Camel Urine: Remedy or Risk? Miracle or Blunder?

Here is the Hadith:

Some people came to The Prophet (ﷺ) and embraced Islam. The climate of Medina did not suit them, so their skin turned yellow and their stomachs became swollen. So The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered them to go to drink camel's milk and urine (as medicine). They did so, and after they had recovered they apostatized and killed the shepherd of the camels and took the camels away. The Prophet (ﷺ) sent some people in their pursuit and so they were caught and brought, and The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered that their hands and legs should be cut off and that their eyes should be gouged out with heated pieces of iron, and that their wounds shall not be cauterized until they die. Then he (ﷺ) left them in the sun in that state until they died. Anas said: "I saw one of them licking the ground from thirst, until they died." Then Allah revealed the following verse: "Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread mischief in the land is death, crucifixion, cutting off their hands and feet on opposite sides, or exile from the land..." (5:33)

(Nasai:306, Bukhari:5685, Bukhari:1501)

Ignoring Muhammad's extremely barbaric punishment for these guys, it seems like Muhammad told these guys to drink camel urine and milk as a cure for their swollen bellies, which seems like they had liver problems. However, there are many reasons why drinking camel urine can be dangerous:

Scientific Criticism of Medicinal Claims

While some studies highlight the antibacterial or antioxidant properties of urine under controlled conditions, they often involve purified or processed extracts, not raw urine. The medicinal claims about urine lack large-scale, peer-reviewed research to support them fully. Additionally, the risks of toxicity and infection outweigh any purported benefits.

Toxic Substances in Cow and Camel Urine

1. High Levels of Urea and Ammonia:

   • Both cow and camel urine contain urea and ammonia, which, in excessive amounts, can be toxic to humans. Consuming these substances can lead to uremic poisoning or damage to the digestive system. (Reference: Bes Journal)

2. Presence of Heavy Metals:

   • Research conducted in Mexico analyzed the presence of heavy metals in the blood, milk, and urine of cattle reared in areas irrigated with wastewater. The study concluded that metals ingested by cattle through contaminated fodder are easily transferred to their milk and urine. This indicates that cattle urine can contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel, depending on environmental factors and the animal's diet.(Reference: PMC)

3. Mutagenic Properties:

   • Some studies suggest that cattle urine can have mutagenic effects (causing DNA mutations), which might increase the risk of cancer. (Reference: PUBMED)

Pathogens in Animal Urine

Animal urine, including that of cows and camels, can carry harmful pathogens such as:

1. Leptospirosis:

   • This bacterial infection is caused by Leptospira bacteria, often found in animal urine. Leptospirosis can cause fever, muscle pain, liver damage, kidney failure, or even death.  A comprehensive study on leptospirosis discusses its transmission and risks associated with exposure to contaminated animal urine. Read more about Leptospirosis on PubMed.

2. Other Bacterial Infections:

   • Urine can harbor various harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella, both of which can cause severe gastrointestinal infections. Studies highlight that these bacteria are commonly transmitted through contaminated water or surfaces. Read the study on E. coli and Salmonella risks on ScienceDirect.

3. Fungal and Parasitic Infections:

   • Animal urine may carry fungi or parasites that are harmful to humans.

Health Risks of Drinking Urine

1. Gastrointestinal Problems:

   • Drinking animal urine may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain due to the toxic components or pathogens.

2. Kidney and Liver Damage:

   • The high urea and ammonia content can place undue stress on the kidneys and liver, potentially causing damage over time.

3. Risk of Infections:

   • Consuming unsterilized animal urine increases the risk of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.

4. Potential for Cancer:

   • The presence of mutagenic substances and heavy metals in cow urine has been linked to increased cancer risks in some studies.

There is a large amount of creatine and creatinine in camel urine, which are toxic to humans. (Source)

MERS is a disease that was first discovered in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and camels were identified as reservoir hosts. This disease spreads through close contact, directly or indirectly, with camels and can also spread among infected humans. The camel urine could not only sicken a person but allow a pathogen to cross the species barrier and cause a major epidemic. (Source 1, Source 2) This is why the World Health Organization has advised to avoid drinking camel urine or raw camel milk. (Source 1, Source 2)

A few men have been hospitalized after drinking camel urine and milk on their way back from Umrah (Source)

Camel urine and milk were tested on multiple cancer patients, the average amount consumed was 60 ml/day. None of the patients who continued to use camel urine and milk showed any clinical benefit. There was no improvement in tumour-related symptoms, and patients showed radiological progression and an increase in tumour markers. Two patients developed brucellosis, and one patient developed severe respiratory failure with lung infiltration with no obvious cause. It had no clinical benefit and may even have caused zoonotic infection. (Source 1, Source 2).