Now Reading
Expert Warns Mothers About The Dangers Of Using Cow Urine Concoction To Treat Convulsions

Expert Warns Mothers About The Dangers Of Using Cow Urine Concoction To Treat Convulsions

A paediatrician, Dr. Adeboye Nurudeen of the Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) has warned mothers against the use of cow urine concoction as curative measure for convulsing children as practiced in some parts of the country. He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ilorin.

Explaining that although febrile convulsion was usually a frightening experience for nursing  mothers, using such concoction would increase infant morbidity and mortality. He said:

“(Febrile convulsion is) seizure caused by fever and a sudden change in a child’s body temperature.

A high temperature above 38°C is a sign of infection somewhere in the body and is often caused by a virus or bacteria. The best option in such a situation is to seek medical attention immediately and not to use cow urine.”

He explained further that it was wrong to administer palm oil concoction, common in South-Eastern Nigeria as well, noting that though some of the concoctions could abort seizures, their harmful effects outweigh their usefulness. He added:

“The harmful effects of cow urine concoction vary with the dosage given, route of administration and the interval that elapsed before presentation and the underlying pathology.”

See Also

The expert said though such practices were gradually phasing out as more women were enlightened on the hazards, research has shown that the practice of using cow urine and sacrificial marks on convulsive children still persist in some parts of the country. He then urged mothers to seek prompt medical treatment at health facilities whenever their children experience convulsion.

Photo credit: NAN

View Comments (7)

Copyright © 2021 Motherhood In-Style Magazine. All Rights Reserved.