Enemas have long been used to treat a variety of health issues. While most well-known as a treatment for constipation, they are also used to treat other ailments such as headaches, Candida yeast infections, skin disorders, backaches, and more.
Enema solutions typically consist of water alone or water combined with salt, baking soda, or a bowel mucosa irritant such as a mild soap. But more recently, many people have turned to coffee enemas to experience even more profound benefits.
Coffee enema origins
Water and saline enemas date back thousands of years, but the coffee enema is relatively new in the enema world. Beginning in the late 19th century, they were used on patients after abdominal surgery. Later, in World War I, nurses began putting coffee in enemas to treat constipation—which is a common side effect of the pain drug morphine. An unanticipated effect of these enemas, however, was that they tended to reduce pain as well.
A German doctor named Max Gerson expanded on the early research of coffee enemas. In the 1920s and 30s, he integrated the enemas into a method he developed to treat cancer. Dr. Gerson found that multiple coffee enemas each day eliminated the need for pain medications, which he believed damaged the liver and prevented patients from healing.1
Up until the mid-1970s, coffee enemas were included in the Merck Manual—a medical textbook used as a primary reference for physicians and medical students.
What is a coffee enema?
A coffee enema simply combines coffee with water. Like a typical enema, this solution is injected into the rectum and colon. The vessels in this part of the body carry the solution to the liver. And during its journey, the coffee is also absorbed by the hemorrhoidal and mesenteric veins.
Enemas can be classified in two categories: cleansing and retention. Cleansing enemas are designed to stimulate the bowels to quickly expel fecal matter and the solution. Retention enemas are designed to stay in the body for 10-15 minutes or more. Coffee enemas should be administered as retention enemas to provide the full benefit of the coffee compounds.
Nearly any type of coffee is appropriate to use in an enema. Dark roasts, however, were shown to be more effective than light roasts in a recent study.2 Whatever type of coffee you choose, make sure that it is regular, not decaf, and certified organic. Additionally, consider using a whole-bean coffee that is not too oily, and that has been wet-processed.3 Certain products have these characteristics, and some are even labeled as “coffee enema” coffee.
Coffee enema benefits
The compounds in a coffee enema work to cleanse the liver and colon. It also opens up the bile ducts and blood vessels. Plus, these enemas deliver nutrients that are better absorbed through the rectum. This can lead to a number of health benefits, including:
- Better circulation
- Increased immunity
- Improved digestion
- Enhanced gut health
- Boost in energy and mood
- Pain reduction
- Improved detoxification
- Better-looking skin
Some medical studies confirm that coffee enemas are beneficial as well. For example, one study found that these enemas tend to improve small bowel movements.4 Another study found that coffee enemas increase liver production of glutathione s-transferase by 600-700%, which can increase the body’s ability to neutralize free radicals.5
Though virtually anyone can benefit from coffee enemas, their antioxidant and detoxification properties make them an effective treatment for many types of cancer patients. The aforementioned Dr. Gerson created the Gerson Therapy for cancer, which combines coffee enemas with plant-based meals, juicing, and supplements.6 Other doctors have utilized coffee enemas as well with varying degrees of success.
Potential side-effects
As great as some of the coffee enema benefits are, you’re likely more concerned about whether they are safe. For most people, coffee enemas have a very low risk of causing harm when done correctly. There may have been at least 3 deaths related to coffee enemas over the course of several decades.7 However, we don’t know for sure that the enema itself was the cause in these cases.
Dehydration is a common side-effect of enemas because much of the fluid in the body is being evacuated. Dizziness, weakness, and muscle cramps are the typical signs of dehydration. Because of the risk of dehydration, you should make sure to drink plenty of water before and after a coffee enema.
With all enemas, there may be a risk of getting a tear in the colon. The odds of this happening are very small if the enema is done correctly. And with coffee enemas, some people have reported rectal burning. As long as you let the coffee cool to room temperature, however, this type of injury shouldn’t be a concern. Other side-effects of coffee enemas may include bloating, vomiting, and nausea.
Is it right for you?
Coffee enemas aren’t right for everyone. If you have hypertension or respiratory problems, you may want to steer clear of these enemas. If you have issues with your colon or colon tract such as bleeding or ulcers, its best to pass on coffee enemas as well. They also aren’t recommended for children or pregnant women, and you may want to avoid them if you tend to get dehydrated easily.
If you tolerate regular enemas well and have had success with them in the past, chances are you will benefit from coffee enemas as well. When in doubt, seek out the advice of a trusted holistic practitioner to help determine if a coffee enema is right for you.
How to do a coffee enema
If you are nervous about doing a coffee enema yourself, you may want to do it under the supervision of a medical professional. This way, you can ensure that you follow the correct procedure and have expert help on hand should any complications arise.
Otherwise, many people are perfectly fine with doing the procedure themselves. In this case, the first step is to get an enema kit. These kits should include a nozzle and tube attached to either a bag or bucket. Next, get some caffeinated, organic coffee beans. (Quality is important.) Also, make sure you have some pure filtered water on hand. For best results, do the coffee enema after you’ve had a bowel movement.
When you’re ready, follow these steps:
- To start out, add 1-2 cups of filtered water and 1 teaspoon of ground coffee to a saucepan (*once you get used to the coffee enema, you can increase to around 2-4 cups and 1-2 tablespoons).
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to slow boil, then let simmer for 12-15 minutes.
- Place the coffee in a container and let it cool to room temperature.
- Assemble your enema kit and make sure everything is clean.
- Using a fine mesh strainer or cloth, pour the cooled coffee into the enema bag or bucket, leaving the coffee grounds behind.
- If using an enema bag, screw on the lid.
- Remove air from the tube placing the enema tip in the sink. Tip the bag above the tube while grasping the clamp on the hose. Quickly close the clamp when the coffee water begins to flow out.
- Lubricate the enema tip with a lubricant such as coconut oil.
- Place a towel under you, then lay down on your right side in the fetal position and hang the bag or bucket 1 to 2 feet above your abdomen.
- Slowly insert the tip into your rectum until it’s 3-4 inches inside. If you encounter any resistance, stop immediately.8
- Open the enema clamp. The coffee may take a few seconds to start flowing. (Close the clamp to slow or stop the flow if cramping occurs.)
- After the bag or bucket is emptied, squeeze in so that the liquid doesn’t come out.
- Slowly remove the tip of the enema.
- Try to keep the coffee solution inside you for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Expel the coffee solution into the toilet.9
This process may be difficult at first, but it should get easier as you go. Throughout the process, remember to relax and breathe deeply as much as possible. If you find it difficult to hold the enema, you can try an enema of distilled water before your coffee enema to empty the colon.
Enema – Coffee balancer Virtual Item
A digital signature representing a coffee enema is available to scan as a service in the ZYTO Balance, Select, and Elite software. This Virtual Item is named as Enema – Coffee. A scan will reveal whether your body shows a biological coherence for this wellness service, and will also indicate the degree to which it is coherent, or preferred. This wellness service may be recommended along with other services, products, and lifestyle options based on the scan response.
About Dr. Vaughn Cook
Dr. Vaughn R Cook is the Founder & CEO of ZYTO. An Oriental Medical Doctor (OMD) and licensed acupuncturist, he has worked in the complementary and alternative medical field for more than 30 years, specializing in applications that integrate Western and Eastern medicine.
Sources:
1. Wilson, Lawrence. “Coffee Enemas.” The Center For Development. Drlwilson.com.
2. Kotyczka, C., U. Boettler, et al. “Dark roast coffee is more effective than light roast coffee in reducing body weight, and in restoring red blood cell vitamin E and glutathione concentrations in healthy volunteers.” Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 55, no. 10 (2011): 1582-1586.
3. “Is Your Coffee Toxic or Healthy?” The Alternative Daily. Thealternativedaily.com.
4. Kim, E.S., H.J. Chun, et al. “Coffee Enema for Preparation for Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy: A Pilot Study.” Clinical Nutrition Research 3, no. 2 (2014): 134-141.
5. Walker, Morton. “Liver Detoxification with Coffee Enemas as Employed in the Gerson Therapy.” Dr. Morton Walker. Drmortonwalker.com.
6. “The Gerson Therapy.” Gerson Institute. Gerson.org.
7. “Gerson Therapy (PDQ®): Patient Version” PDQ Cancer Information Summaries (2005).
8. Rushing, Jill. “Administering an enema to an adult.” Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Journals.lww.com.
9. Myers, Wendy. “How to Do a Coffee Enema.” Myers Detox LLC. Myersdetox.com.