What Did the Old Physicians Learn from Urine?
People today usually flush straight after using the toilet and don’t look back.
Yet for the old physicians, urine was like a report the body writes about itself.
The place of urine in traditional medicine
In the classical sources of Sina–Unani medicine, examining the urine was an important part of the science of signs.
Historical studies show that physicians such as al-Razi, Ibn Sina and Jurjani paid attention to these features of urine:
- Colour
- Consistency (density, clarity)
- Amount
- Frequency
- Smell
- Sediment (matter that settles at the bottom)
Physicians assessed these features together with the pulse, the tongue, complexion, digestion and other signs.
Why does urine give information?
Urine carries information about the body’s fluid balance, digestive system, kidneys, urinary tract and general condition.
That’s why in traditional medicine urine was regarded as one of the most valuable outward signs of the body’s inner state.
What can your urine tell you today?
Today laboratories can examine urine in far more detail. But in everyday life even a few simple observations are valuable:
- Colour: pale straw-yellow usually shows adequate fluid intake. Dark yellow urine usually suggests you aren’t drinking enough water.
- Amount and frequency: a marked increase or decrease needs attention. Frequent urination together with excessive thirst is a reason to have blood sugar checked.
- Smell: some foods and medicines can change the smell temporarily; but a constant, unusual smell should be assessed.
- Foam and cloudiness: if persistent, it is right to consult a doctor.
Remember: some foods (for example beetroot), vitamins and medicines can change the colour of urine temporarily.
The value of an experienced eye
It is true that laboratories today offer far more detailed analysis. But devices alone cannot catch some important clues; here the eye and clinical judgement of an experienced physician make the difference.
The ideal is for traditional observation and modern testing to complement each other.
When should you see a doctor?
- Blood in the urine or a red-brown colour (not explained by food or medicine)
- Dark, tea-coloured urine, especially together with yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Burning, pain when urinating, or a frequent urge to urinate
- Very frequent urination together with excessive thirst
- A marked decrease in the amount of urine, or swelling in the legs or around the eyes
- Persistently foamy urine
Frequently asked questions
Does dark yellow urine mean disease? Usually it shows too little fluid. If it gets lighter after drinking water, there is usually no need to worry.
Why is morning urine darker? Because no water is drunk overnight, morning urine is more concentrated; this is normal.
Does a traditional urine examination replace a lab test? No. It is complementary; a definitive diagnosis needs a test.
Conclusion
The old physicians tried to read the body’s story by looking at urine. Today we too can notice our body’s messages earlier with a few simple observations.
For more on the art of clinical diagnosis, read The Body Speaks to Us Before Illness Does.
If you want to learn the body’s sign language step by step, Dr Kalan’s “Elaim & Delail” book and the Body Signs online course (currently in Turkish) will guide you. To start with your own baseline, take the free temperament test.
This article is for information only and is based on traditional medical sources and general health knowledge. It is not a medical diagnosis, treatment or prescription and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have a health complaint, take regular medication, are pregnant, or are considering this for a child, consult your doctor before applying anything. Herbal products can interact with medicines.
