Alright, y'all. I'm about to spill the beans (pun intended) on a very personal subject in my life…
I feel like I'm about to give the birds-and-bees talk to a room full of 14-year-olds. My armpits may be sweaty, and I may even be blushing a bit at the thought of doing this. Never in a million, gazillion years did I imagine I would even do coffee enemas, much less write about them!
Nevertheless, here I am, about to tell all — because I'll talk about anything if I think it might help even one person.
Plus, Wardee thought you gals and guys might like to hear about a person's experiences with coffee enemas (in addition to this post telling you how wonderful they can be for you).
Enemas & Egyptians
Enemas in general have been used for literally thousands of years, dating all the way back to the Ancient Egyptians, where Pharaoh reportedly had a “guardian of the anus”.
It seems like hundreds of generations of humans instinctively knew that gut health was prized, and that keeping the pipes nice and clean was one way to live longer, healthier lives. They may not have been big fans of taking baths, but by golly, their colons were clean!
The coffee enema was made famous by Dr. Max Gerson in the 1920s when he discovered that coffee, taken rectally, opened up the bile ducts and made a way for the liver to quickly and effectively release toxins into the colon. Dr. Gerson knew then what we know now: the liver is one of the primary ways for our bodies to detoxify, and we need to do all we can to keep toxins and pathogens free and clear of this vital organ. Dr. Gerson's most remarkable discovery was that coffee enemas helped treat and cure patients with terminal cancer! Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride includes them as a critical component of detoxification on the GAPS Diet.
My goal for this post is for you to see that “normal” people, not just those with serious digestive issues or cancer, can benefit from this easy therapy. I'm not sure there's a person out there who couldn't benefit in some way from a coffee enema every once in a while. And let's face it, if you're pregnant, already a parent, have ever been to the doctor's office, or have ever had a stomach bug, potty talk is already part of your vocabulary. So let's talk!
Possible Benefits of Coffee Enemas
Before I share the nitty-gritty — which is what you're all waiting for anyway — I'll give a brief rundown on the many reported benefits of coffee enemas:
- Detoxify the liver and colon
- Improve energy, increase mental focus, and help alleviate fatigue
- Reduce pain
- Helps with constipation
- Helps eliminate parasites and candida
- Reduces “die-off” reactions during periods of cleansing, juice fasting, or for patients on the GAPS Diet
- Improves digestion and bile flow
- Increases glutathione production
- Helps clear headaches
- Clears the skin
- Can help with weight loss
- Can help with estrogen dominance and PMS symptoms
- Can help lower high cholesterol or blood pressure
- Stimulates the gallbladder and can relieve/eliminate gallstones
And that's just the short list of possible benefits! You can also read a more “nuts and bolts” post on coffee enemas from Amy Love, NTP here at GNOWFGLINS.
My Experience With Coffee Enemas
Ok, ok. You probably skipped all that just to get to this part, didn't you? Now I'll share the good stuff. 😉
After my husband and I saw the documentaries The Gerson Miracle and The Beautiful Truth — both of which can be viewed instantly with a basic Netflix subscription — we wanted to try coffee enemas. Neither of us had the, uh, guts to do it though.
Fast forward a few years… yes, it took me years to work up to this… and I'm having major gallbladder problems. We're talking waking up in the middle of the night with pain, not having an appetite, chronically constipated, just don't feel good kind of gallbladder problems.
Not fun, y'all. Not fun at all.
After doing all the natural/holistic/hippie stuff that I knew to do, my sweet hubby threatened to take me to the ER if I experienced another attack. Well, being the natural/holistic/crunchy hippie that I am, you can imagine what a blow it would be to my hippie ego if I had to go under the knife and have an organ removed.
In all seriousness, I genuinely desire to keep all of my organs INSIDE my body, since I'm a believer that God is fairly smart and knew exactly what He was doing when He created us all with a green, full-of-bile organ known as the gallbladder. The thought of having it out — and the long-term side effects and issues I might or might not face as a result — was a little scary to me.
(I also intend to keep my tonsils, adenoids, appendix, and spleen!)
So, in a last-ditch effort to keep the gallbladder underneath my lower right ribs, I found a cleanse to do that would supposedly rid me of all my issues and allow my gallbladder and me to live happily ever after. The cleanse I decided to try included coffee enemas. Perfect.
I'd had years to build up to this moment in my life, and now it was time to get over it and take the plunge. Jump off the cliff. Choose your idiom.
I bought the stuff, brewed my coffee, picked a quiet time, and locked the bathroom door. I was able to hold the enema in for about 10 minutes. Recommended time to hold it in is between 15 to 20 minutes; I felt like 10 was a great start for a rookie.
When it was time to let it all out (ie. “eliminate”), I suddenly got very hot, sweaty, and clammy. I was overcome with nausea and almost felt like I was going to pass out. After a few minutes, this feeling passed, and I felt just fine. Then I couldn't wait to do it again. And again.
Because I have never felt more cleaned out in my life!
(Since this was my first time to do a coffee enema, the sudden rush of nausea and not feeling well at all can be attributed to the extreme amount of toxins that my body was getting rid of at one time. I have read that this does not happen to everyone and should not be a cause for concern if you do experience this. It only happened the one time and has never happened since.)
I'm about six weeks post-cleanse, and I'm still doing coffee enemas daily. They have become an important part of my routine, and I honestly can't foresee a time when I'll stop. I have personally experienced many of the benefits of coffee enemas, and I am certain that they are a key component to the health I have begun to achieve since starting them.
In addition to feeling almost 100% better overall, I have also enjoyed:
- relief from horrible constipation
- lessened PMS symptoms
- fewer headaches and body aches
- relief of lower back pain
- lifted brain fog and heightened mental clarity
- more energy and overall “spunk”
- a more positive outlook on life itself
- parasite elimination (for real!)
- fewer sugar cravings
- clearer skin/less breakouts during my period
- relief of gallbladder pain and symptoms!
All that hype about coffee enemas, and these people really know what they're talking about! And here's one thing that really surprised me. Unlike most “health things” you might try, like new supplements, a cleanse, or a total diet change, you don't have to do coffee enemas for weeks or months before you know if they're really working or not. I knew after the very first one that something was different and better in my body!
If you've never tried a coffee enema before, what are you waiting for??!! Do some more research and read testimony after testimony of the amazing results thousands of people have experienced as a result of coffee enemas. I would also recommend that you watch The Beautiful Truth and The Gerson Miracle for more information. Caroline at My Gutsy wrote a really great post on the process and benefits of coffee enemas, too.
I actually feel really great that I've shared this with you today. It wasn't *quite* as embarrassing as I was expecting. Like I said, if it helps even one of you achieve better overall health, overcome a stumbling block on your road to healing, or even keep your gallbladder, then it was worth the risk of embarrassing myself.
Now that I've gotten down and dirty with you about how I take my coffee, it's your turn! Do you/have you ever taken a coffee enema? If not, would you be willing to give it a try? If so, what benefits have you personally experienced from coffee enemas? And if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them in the comments!
Sources: Enemas–Their History and Use; Treating Cancer Alternatively: Coffee Enemas Reverse Cancer; Coffee Enemas by Dr. Lawrence Wilson; The Ultimate Liver Detox.
This post was featured in 82 Ways To Heal Your Gut.
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This is a topic I have been reading about for awhile and I am really on the fence. There’s more digging I need to do about whether the caffeine is taken into the body at all (some sources are saying it is) and about the process becoming almost or truly addictive and problematic regarding ongoing intestinal health. Wondering if you have data showing that these are not the case.
I also have talked with some Nutritional Therapists who say that regular enemas disturb the Ph, electrolytes, and more so those are things I am concerned about as well.
Thanks in advance.
Adrienne, really great questions! I’ll try to answer them from my experience and let you do your own research. First, the caffeine IS taken into the body. It is the caffeine (along with the high antioxidants in coffee) that works the magic for glutathione release, opening the bile duct, etc. I am EXTREMELY sensitive to caffeine–as in, if I drink a cup of coffee in the morning, my heart races, I feel jittery and nervous, get a lump in my throat, and then don’t sleep well that night. I quit regularly drinking coffee almost a year ago. I was afraid I might have those same symptoms doing enemas, but I have not. Rather than feeling jittery, I feel refreshed. Rather than the energy lasting for an hour or two, like when drinking coffee for a pick-me-up, it feels natural and lasts all day.
As far as coffee throwing off pH and electrolyte imbalance, this is another valid concern that CAN happen if you don’t take the proper steps to ensure that it doesn’t. About once a week, I do a probiotic-only enema to replenish and rebalance the good flora in my colon. I also take a strong probiotic orally daily. Salt water enemas (made at home with quality Himalayan or Real Salt) and/or lemon juice enemas can also rebalance the pH of the colon. I have only done salt water ones, though.
Finally, I would recommend having a normal bowel movement, with the urge to go on your own, prior to doing an enema. In fact, most websites and literature suggest the best time to do a coffee enema is immediately following a regular BM. As with any laxatives, enemas, or suppositories, you CAN become dependent on them if you rely on them to go potty, rather than allowing your body to do its thing.
Thank you for your questions! I hope I’ve helped!
Lindsey
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride (of the GAPS diet) recommends regular enemas prior to coffee enemas to make sure everything is cleaned out first. If you skip that step, your body might be absorbing toxins from whatever is still in there.
I’ve wanted to do coffee enemas for a while now to help with my gallbladder issues but have either been pregnant or nursing for the last three years ans was concerned about excreting toxins into my breastmilk…any thoughts?
Gwen,
Coffee enemas are not recommended during pregnancy, however they can be done while breastfeeding. I can’t find anything about excreting toxins into your breastmilk as a result of doing a coffee enema. The coffee goes up the rectum, and so is not actually digested. For that reason, I do not see why it would affect your breastmilk at all, especially the way drinking a cup of coffee could result in a sleepless baby. The coffee enema only goes into the colon. Depending on how much coffee you want to hold in (can go up to 6-8 cups if desired), it still never enters your small intestine or stomach and so is not digested in any way. Personally, I would be be fearful of toxins entering your breastmilk because of a coffee enema. I think that our bodies are wonderfully able to keep toxins out of breastmilk BECAUSE they instinctively know that it’s not good for our babies. If you are still concerned, I recommend talking to a naturopath or other holistic physician who is familiar with coffee enemas.
Just saw a typo…
That sentence should say, “Personally, I would NOT be fearful of toxins entering your breastmilk because of a coffee enema.” Sorry about that!
DO NOT undergo ANY detoxifying routines during nursing, as the toxins MOST DEFINITELY get into your breastmilk. The colon absorbs plenty into the surrounding blood vessels and it is through the bloodstream that the toxins would reach your milk supply.
I am a physician (M.D.) who practices holistic medicine almost exclusively. I deal with many nursing mothers ( and for the skeptics out there: I make no money off of of pharmaceutical drugs and am not selling anything. I work extensively with home birth midwives and have attended homebirths, as well as had a child at home myself. I have helped many, many women with their breastfeeding issues and breastfed 3 myself).
Wait until you are done breastfeeding and between pregnancies, then do a detox that includes enemas if you wish. Also, I do not recommend detox/coffee enemas in absence of a complete detox, but that’s another story, so to speak!
Jeanette,
According to Amy Love, NTP, coffee enemas can be used during breastfeeding. Here is a quote from her on the GNOWFGLINS’ previous post regarding coffee enemas: “I have had clients use coffee enemas during breastfeeding. My recommendation is to perhaps wait a bit until baby is a little older, 4-6 months. The caffeine does go right to the liver, rather than being systemic, as long as the coffee is not retained for longer than 15-20 minutes according to the research I’ve read.”
And as I mentioned in my comment to Gwen, if she or any other nursing mothers have any concerns, they should talk to their own holistic physician. Thanks for your comment!
Lindsey:
The concern is not for the caffeine but for the toxins getting into the breastmilk. Breastfeeding mothers should most definitely NOT undergo this type of therapy. The toxins would get into the milk and the baby. With all due respect to you and Amy Love, your suggestion that it is safe in breasfeeding is incorrect and potentially dangerous.
I agree with Lindsey here for the reason she has encouraged us to research for ourselves, wait till baby it’s a bit older and that our Creator has designed our bodies to function perfectly and nourish through breastfeeding. I do not believe our blood system is a dumping ground for toxins. This is why the enema is specifically called for in cleansing the liver. I also believe that’s it’s more detrimental for the momma to suffer the distress and physical effects of not being able to cleanse through an enema if she feels it’s what’s needed. I speak from experience, I have 6 children, 4 born at home including our still nursing twin toddlers. I research, trust my gut (see what I did there?), and am trying to regain some digestive health after falling off the wagon the last few weeks.
I agree with Jeanette. Do not detox while nursing.
I was STUCK on the GAPS diet until I did coffee enemas (could not get past constipation). My naturopath recommended 3/week for 7 weeks. I was so hesitant (I’d never once had an enema, even after 3 babies) and was surprised to realize they weren’t painful at all and HOW LOVELY TO LAY ON THE FLOOR FOR 20 MINUTES ALONE (kids got their “movie time” during my “coffee time”).
For the first 2-3 weeks, I would do the enema in the morning (she recommended doing it before 10am since that’s when you’re body naturally detoxes), and had mild-to-moderate nausea a few hours later. Sometimes I felt exhausted. But the response only lasted about an hour, and lessened as the weeks went on, to the point by the end when I felt no adverse reaction.
I plan to spend at least 1 week/year doing a few enemas, just to help maintain a clean liver.
I cannot recommend these enough. I wish Dr. C-M had been even more vehement about them as part of the GAPS-protocol, to me they are indispensable.
Thanks to you and Wardeh for spreading the word on this topic!
PS/ I’m a fan of “enema buckets” which allow you to see how much liquid has been taken in. My instructions included gradual intake, so watching volume was important.
Katy, I’m so glad that coffee enemas were the key to a successful GAPS experience for you! And, you’re right about that time laying on the floor ALL ALONE! I do two enemas back to back–4 cups, hold 15 minutes, eliminate, 4 cups, hold 15 minutes, eliminate. So I get 30-45 minutes to MYSELF! I like to use that time to catch up on blogs I’m reading, Pinterest, or listen to the Bible on audio on my phone.
Not that you asked, but I’m going to offer some advice anyway. 😉 Instead of spending just 1 week/year on enemas, it might be more efficient to do 1 enema/week. That will keep you constantly detoxing, rather than building up toxins that only get released once a year. Just a suggestion…you know your body best! 🙂
Do you do 2 off coffee back to back or do you do one off coffee and one of water ?
Do you do them every day? How does one, ahem, get it all in there? Squeezing the bag?
Yes! I do them every day. If you have never used an enema kit before, gravity does all the work for you as far as “getting it all in there” goes. I hang my enema kit on a towel hook about four feet off the floor. The coffee flows down the tube, and the bag empties itself out. When it makes a gurgling noise, I know it’s empty, and I close the clamp and remove the tube. Once you have your enema and your space all ready to go, it’s a very hands-free process!
I was wondering the same, willowsprite. How does one get it all in there? I have been reading about this for a while now but never did one. I don’t want it to become habit forming.
Linda,
My naturopath says that if you ALWAYS have a normal bowel movement prior to doing an enema, it will not become habit forming. If you are using coffee (or other) enemas as the sole means to initiating BMs, then your body will come to rely on them to go to the bathroom. I have been following my ND’s advice and have always done a coffee enema immediately following a BM. Since starting coffee enemas over six weeks ago, I have actually become more naturally regular, thus the relief of constipation. If I wasn’t able to go on my own, I would consider myself still constipated. Hope that helps!
Do you have any links to good, decent instructions for newbies? Also a good place to buy what one needs?
Thanks
Jessica, I purchased my enema kit at Walgreen’s for about $12. If you want to go more high-tech, you can get a stainless steel bucket kit online. They are pricey though. The one I found on Amazon is almost $70. As for coffee, you can use any ORGANIC coffee in a medium or light roast. Do not use decaf coffee and DO NOT use non-organic coffee. EVER! S.A. Wilson’s sells special coffee that is just for coffee enemas for about $9/lb, which is very reasonable. The downside is that any savings is pretty much wiped out by the shipping costs. For the process/recipe, I really recommend reading the source link The Ultimate Liver Detox, above. Please let me know if I can answer any more of your questions!
Hi there, I have adrenal fatigue, which means avoiding caffeine. Do you happen to know if a coffee enema for liver detoxification is safe to do when the person has adrenal fatigue?
Marilee, I see no reason why a coffee enema would not be safe if you battle adrenal fatigue. I have hypothyroid and slow adrenal function, and I am doing them daily with no adverse effects. You can adjust the amount of coffee that you use, and start small to see how your body reacts. For example, I use 4 TBS coffee with 2 quarts of water for my enemas. Some people use 6 TBS for the same amount of water, while others use 2 TBS. You could even start with 2 cups of water and 1 tsp. coffee. If you have no other issues, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s, you may find that the coffee enemas help you feel better! And it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so talk to a holistic physician about your specific condition if you still have doubts!
Lindsey – thank you for thigh is blog post! You said you do coffee even as every day, do yyou also do three juices a day to follow the Gerson therapy? Wondering what your diet looks like. Thanks again!
This blog and the comments following it are a wealth of personal experiences and more information. http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2012/08/gettin-real-about-coffee-enemas-with-a-q-a-coffee-enema-benefits.html
After watching The Beautiful Truth I felt like I needed to do this too, but just so afraid to really do it. Than time passed and I kind of forgot, or wanted to forget, about it. Well, you successfully reminded me. Need to do some more reading on it. You made it sound so easy and natural.
Anna, glad to have reminded you about this important, and often overlooked, therapy. Coffee enemas are easy and natural for me now, although sometimes it is difficult to “hold it in”. It often takes a few minutes of intense concentration for me when the urge hits to get up and go! It doesn’t always feel “natural” to be having stuff flowing up that end, if you know what I mean! BUT, the proof is in the pudding. I hope you’ll give coffee enemas a try and let me know how it works for you!
You mentioned in an above post about the amounts of coffee used. Then you said that if you haven’t other issues such as ulcerative colitis or Crohns you should feel better. Can you do coffee enemas with either of these conditions? Thanks so much. Great article!
Carey, if you have Crohn’s or UC, and want to do coffee enemas, I highly recommend you speak to your practitioner first. I have not found anything that supports coffee enemas for these conditions, especially during flares. However, probiotic enemas ARE encouraged for those dealing with Crohn’s or UC. You can find many concoctions online for homemade probiotic enemas, most of which simply tell you to mix a few tablespoons of probiotic yogurt into warm water.
I just wanted to chime in and say how much coffe enemas have helped me. I have always had bad acne (since getting pregnant with my first child 14 years ago). I tried everything under the sun to help my face clear up, including topical and internal treatments, but nothing helped. Finally, I tried a coffee enema and my face cleared up within a week of starting them! My husband was in shock and HE decided to do one, too… needless to say, we both enjoy the benefits of coffee enemas now 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience and inspiring others to try out coffee enemas! They really are the best way to detox your body, in my opinion.
Melissa, that is so great! My husband did the gallbladder cleanse with me, and he enjoyed the coffee enemas too. He doesn’t do them daily like I do, but he does enjoy them when he does do them. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Love my coffee enemas — they don’t hurt, it feels just like a regular enema and my lymph nodes under my jar are regular size now. Nothing to it. I use coconut oil as the lubricant. I brew organic coffee for my family in the coffee pot, then use 1 quart of what’s left, let it cool and use that. Sometimes I add distilled water if it looks strong.
The first time, I did a coffee enema, I pooped out tons of what looked like gall stone: little green balls. Haven’t had that since so I guess I’m “clean”…
Thanks, Wardee. Great topic and more people need to do these especially since we are so full of toxins from the industrialized foods and pesticides and chemtrails. Detox is critical to good health.
Sally Oh, I have also had a few gallstones come out (as well as visible parasites! EEEEEEEK!). It’s amazing what’s lurking inside our bodies, and how much better we feel once we get it out, isn’t it?!
Have any thoughts or resources on these for kids? My eight year old struggles with constipation and severe allergies. Thanks
Jeanette, I have found mixed reviews and recommendations on administering coffee enemas to kids. Some say that the caffeine is not good for them, while others say that every parent knows their own child’s tolerance to caffeine and should proceed with caution. I have a 9.5 yo and an 8yo. I want to give them coffee enemas, but they’re a little freaked out by the idea! LOL They are older, so giving them coffee enemas might not affect them the way it would affect a 4 or 5yo. I definitely recommend helping your 8yo by using water or salt water enemas first. For allergies, I recommend finding a NAET practitioner in your area and/or beginning the GAPS Diet.
Jeanette, rather old comment by you. Wondering what you ended up doing for his constipation and severe allergies? Did you give him coffee enemas? Did you check with naturopath doctor if ok to give CE?
Lindsey, I also have found mixed reviews if ok to give CE to kids or not. Same as you found, some say yes and some say no. So, I decided best not to give CEs. Instead I give either a plain water or a herbal enema.
Always best to check with doctor – naturopath doctor before making such decision.
Lindsey, you told you have 9.5 yo and a 8 yo and wanted to give CEs to them. Did you give them coffee enemas? Did CE help? Any issues giving them CEs. Or did you give regular enemas instead?
Hello,
I was curious about the probiotic enema that you do once a week. How do you set that up? Thank you! Heather
Heather, the set up is the same as the coffee enema; I just use a different liquid inside the enema bag. I boil 1 quart of filtered water, then add cooled water to the pot to equal 2 quarts total. If the water is not body temp or lower, I allow it to cool for a bit. If it is cool enough, I add 2-4 TBS of plain yogurt (either store-bought or homemade). When I have not had yogurt, I add 2 TBS of liquid coconut water kefir probiotics, which I buy at our local health food store. The enema process is the same.
Hi Lindsey! I need to go to lunch with you! 🙂 I think you’re my sister from another mister, lol!
Hi Lindsey, thank you for sharing your experience with coffee enemas.
I started doing daily coffee enemas about 6 months ago. I had a bad case of Candida which at its worst caused me to have a bad case of jock itch that would not go away. In my research I discovered a connection between Candida and cancer. While I did not think that I had cancer, I decided to treat myself as if I did and I knew about using coffee enemas as part of natural therapy for cancer.
At some point after I started doing the coffee enemas, I had pain in my liver. It was very sore, especially when I was bending over or sleeping on my right side. I could find no indication that the coffee enemas could cause pain in the liver, only that it could be caused by cancer or cirrhosis. So I continued to do the coffee enemas. Eventually the pain in my liver subsided.
Then I experienced pain in the supraclavical region of my lymph nodes on both the right and left side. I was aware that I had lymph issues because I had a lympathic rosary, but despite trying all the natural remedies for lymphatic rosary, I saw no change. That is, until I started doing the coffee enemas. My lymphatic rosary was definitely dissipating! Before long, I no longer had the pain on the right side, but the pain on my left side persisted for months. In just the last couple of weeks, the pain on my right side has finally subsided.
I had also experienced pain in my lower back, possibly the lymph nodes in that area. I mostly noticed it when I was sitting on the couch with a pillow behind my back. That pain also dissipated.
In short, as there is much more to this story, I am quite convinced that I did have cancer in my body, which I “called out” by doing the coffee enemas. I still have a long way to go, but I feel great, my energy level is better than it has been in a very long time.
I prefer to do my enemas in the evening so that I’m not sleeping on a full colon. I read somewhere that was recommended. I also contact the Gerson Institute and they recommended have 2 vegetable juices per enema. Because of my Candida, I had not been able to tolerate carrot or apple juices, and most days I don’t fit them into my schedule. But I am moving on to stage 2 of the Candida diet and expect to be there for another 6 months.
PS. I also read in Dr. Hulda Clark’s book, “The Cure for all Cancers”, which is available online in pdf format, that until you remove all propl alcohols, you will continue to have liver fluke parasites. Check all of your beauty products, if you see propyl in the ingredients, then they need to go.
@stacy: my husband recently developed a kind of jock itch that will just not go away for anything–how long did it take and at what frequency with enemas to get rid of the jock itch? He almost can’t do daily life because the jock itch is so bad. Any advice is appreciated ??
I’m not familiar with using coffee enemas for jock itch. Jock itch is a fungal issue, so I would advise taking probiotics, eliminating sugar from the diet, and using anti-fungal essential oils topically to clear it up. You should also look into an anti-candida diet. Hope that helps! He sounds miserable!
Is this similar to a colonic? I have been reading off and on for quite a while about coffee enemas but not in great detail to learn enough to want to try to do it but I am seriously thinking of doing it thanks to you and this article.
Sherry Lynn,
Sorry I am just now seeing your post! Don’t know how I missed it? I don’t believe coffee enemas and colonics are the same thing. Colonics typically use a water solution and a long hose that a technician goes in with to basically wash the inside of the colon (I could be mistaken here.). The thing about coffee enemas that makes them so effective is the coffee itself. I don’t know of any coffee colonics out there. 😉 Here is the most informative article I know of on coffee enemas: http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/COFFEE%20ENEMA.HTM
Good luck!
The biggest difference between a colonic and an enema (be coffee enema, herbal enema, soap suds enema, or plain water enema) is….
A colonic puts water in and removing water at the same time. The therapist may put some in and then remove it. But the nozzle/end of hose has two openings per say. One gives the water and the other one removes the water. A colonic can be gravity fed or machine. I am not good explaining the two types of colonic systems. The water can be removed without removing the nozzle/end of the hose.
An enema only gives water. Fill up colon and then retain and release to expel the solution. The nozzle has to be removed to expel. Not like a colonic where the hose/nozzle can stay in.
Enemas can be given with a bulb syringe, bag, bucket, or a higginson syringe (which is a hose with bulb mid way on the hose. One end of the hose is put in a pan of water and the other end has the nozzle for the enema. Squeeze the bulb to give the enema. It is a one way value on the bulb. So no back flow.)
I may be wrong but a colonic may get up higher.
Colonics are expensive and a series are recommended.
I am happy doing coffee enemas at home with my hot water bag.
My kids get enemas with the bulb syringe.
Another difference between the two is cost! Colonics cost a lot. Enemas can be done at home and do not cost that much.
Read on optimalhealthnetwork.com where Kristina explains the difference between colonics and enemas.
Is this similar to a colonic? I have been reading off and on for quite a while about coffee enemas but not in great detail to learn enough to want to try to do it but I am seriously thinking of doing it thanks to you and this article.
I learned about and partook in coffee enemas over 10 years ago, after I determined I had gallstones according to a chiropractor/naturopath I was seeing at the time. I passed the gallstones which took care of the pain in my right side. In addition, the patch of eczema on my scalp disappeared, I noticed some thickened yellowish skin on my knees cleared, and I had the most amazingly fresh breath as a result of the enemas I did for several months. Haven’t done one since then, for various reasons, but had been thinking of starting them back, as all of those problems have returned over time. This article has made me determine I WILL do them again. Thanks for the great post ,on this subject!
Trish, I hope you’ll start them back up again! Let us know if you do and how you feel!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my comments. I just tried a coffee enema for the first time yesterday. I am doing it to detox, but immediately noticed my chronic back pain was alleviated. Glory be to God. I have been suffering for years, but for the last several months the pain has increased. God has answered my prayer by providing me with a simple inexpensive way of helping my body heal itself. I am sure that coffee enemas will become a regular part of my health care maintenance.
What about those of us who no longer have a gallbladder? Is it safe to do this? My gallbladder was stolen by a doctor 12 years ago… 🙁
Gerson says its safe. I have no gallbladder, spleen or appendix and much of my small bowel removed due to multiple injuries from a severe car accident. I do at least 3 a day and follow the Gearson diet. I have no issues with doing them and I am healing inside and out as a result.
I didn’t see an answer to coffee enema use once you’ve had your gallbladder removed. I have major GI issues…Candida, SIBO, and Leaky Gut. I tested positive to 120 out of 120 allergies at the conventional allergy specialist…proving the Leaky Gut. I have been doing coffee enemas for a few months now regularly…helps with Fibro pain and headaches. I was introduced to coffee enemas 3 yrs ago at a detoxing program in Calif. …they used distilled water, boil, 3 min. then simmer for 15 min., then let cool. It does help but still pretty sick with dietary issues…still researching, can’t afford all the tests required. Highly recommend the enemas and will try your probiotic enema…that sounds interesting for Candida!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Lindsey, thank you so much for this post! I have been doing coffee enemas every day for about 2 years now. I HAD rheumatoid arthritis (no longer!!), severe Candida, Sibo, leaky gut and Fibromyalgia. I have also been on the GAPs diet. I no longer have any symptoms. I have been careful to replace electrolytes by using concentrace drops and also do a probiotic enema weekly. I feel even better now than before I became ill. I have a MD who is familiar with coffee enemas and has monitored my vitamin levels, etc. He diagnosed me with adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism as well ; he said that coffee enemas are fine and that it is totally different than drinking coffee. If you can get over the initial ick factor and take appropriate precautions coffee enemas are absolutely amazing!!!
Lindsey, I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you for your honesty. Talking openly about the enema I see you have a true passion to help heal people. I wish it was not such an “icky” subject. I am confused why so many people I meet in the real food world look at me like I am nuts. I am signed up for the NTP (Nutrition Therapy Program) I have already started the reading because I am so excited. Tee coffee enema is discussed in one of my textbooks about using food as medicine written in 1992. On the suggested reading list is the book “Dr. Jensen’s Guide to Better Bowel Care: A Complete Program for Tissue Cleansing through Bowel Management” When I saw that book on the list I knew I picked the right School! I had just bought the book the week before for my own Library.
I have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and Lyme Disease. I was very sick for 8 years with over 40 brain and spine lesions. I met an Iridologist she said this will be easy you just need good digestion and you will be fine. That was two years ago. I have not had a symptom in over a year!!! We did a lot of detox and nutritional healing. Food has been my biggest healer.
Hippocrates was right
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” I also needed to heal my body from the eight years of antibiotics, chemotherapy shots, anxiety, pain and sleep pills I had taken. I am thankful for the coffee enema it has helped me get my life back. I also talk pretty openly because I want everyone to feel as good as I do!!!
You are awesome~ Keep healing~You are what you eat, think and feel. Be kind and real~Beth~realfoodinspiredme
Is it necessary to do a regular enema prior to doing a coffee one?
Sandee, it is not necessary to do a regular enema prior to the coffee enema. It is advisable to have a regular BM before a coffee enema so that the coffee can do it’s thing, since the primary purpose of the coffee enema is not to clean solid matter out of the colon but to travel up the colon to the hemorrhoidal vein and dilate it to release toxic bile. A side benefit is that the colon does get cleansed of parasite nests, stuck fecal matter, and yeast colonies. You will reap more benefits if your colon is already cleaned out prior to the enema, but it doesn’t require that you perform a regular enema to receive those benefits. I hope that makes sense!
Do you normally do this after a BM? Just curious bc it seems if I do a regular enema after a BM I don’t have the urge to go for 2 days!????
If you have enough waste, you can wait to do a coffee enema until after a BM. At first, however, there is a lot of backed up waste in the colon, and it can be beneficial to do coffee enemas to rid the colon of this — since it’s not coming out w/ normal BMs. The more nourishing foods I eat, the more I notice that I don’t have as much waste as I did when I ate processed food. This is because my body is using more of my food and a lot less goes to waste. I have found that normal bowel function returns for me within 24-48 hours of not doing an enema.
I heard that doing a coffee enema could cause a small tear in the colon and then coffee grinds could get stuck in the tear causing an infection is this common is this something I should be concerned about? Or would our body be able to heal itself if this happened?
Aubrey, I have never heard of that! I have never even heard of or read about a coffee enema causing the colon to tear. Since coffee enemas have been done for over 100 years, I’m sure there would be something like this in the literature, but I haven’t found it and certainly not from a reputable source! As always, use caution and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Is it just me or is anyone asking themselves whether God meant for us to shoot coffee into our rectums/intestines on a daily or regular basis???????? GNOWFGLINS is based upon using the resources and following the natural guidelines provided by God. Coffee enemas are anything but that! I really think if God meant for us to perform coffee enemas on a regular basis, he would have provided a more natural means for us to do that. Getting hooked on coffee enemas is not following the natural order!
You could ask this of SO many things we do on a regular basis yet we do those without a thought. God made the icky things too, like colons. He left it to us what to do with our waste (we flush a toilet). He gave us food but we must cultivate it (we have tractors, combines, etc). Humans made cars that get us to wonderful places…however they speed our bodies at unnatural speeds through our environment…that’s weird and dangerous!!! When it comes to our bodies we do all kinds of things to it that are much worse than shooting a natural substance up our bums!! If these aren’t for you don’t do them, but so many have benefitted from this. Don’t scoff too much, one day you may be ready for what seems weird and unnatural.
Tina, I respect your opinion and beliefs. But, the Lord did provide us the natural resource to do a coffee enema: coffee. God wants us to learn using natural remedies, herbal remedies.. these are there for us to learn about and use to help ourselves (moms) and our children.
I am glad this thread is on here so other moms can learn about the benefits of coffee enemas and regular enemas for their kids.
My mom gave enemas as a helpful natural remedy for constipation, fevers, colds and such.
I have taken coffee enemas for many years. I am not “hooked” on coffee enemas. Nor, do I know anyone who is “hooked” on coffee enemas.
I know lots of moms who are “hooked” on a cup of coffee and a smoke. Those are far worse than getting or giving enemas.
I like Happy Little’s reply (above).
You can express your opinion about coffee enemas or regular enemas. If you wish not to give or get an enema, that is your decision.
As Happy Little replied, others have benefited from coffee enemas. Many moms, for many years, have given enemas to their kids. More moms are learning about enemas today for themselves and their kids.
I feel giving an enema is far better than giving miralax, strong laxatives, pills and other things.
Bless you
Jan-Blessings
Do you think coffee enemas would help someone with chronic kidney stones?
Lindsey said that she saw kidney stones come out. I’d think you could at least eliminate the ones in their state of being formed. Much easier passage through the bowel!
Actually, I said gallstones, not kidney stones. Kidney stones pass through the urinary tract and are not part of the digestive system. Gallstones, however, can be eliminated through the use of coffee enemas because the portal vein to the liver branches out from the large intestine.
No, kidney stones are part of the urinary tract, not the digestive system. The two systems do not cross. Hope that helps!
Sorry, I mis-remembered :(. It makes perfect sense though now that you say it. Thanks
No problem! 🙂
This is probably the weirdest question ever but…can the enema coffee be made in a french press? lol. I ask because my coffee maker is broken and french press is the only way we are making coffee right now. Would it change the effect or make it too acidic or anything else weird?
You can use a French press for sure! Not a weird question at all!
There are no weird questions or dumb questions. Worse question is the one not asked.
I have taught other moms, mostly younger moms, how to prepare and take a coffee enema. And taught them how to prepare and give enemas to their kids with the bulb syringe.
Most had never heard of enemas as a home remedy. And knew nothing of the benefits of giving enemas instead of tons of pills, meds and laxatives.
Some thought their questions were either dumb, weird or they were too shy to ask.
I wish other moms on here would ask more.
Coffee enemas are great. A great detox and cleanse. I feel so much better after an enema.
I do not give coffee enemas to mine. I give a plain water enema to them when they need an enema.
For myself I use the 2 quart red rubber enema bag — for coffee enemas. The stainless bucket sets sold on optimalhealthnetwork.com are nice but pricey. I have had no problems using the red rubber enema bag.
For my three I use the 8 oz enema bulb syringe. I recently purchased the Junior Nozzle from optiamhealthnetwork.com. The junior nozzle is great for the kids.
How did you learn o CE?
Enemas have interested me for many years. Ever since I over heard my aunt telling my mom she gave them to my cousin. I learned about the benefits of enemas in general and CEs from my next door neighbor about a year ago. I get a enema often and do a series of CEs often. Thanks to her my health and the health of my two kids has improved.
I do not give CEs to them. They are given plain water enemas or herbal enemas.
Always check with doctor be giving or getting enemas. This is not medical advice.
Coffee enemas are wonderful.
No longer available on Netflix, the movies aren’t.
I hope I didn’t miss this (I’ve read all your articles on coffee enemas but have 2 little ones by me at most times so might have missed it)…but is there a specific side you mostly laid on during the 15 minute wait to expel? Left side would make sense for colon, but for primarily liver cleansing I’m not sure?
Globe Dreamer (by the way love your name), I read, and was told, lay on LEFT side for a regular enema. Lay on RIGHT side when getting a coffee enema.
I am sure I was told correctly and read that.
Best for you to check with naturopathic doctor, doctor, before getting, or giving, a enema to be sure.
I am very comfortable getting a coffee enema. It is so relaxing. And like all enemas, soothing and feel so good after getting a enema. I get my coffee enemas on the bed laying on a towel. Never had a problem.
Experiment taking your enemas in a place other than on the hard, cold, bathroom floor.
A friend and I talk about enemas. Slap me.. yes we do! Wish others would be open to talk about the enema!
She gave me my first ever enema. And taught me how to prepare, give/take a enema! To be honest was the best home health tool I learned for myself and my children.
She told me for her CE, she fills the tub up full of warm water and gets a enema, coffee or regular enemas, relaxing in the tub of water! Laying on a towel on in the tub of warm water. I may try that way.
Enemas are openly discussed in my home. They are seen as a wonderful home health remedy.
We both give enemas to our children when needed.
I try and get my coffee enemas when the kids are off to school. Watching something on tv, or playing. You will find the right time and place too.
It is a shame so many see enemas as something bad, icky, hurts, etc. Not so. Not true.
We both feel the more who learn of the coffee enema the better for health. We tell other moms about the benefits of giving enemas. Much better than OTC stuff or harsh laxatives!
Again, Best to advise to consult with doctor before giving/getting enemas.