reduces the risk of bacterial infections in such wounds.

Being a source of natural antioxidants, it may be helpful in reducing signs of premature ageing, including dark spots, wrinkles and loose skin.

Read more: Home remedies for face skin tightening

Haemorrhoids or piles is a condition marked by inflammation and pain in and around the anal area. Apart from causing immense discomfort, it also causes bleeding from the swollen haemorrhoids tissues. Traditionally, cow urine is given in a polyherbal formulation to relieve piles symptoms and reduce bleeding and pain.

Extensive research has been done to find the exact cause and a natural treatment for haemorrhoids. Constipation is considered one of the factors responsible for piles. According to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention, cow urine has a soothing effect on the intestines. Also known as mala-bhedana in ayurveda, it facilitates the easy elimination of stools from your gut thus relieving the excessive pressure on the anal walls.

A monitored oral intake of cow urine prevents painful and strenuous complications of both Grade 1 and 2 haemorrhoids.

Read more: Home remedies for piles

The following are some other health benefits of cow urine that you should know about:

• Ayurvedic scriptures such as Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Sangrah and Bhav Prakash Nighantu highlight the uses of cows urine by itself or in combination with other natural mixtures or components can treat infections effectively. Being an antibacterial agent gomutra is considered to be effective in the treatment of tuberculosis. Since the development of drug-resistant pathogens have made a lot of conventional therapies useless, cow urine as a natural product may be an effective alternative to such antibiotics.
• Ayurveda mentions the use of cow urine for anaemia treatment. The most common cause of anaemia in India is lack of enough iron-rich supplements in our daily diet. It is believed that the presence of erythropoietin in cow urine makes it an effective remedy for anaemia by increasing the number of RBCs and haemoglobin. Furthermore, cow urine also contains urea, which helps maintain RBC structure, ensuring optimum function. 
• Gomutra was shown to have antioxidant properties that could help in the smooth functioning of the liver. Hence consumption of cow urine distillate is encouraged for a healthy liver.
• Studies indicate that Panchagavya, which has cow urine as one of its components, has significant anticonvulsant properties and hence it may be used for the management of epilepsy. Though cow urine, by itself wasn't found to be potent enough to prevent epilepsy completely.