Coffee enemas have been used since ancient times as an alternative way to cleanse the intestines and treat a number of ailments. Although it can be done independently at home, you still need to be careful when doing coffee enemas.
A coffee enema is a colon cleansing technique by inserting coffee into the rectum or anus through a tube. This method has a number of benefits, for example to overcome constipation and help the process of removing toxins from the body (detoxification).
Are you interested in doing it? Get to know in advance about coffee enemas and their benefits, risks, and how to do them.
Coffee Enema at a Glance and its Benefits
At first, coffee enemas were used as a cancer treatment therapy by a doctor named dr. Max Gerson in 1930. This therapy became known as the Gerson Therapy. Over time, coffee enemas are also used by some experts in traditional medicine to treat a number of health problems.
The caffeine content in coffee that is inserted into the rectum is known to have a number of benefits, including:
- Stimulates bowel movements to facilitate digestion and elimination of waste (feces)
- Drive production glutathione, which is a natural antioxidant in the body that is able to fight free radicals in the bloodstream
- Streamlining the flow of the bile ducts and assisting the performance of the liver in removing harmful substances in the blood
Although there is no scientific evidence regarding its efficacy and effectiveness, the use of coffee enemas is still quite popular among some people for the following purposes:
- Increase energy and increase endurance
- Treat certain medical conditions, such as constipation, allergies, migraines, cancer, dyslipidemia, and obesity
- Kills parasites and germs in the digestive tract
- Eliminate heavy metals that enter the body through the intake of food and drinks as well as the inhaled air
According to various studies, coffee enemas are also effective as a laxative to cleanse the intestines before endoscopic procedures.
Guidelines and Procedures Doing Coffee Enemas at Home
Coffee enemas can generally be done by a nurse or doctor in a hospital or clinic. However, some people can also do it themselves at home. However, preparation is still needed so that the coffee enema procedure can be carried out safely.
If you want to do a coffee enema yourself at home, you should pay attention to some of the preparation steps and how to do a coffee enema through the explanation below.
Coffee enema preparation stage
When you want to do a coffee enema, there are several things that need to be prepared, namely:
- Take sufficient time because doing coffee enemas should not be rushed. Coffee enemas should be done after a bowel movement.
- Urinate first before doing a coffee enema to make it more comfortable.
- Prepare an enema device in the form of an enema bag accompanied by a tube. This tool can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- Prepare a coffee enema liquid. You can make your own or buy a coffee enema liquid at the pharmacy. You can make your own coffee enema liquid by mixing ground coffee grounds with clean water, then boiling for 15–30 minutes. After that, strain the coffee liquid and wait until it cools down.
- Fill the enema bag with a coffee enema solution that has been made or purchased at the pharmacy. Hang the enema bag higher than the body, so that the enema fluid can drain smoothly.
- Prepare an enema tube and apply a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, to the end of the tube. The goal is to allow the tube to enter the anus more easily and more comfortably.
- Prepare a plastic sheet or towel as a place to lie down.
How to do a coffee enema
Coffee enemas should be done slowly and not in a hurry. Here's how to do a coffee enema:
- Lie on your left side on the prepared mat, then both legs are bent and knees pressed to the chest.
- Slowly insert the enema tube through the rectum about 10 cm deep.
- Allow the enema fluid to enter the rectum. When the fluid starts to come in, try to take deep breaths and try to relax. If you have stomach cramps, close the enema tube valve to temporarily stop the flow of coffee. When you are comfortable, drain the coffee liquid again.
- When all the liquid has entered, slowly remove the tube.
- Remain lying down for 10–20 minutes. This aims to help the coffee enema liquid move to the large intestine. If you feel the urge to defecate, go to the toilet immediately.
After doing a coffee enema, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
The Risks and Dangers of Coffee Enema
Although believed to have many benefits, coffee enemas are not completely safe to do. Bowel cleansing can result in mild side effects, such as bloating, cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Other, more severe side effects may also occur, such as:
- Dehydration
- Sores or infections of the intestines and rectum
- Colitis or inflammation of the intestines
- Electrolyte disturbance
Coffee enemas are not for everyone. The following are some medical conditions that are not recommended for coffee enemas:
- hernia
- Severe anemia
- Hemorrhoids
- Cardiovascular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease, eg Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Diverculitis
- Tumor or bowel cancer
In addition, coffee enemas should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, children, and people who have had colon surgery.
Given that there is not much clinical evidence regarding its effectiveness and safety, coffee enemas are not recommended to be done without a doctor's advice.
If you still want to try coffee enemas, you should consult your doctor first, especially if you have or are currently suffering from certain diseases, or are taking certain medications. This aims to prevent the occurrence of dangerous side effects.
If after doing a coffee enema there are complaints of severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding from the anus, immediately go to the nearest hospital for medical help.