Coffee Enemas – Why You Should Do One!

You may think that a coffee enema is the latest health buzz doing the rounds, but the use and benefits of enemas have been well documented throughout history. As early as World War 1, a nurse used the surgeon’s coffee in place of water for a pre-surgery enema and the soldier being operated on noticed a large reduction in pain after surgery. Nurses continued administering coffee enemas to other patients, who benefited as well. Coffee enemas have since been made famous by Max Gerson through his use of this therapy in his treatment of cancer patients.

Before you run away, coffee cup in hand, questioning what exactly you should be doing with your morning coffee, hear us out! With our toxic load increasing through chemicals used in the production of our food and skincare products, not to mention the environment we live in, it is more important than ever to ensure that we are supporting our health with detoxification. Enemas are a safe way of reducing the toxicity in our bodies.

What is an enema?

An enema is an injection of fluid into the rectum and the large intestine. An enema is performed with the main purpose of supporting detoxification by gently cleansing the colon and stimulating the liver to dump bile. Our liver is the main organ which filters toxins from our body. The bile transports the toxins from the liver to the colon so that they are eliminated as waste by our bodies. An enema supports this process.

Benefits of performing an enema

Enemas are a very safe and effective way of reducing the toxicity in our bodies. Other benefits may include:

• Improved energy and clarity of mind;
• Reduced bloating and gas;
• Relief from constipation;
• Liver cleansing;
• Removal of parasites and toxins;
• Reduction in everyday aches and pains;
• Clearer skin.

Why coffee?

Enemas can be performed with a number of different liquids, but there are many benefits to using coffee when performing an enema. Coffee enemas boost glutathione S-transferase by up to 700%, which is one of the body’s master antioxidants, involved in many different phases of detoxification.

On average, all of our blood goes through our liver every six minutes to be detoxified. When a coffee enema is performed that time shortens to three minutes, which essentially makes a coffee enema like a purification dialysis cleaning process of the blood.

Coffee enemas must be held for a period of 15 minutes and work because the haemorrhoidal veins in the descending colon dump into the portal system via the hepatic portal vein. The coffee uses the hepatic portal vein as a direct connection to the liver. The caffeine and choleretics present in coffee cause the liver and bile duct system to release bile into the colon and increases the flow of bile. This allows your body to use the bile created in your liver to get rid of toxins.

When performing a coffee enema, it is important to use organic coffee rather than instant coffee. Organic coffee is used to reduce toxicity exposure and can increase key minerals including selenium, potassium and zinc in your system.

How to perform a coffee enema

1. Add two tablespoons of organic ground coffee beans and three cups of filtered water to a small pot and bring to the boil, before simmering for 15 minutes.
2. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before straining the coffee solution and retaining the liquid yield. 
3. Take your enema kit and place the bag 1m above where you plan to lie down. A towel rack or shower rail usually works well.
4. Make sure the enema valve is shut and pour the coffee liquid into the enema bag.
5. Use a lubricant such as coconut oil to coat the tip of the enema nozzle. Lay on your left side in the foetal position and insert the enema nozzle into your rectum a couple of centimetres.
6. Open the valve to start the flow of coffee and allow the liquid to slowly enter your body until the bag is emptied. Activate your pelvic floor and aim to retain the liquid for 15 minutes. It can be helpful to practice calm breathing and/or mindfulness meditation to assist during this time. 
7. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the enema value and go to the toilet to expel all of the liquid from your body. 

Please note: coffee enemas can be performed any time of the day, but we find that they work best after your morning bowel movement. If you suffer from constipation it can helpful to perform a water enema first, ensuring that you still use boiled and cooled filtered water for sterilisation.  

Are coffee enemas safe?

The Institute of Digestive Disease and Nutrition at the University of Korea has studied the effectiveness of coffee enemas. There was no clinically significant adverse events related to coffee enemas and they were deemed a safe treatment of digestive dysfunction.

Still not sold on a coffee enema? Why not purchase a kit and give one a try for yourself? Any uncertainty is washed away with the benefits you will feel from having your liver functioning at its optimum level. To understand exactly how to perform a coffee enema, we recommend watching this video.

Please ensure you drink plenty of water to ensure you stay hydrated and to assist with the flushing process. If you have any concerns, please consult with your practitioner.

References:

Davidson J. 2016. Coffee Enema, the detox & bile flow superstar. www.drjaydavidson.com/coffee-enema-missing-links. Accessed May 14, 2018.

Gerson M. 2001. A Cancer Therapy: Results of 50 Cases. The Gerson Institute. Accessed May 14, 2018.

Kim ES et al., 2014. Coffee enema for preparation for small bowel video capsule endoscopy: a pilot study. Clinical Nutrition Research. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25136541. Accessed May 14, 2018.

Wilson L. 2017. Coffee Enemas. www.drlwilson.com/articles/coffee%20enema.htm. Accessed May 14, 2018.