Coffee Enema Benefits
One afternoon last November at the Wise Traditions conference, a few of us bloggers had a little chat. We weren't talking about anything innocent like the delicious food at the conference or how to grow blog traffic, though. We were gettin' the real scoop on coffee enemas from Christine and Amy!
(Pictured: Me, Amy from Real Food Whole Health, Christine from Butter Belle, Jami from Eat Nourishing, Wardeh from GNOWFGLINS, and Brenda from The Well Fed Homestead – at the 2011 Wise Traditions Conference in Dallas, Texas.)
Apparently they'd been doing (or is it “taking”?) coffee enemas for a while and the rest of us were fascinated. We'd heard that they were done to detoxify and that there are other coffee enema benefits too: they can also really help some cancer patients, but personally, I didn't know anyone who did them.
So when I decided to put up a post on this topic, I knew just who to ask, and they both agreed to share their experience with coffee enemas today in a little Q & A. 🙂
1. What made you first decide to do coffee enemas? What are the benefits?
Christine: I started doing coffee enemas under the advice and guidance of my nutrition coach Pam Killeen. I have been working with Pam for almost two years on a Nutritional Balancing Program. Essentially this program helps to re-balance your biochemistry and detoxify heavy metals from your body. Coffee enemas are an essential part of this program because they help the body to remove these metals and other toxins while cleansing the blood. These are the main benefits of coffee enemas, but others are to heal the colon, rebuild the liver, reduce headaches and pain, increases energy and mental clarity, enhances bile flow and relieves constipation.
Amy: I’ve been involved in the alternative health & healing world since the mid 90s, so I have certainly been aware of coffee enemas (and enemas in general) for some time. Being raised in the US, enemas weren’t something we grew up with, like in other countries where it’s commonplace, so just like anything new or unknown, it can seem weird. So I didn’t try it, despite hearing about beneficial results. It was actually working with clients who were on the GAPS protocol and training to be a GAPS Practitioner with Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride that convinced me to try them myself.
During a training session with Dr. NCM, she talked about how beneficial enemas are, especially to those on GAPS (or any gut healing protocol), and how, in Europe, almost every home has an enema kit. She said that a parent would never even dream of taking a child to the doctor for routine constipation, because they would just do a small, safe, easy enema at home (but not a coffee enema- these aren’t recommended for kiddos) and like magic, the constipation would clear immediately. She also impressed upon me that clients would benefit from my personal experience and being able to talk them through the process step-by-step (and be able to answer those kind of questions you only know the answers to by doing). So, that’s how I began doing them, and indeed, it has helped me numerous times with many different clients and their questions. It’s been extremely helpful to know about enemas when dealing with babies and constipation, because it’s helped me to empower parents to easily assist their child with that uncomfortable issue and help the baby pass stools easily within minutes, with no pain and no need for medicines that can have side effects or be irritating.
As far as I’ve seen, the benefits of enemas, and coffee enemas are far-reaching. Not only are they beneficial for clearing constipation and helping with detox, but coffee enemas especially help with liver and gallbladder support- and whose liver couldn’t use more support these days, right? People have reported everything from headaches clearing, fatigue lifting, skin issues clearing up, better digestion, clearer thinking, an easier time losing weight, reduced pain (especially like pain related to fibromyalgia symptoms), and more.
I should say, however, that coffee enemas aren’t for everyone, and those with an extreme burden to detox (like a huge heavy metal issue), those who are in extremely poor health or have active gut inflammation (Crohn’s, colitis, etc.) might want to start very slowly with plain water enemas, or consult their physician about the appropriateness of any enema in their condition. Although many U.S. physicians aren’t well versed in enemas, this would at least give you more information to choose what is best for you. Coffee enemas are also contradindicated during pregnancy and are not appropriate for young children. Regular water enemas (with a bit of sea salt or some probiotics) would be more advisable in those situations.
2. When did you begin?
Christine: I have been doing coffee enemas for close to a year now.
Amy: I guess it’s now been close to two years since we started doing coffee enemas. I really wish I hadn’t waited so long- it probably would have been very beneficial to me years ago when I was struggling with so many health issues, and it could have helped ease constipation without drugs, especially since that constipation was a side effect of pain medicine! Oh, the things we didn’t know…!
3. How did you get over the ‘ick' factor?
Christine: I didn't find it that hard to get over the ‘ick' factor. Pam just told me that the results of my nutritional balancing program wouldn't be as good if I didn't do the enemas. I have been unwell and feeling horrible for so long, that I was willing to do just about anything to get better faster. And guess what? I love them! I can't imagine ever stopping. I will honesty continue doing them for the rest of my life. Coffee enemas are an essential part of some alternative cancer therapies such as the Gerson and Kelley protocols. If someone with cancer can do coffee enemas twice a day, so can I!
Amy: Alrighty, so let’s get real. LOL. Honestly, the “ick factor” was a BIG one for me, and that “ewwww” was the reason I had never done enemas to begin with. Like many in the U.S. who are unfamiliar with enemas, it just seemed a little too invasive for my taste. I sort of had a no entrada policy regarding the hind end if you know what I mean. I also thought it would be so gross, and honestly, messy. I don’t know what I thought was going on but I just imagined a big mess. And I thought it’d be terribly embarrassing – like you’d have to go to the drugstore and buy the kit or you’d go to a colonics therapist and there’d be that whole interaction. So, there were several reasons I didn’t want to even consider it.
But once I learned a bit more about it, and that a lot of people in other countries regularly employ this easy, safe, painless home therapy, and that enemas are a traditional remedy that’s been trusted by cultures around the globe for centuries (and almost 100 years for coffee enemas), I began thinking it couldn’t possibly be THAT bad. So, I was already a bit more open to the idea when Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride explained it, but I wasn’t convinced yet. During her talk, she even had a drugstore enema bag out so that we could see it and she went over the basics. That helped a lot. And then I realized that you just go to the bathroom afterwards, so it’s not like there was this tremendous, gross mess in your house (again, who knows what I was really thinking happened!!!) The final thing that helped me feel comfortable was to watch a (very tastefully done) video, on a medical website, where they explained the process in a much more thorough (but discreet) manner. I could easily see that it was no big deal. (Just a note, you might not want to just Google this one, because you could end up with some, shall we say, less-than-credible, links. You can find the link at my site if you want to see it.)
People get really worked up about the whole insertion thing. Honestly, it’s a super small tube and it’s inserted into the rectum a teeny bit, about the length of your pinky finger (much less for children), so it’s not like you see in the movies with these crazy machines and huge attachments and all. It’s not painful or really even uncomfortable. And, no, you won’t be walking funny afterward!
4. How often do you do them?
Christine: I do a coffee enema just about daily, but at the very least 2-3x per week.
Amy: At first, we did them a couple times per week or so. But they can be time intensive, so its been a lot less often, especially recently. However, I think it would be wise to start doing them again on a regular basis, especially to help support my liver and encourage cleansing. The thing is, if you do them on a regular basis, you can retain the coffee a bit longer, about 15-20 minutes, and that is a bit more effective than just a few minutes. Before doing an enema with coffee, however, you do a couple rounds with just water so that you cleanse the colon before introducing coffee. Otherwise, if the colon is full, the coffee can not be properly absorbed.
People always ask if they are doing them too often or if they can become addicted to enemas (or hurt their body to where regular elimination will not happen correctly). From what I understand, while on the Gerson therapy, a nutrition-based cancer treatment, the patients do four or more coffee enemas per day with no ill effects (and to much benefit). I am not involved with the Gerson therapy as that is outside my scope of practice, but I have researched it and have spoken with several people who have had fantastic results.
I do have experience with clients doing coffee enemas as often as once or twice daily during critical times of health challenges or detox, extreme constipation or to ward off migraines (say for a week or two at a time) and to my knowledge, no one has ever had any side effects or problems and they certainly still effectively eliminated on their own once stopping the enemas. I am sure that like anything, enemas could be overdone, but a proper application of this centuries-old technique has been nothing but beneficial in my experience and research. Certainly, to keep this therapy in your back pocket for use during times of constipation or ill health by a family member, it is a means of empowerment – to be able to help your family at home with a safe therapy always makes us feel more secure!
5. Does anyone else in your family use this form of therapy?
Christine: After I had been doing coffee enemas for some time, my husband tried them and has also turned into a firm believer of them. He won't go more than a few days without doing one!
Amy: My husband and I both have done coffee enemas. At first, he wasn’t on board with the idea or open to trying it. However, once understanding the history behind it, the benefits, and also watching the same medical video, he agreed that it might be worthwhile. I did it first and once he could see how easy and painless it was, he had no issues with it. We plan on keeping enemas as part of our home remedy toolbox, and for use with kiddos (plain water only when they are little) when needed.
6. What benefits have you seen in yourself?
Christine: The benefits I have seen in myself include: mental clarity, increase in energy, headache reduction, bile release, stress relief and relaxation and release of toxins and heavy metals (as shown on my hair mineral analysis tests). Here is my blog post on coffee enemas: I'm addicted to coffee and no, I don't drink it.
Amy: I definitely did experience the overall cleansing and detox aspect. It seemed to just clear out the junk and improved fatigue, some little nagging health stuff, supported my digestion (especially liver/gallbladder function) and has cleared headaches and a skin rash. I am prone to migraines and it was actually through a client that I discovered that coffee enemas could help with migraines. So, I’ve been so thankful to have this drug-free remedy in my toolbox. Luckily, since changing to a real food diet and addressing the rest of the Essential Elements of Whole Health, I haven’t really experienced migraines or fibromyalgia pain anymore, but once you’ve suffered from them, you do fear they could return, so it’s nice to know I have another method to handle that unbearable pain!
One thing I want to make sure I mention is that you can’t exactly just go down to Starbucks and pick up a special blend, pop into Walgreens and grab a discount enema kit and start doing these enemas. Well, I suppose you could, but it’s not exactly ideal. First of all, the coffee needs to be a lighter roast than we generally use for drinking in the United States. The roasting affects the acidity of the coffee and the lighter roasts are generally better tolerated and not as irritating. There are coffees sold specifically for enemas, or you can order low-roasted coffee. I am not a coffee connoisseur, so I can’t speak too much to the roasting issue, but from what I understand, a roast around a 2 is preferable for enemas and most people would drink coffee roasted to a 5 or 6.
The equipment you use is also important, as most of the drugstore stuff is going to be plastic (or PVC) and, as we know, plastic carries its own health risks. Not exactly something I want to put directly in my colon! The acidity of coffee also may contribute to leaching these chemicals from plastic bags or tubing, so we use a stainless steel enema bucket (it’s like a big measuring cup) with silicone tubing and nozzle. For infants and young toddlers, you would be able to use a bulb syringe- and remember, just water, not coffee. There’s more detail that we could go into, but not exactly enough time, so if you have specific concerns, I’m more than happy to try to help you one-on-one during a consultation or Q & A session.
Finally, I’m so glad that Kelly is doing this post because coffee enemas are certainly something that I think should be talked about more often in health circles, and it really is the fear of the unknown and the “ick factor” that stops people from using this safe, easy home remedy. I talk clients through this process quite often and answer a lot of questions in the beginning, but once people have done it, they see how simple it is and that it’s really not such a big deal after all.
Thanks Amy & Christine!
Have YOU ever done coffee enemas? Did you notice a difference in your health or specific coffee enema benefits?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Christine Kennedy writes Butter Belle , a food education blog where butter trumps all, and local, seasonal, organic ingredients are prepared the traditional way.
Christine has been interested in health and nutrition (with a special emphasis on cooking!) since grade school. She earned a B.A. in Kinesiology & Physical Education at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. Never satisfied, and hungry for learning more, she ran across the book Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morell. It has since changed her life and the health of her whole family. As a wife and homeschooling mother of three children, she spends much time in the kitchen nourishing them all with traditional foods. In addition to this, you can find Christine visiting her local organic farmers, de-stressing in her garden, taking long walks on a summer evening or sweating it out in the sauna.
Passionate about real food and raw milk, Christine became a Local Chapter Leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation in 2006, excited to teach others and share the wealth of knowledge.
Amy Love, NTP, CGP, CILC is a board-certified nutritional therapy practitioner, natural
fertility support specialist, certified GAPS practitioner and owner of Real Food Whole
Health- an online resource for real food nutrition, traditional food recipes (all gluten-free!), holistic wellness, education & nutritional therapy consultations. Amy offers support
for the whole family with a special emphasis on digestive wellness (and the GAPS diet),
natural fertility, pregnancy and post-partum care.
Amy is available to work with nutritional therapy clients via phone and internet
worldwide. She also speaks on nutrition topics, leads cooking classes and workshops and
offers a series of online classes available at www.realfoodwholehealth.com.
DeeDee natural healing mom wanna be says
Believing and praying is healing!
First, not a health care person here. Just a mom desiring to learn and share.
Do not take this as medical advice! Talk with your medical professional.
Of course I love all the information given on your page here about the coffee enema and other enemas. But, the below sources also may be helpful to others.
Health is through the colon.
Detoxing is through the liver. From all of my reading and talking with others, the coffee enema is the best for liver detoxing. The enema helps you!
As I spend time during these trying weeks locked at home, I want to get many things done. We all know what is going on these days. So no need to remind all.
One thing I want to do is to talk and share with other moms, with my limited abilities and experience, about healing and health — of course not in person. Sure many such groups are popping up every where now.
I especially want to learn and share about the enema. Share on this page and with other moms talking (calling them and talking). If you know of a mother, or someone, who can use this information, please share. This may be helpful for them to get and give an enema. The only enema experience I have so far is getting a few from my mom growing up and giving a few to my oldest one when he was sick in bed few years ago.
So I am finding all I can about the coffee enema and other enemas. So will help with healing and over all health. Here is some information I found that may be helpful to others.
Please consult with your holistic provider or doctor before giving or taking an enema. Not giving medical advice or telling what should be done.
So, before soon giving enemas to my two, and me soon getting coffee enemas, while we wait out this stay at home business, I have spent time looking for helpful information. I loved Jenna’s comment below on here.
Some think the enema is out dated and no longer a good home remedy to give. Wrong!
The enema is important as ever now as a home health tool. Especially in today’s world where we have more toxins and ever, more important! More junk food. More stress.
Enemas were given in most homes before. And from what I have learned, recently becoming more and more popular in the home again. As I found out the other day when could not find an enema bag or bulb syringe to give enemas in my home. Finally found both! And the coffee for my coffee enemas. Yeah!
Speaking of my search….My 9 yo b was not overly happy that I finally found an enema bulb syringe for our home. I had the feeling he was wishing I would not find one. I am sure he knew enemas were going to soon be given in my home to one of them or both. Yes both are going to get an enema soon.
I think it is good for them and will improve their health.
Surprising, I found the same enema bulb syringe I had before! Even same color — red. He had that “oh no” look on his face when the woman in the store removed the bulb from the box and was showing the enema bulb syringe.
Sure bored both of my kids when her and I talked about the enema and healing.
I am going to sit down and discuss it with both of them. The only home enema experience I have was getting a few enemas from my mom and when I gave my oldest one a bulb syringe enema years ago. When he was sick in bed… think he was 5 or so then. Another mom told me he would benefit then from getting an enema. Omg giving him the enema then worked wonders! Unfortunately, I threw the bulb out. Mistake that was.
Enemas are a good natural remedy. Do not hurt. And yes work!
Ok, stop talking so much. What I found…. And still looking…
1. Web page: optimalhealthnetwork.com. A great source for enema buckets, bags and bulb syringe. Also, oils, soaps, books and more. Kristina has great health videos and articles. From what I have read about Kristina, she is professional. Always helpful. You can also go to her spa and be given the coffee enema or other enemas there. Also, receive other healing therapies there. I am going to buy her coffee and her Made For Enema Soap bar.
2. Book: Prescription For Nutritional Healing. I have to get a copy of this book! Great book that should be in every home. Has natural remedies for many ills. Can search by ill or remedy. Has information about enemas. The coffee enema, garlic enema, lemon juice enema and more. From my researching, this book appears to be one of the best home remedy books ever! Along with the book Back To Eden.
3. Article: “PARENTS GUIDE TO COLON HEALTH FOR CHILDREN Bowel Health Among Children and Teens.” Parents Guide to Childs Colon Health Care. By Catherine Cavanaugh, R.N. http://valerie_cct.tripod.com/parentsg.html. Valerie_cct.tripod. com
Catherine’s article should be read by every parent. She tells why today’s child has such poor colon health. Which leads to ills and the retention of toxins that are harmful. She tells how to administer enemas to the child. The instructions she gives for giving the bulb syringe enema to the infant can also be used for giving the bulb syringe enema to the toddler or older child. After getting his enema, the older child would expel into the potty, instead of the diaper. Valerie tells of the importance of a daily BM and the enema.
I love her page and her information why colon health is so important. More so today than ever. So many toxins now. So much junk food fed to the child these days.
4. Web page: “THE ULTIMATE LIVER DETOX: COFFEE ENEMAS”
Found at: http://www.mygutsy.com/the-ultimate-liver-detox-coffee-enemas/
Excellent page about the coffee enema. She has done a super great job of presenting the coffee enema. Also, talks about enemas for the child.
5. Book: The Mother and Her Child.
Found at: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/20817/20817-h/20817-h.htm
A old book. Aren’t they the best? Love this book. I think my mom and aunt had this book and referred to it many times when one of us was sick.
Reprinted many times. Full of good information about mother and child care. Using the old home remedies for the child. Including giving the child enemas!
I laughed when read when Lena tells how inexpensive a home care nurse can be gotten (back in those days).
Not today.
Lena was a great doctor.
She also believed in the child getting enemas when sick. For fevers, constipation and other ills.
In her example of the written care notes on the sick child, she has an entry that reads: “9 a. m. Enema given; good bowel movement; mustard paste applied to chest, front and back, and oil-silk jacket applied; drank boiled water, 4 ounces.”
Omg I have no idea what the oil-silk jacket was. Oh yes, know of the enema. I remember my mom or aunt giving a morning enema to the sick child in bed.
For fevers she says to give a cleansing enema to the child first. Back in Lena’s days this normally meant a mild soapy enema was given. Still given today! (Can find Made For Enema Soap at optimalhealthnetwork.com — listed above). The cleansing enema helps to remove harmful toxins and make sure the child has a BM. This helps speed up recovery from an ill. Reduces the fever.
After the initial cleansing enema is given, he is later given plain water enemas every so many hours. Until the fever is gone.
Wonderful that this book can be obtained free! From Gutenberg.org:
“This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org”
I want to refer many mothers to these sources. Especially Valerie’s page!
Go on and slap me for writing (talking so much) so much now.
Blessings for all.
And hugs (but don’t give a hug now)
DeeDee Natural Healing Mom says
Wonderful, informative, blog. Great information about the coffee enema!
During this “lock down” or “stay at home” time I want to do coffee enemas, actually a series of them. And, want to give enemas to my two kids. My 9 yo boy already knows this is coming. We shopped for the enema other day. Finally found one.
Good time to reflect on my life. Exercise. Clean the house. Child care. and so many other things that I always wanted to get done.
Anyone else out there going to do coffee enemas during this time?
KitchenKop says
I don’t think I would give coffee enemas to kids?
Kelly
Donna g says
Sorry for such long post before.
Been asked by a few moms “how” did I go about doing it. They have never gotten one before. So want to know where did I get it? Do water before?
Retain? Even what did I wear during it?
So hope didn’t over do it explaining some.
The concerns I have are
–finding a cheaper, but good, coffee source??
–what is difference between filtered, steam distilled and tap water? I think I know it but may be wrong.
–where can buy a SS bucket kit from that isn’t so expensive? Optimalhealthnetwork sells good ones.
But being divorced mom I cannot afford them.
–for now using the two quart red rubber bag works. I am concerned about making sure it, hose and nozzle are cleaned well. Aired good before putting up. Another woman told me she does a “final rinse” with a little bleach or hydro peroxide. Anyone else do the same?
–to be sure the bag and bulb syringe are ok to use , I replace them every so many months.
Cannot preach enough how well I feel after getting a coffee enema.
When I tell others they go “omg”
And think I am on some sort of fad!
I tell them to do a few and see how they feel.
Enemas do not have to be given or taken on the bed like I prefer.
Can be done on the bath room floor with plenty of towels. In the tub. On a table. Make sure sturdy table.
where ever comfortable is fine.
One moms I know gives enemas while sitting on the couch. With towel on her lap and the one getting the enema across her lap on tummy.
Just make sure have privacy. Is not cold so won’t chill. And if possible close to the bath room.
I have never had a mess giving or getting an enema.
Check with doctor before giving or getting an enema.
Donna g says
Love this blog!
Yes feel better and look better since doing enemas.
My mom was a old fashion nurse LPN.
She believed an enema was good for head aches, constipation, fevers and more.
So enemas were a very common remedy in our home and at my aunt’s home.
I am glad she gave them instead of loads of pills!
I give home enemas to mine. But not a coffee enema!
I do coffee enemas for my self often. They are a wonderful way to detox the liver. I always feel good after getting a coffee enema or even a regular enema.
When I get an enema I do it when I have the house to myself. The kids are gone to school. Don’t know how I will do them this summer? When they are at home. Any moms dealt with that before?
I want the enema experience to be relaxing without any interruptions.
This is what I do… may help another mom reading on here.
As soon as everyone is out of the house in the morning I prepare for the enema.
I give and get enemas in the spare bedroom…. it has a door to the second smaller bath room. So no going down the hallway.
I make sure the bed room is warm but not hot.
I close the blinds. Remove bed linen from the bed. Put a plastic sheet on the bed and a towel on the plastic sheet.
Do not like doing enemas on the bath room floor.
I put some soft relaxing music on the player in the room. Only have the small light on the night stand on. Light a sented candle. So the room has a good aroma (spelling ? Sorry). Put the lube on the night stand. I prefer coconut oil or in a pinch use Vaseline.
Remove all clothes. Have a chair in the room to put removed clothes on. Put robe on. If it is a warm day I will not use the robe. Sometimes leaving bra and panties on.
I then get out the two quart red rubber enema bag. Same one you have pictured on here. Put the hose and nozzle on the bag.
Fill it full of warm filtered water–but not too warm– in the kitchen. Open the hose clamp letting some water flow out into the sink. Test temp of the water on my wrist. Reclamap the hose.
Take the the full bag to the room. Hang it on the stand in the room. I found a very inexpensive IV stand at a grage sale not too long ago.
Lube the nozzle very well. and get a very slow relaxing two quart enema. Leaving robe on during the enema. Pulled up to waist. If have panties on remove them before getting on the bed. Or just pull them down some.
Stop the flow every so often and restart it. Relax. Listen to the music. Relax. Take deep breaths to help the enema go in.
I take the plain water enema when in the knee to chest position on the bed. That is on knees, bend at waist, put head on pillow. So butt is up in the air.
found this to be the best enema position for me. When the bag is empty retain the enema for a few minutes. Relax. Breath deep. Expel it.
Take the enema bag to the kitchen. Prepare the coffee for the coffee enema.
Fill the enema bag full. Take the full bag to the room. Get the coffee enema the same way as the warm water one on the bed.
Some times I stop the flow and turn on to my back or one side then the other side later during the enema.e bed.
Retain the enema. Relax. Have deep positive thoughts while retaining the enema. Expel.
Clean the bag, hose and nozzle. Hang the bag up in bath room to air dry. Remove hose and nozzle
Remove towel from bed. Into dirty clothes. Remake the bed.
Blow out candle. Music off, get dressed
Open the blinds. I partially open the bedroom window and bath window to air the room out.
Best of all after getting two enemas I feel wonderful. Some times I rest after the enemas.
Back to house duties LOL. Ughhh
Kids come home and see the bag airing out…they know I got an enema. And that is good! I want them to know enemas are beneficial and healthy.
Good for them.
I give them enemas on the same small bed next to the bath room.
Warning: before taking or giving enemas best to ask your doctor or pedi if ok to do enemas.
Don’t be surprised if your doctor says coffee enemas are useless. But take “this pill”
I have never felt better since doing enemas at home.
Since giving enemas to mine when needed they have had less ills! And when sick recover faster!
Val says
Sorry for typos. Four children here. Not three. Being a divorced mom here with four meant pedi doctor visits , meds and ER visits were at times expensive. Sometimes I questioned if I was only getting the “hurry up, get out and take a pill and pay” line. Doctors seemed not to care.
I cannot say enough about the benefits of coffee enemas and other enemas!
My mom and aunt gave home enemas for various ills. Especially for fevers and constipation. My cousin had years of encopreis (with holding of poop). So she was given frequent home enemas by my (nurse) aunt.
After leaving home I forgot about even taking an enema or needing one. Much less coffee enemas. Which were unknown to me. So was detoxing and cleansing. I did not get enemas for years. I did not know of the benefits of coffee enemas.
My children seemed to have more fevers, colds, flu, ills than most. I also was not in the best of health.
Then another mom helped me, and my four, with better diet, natural healing, herbal remedies, home remedies.
One of the best things she did was reintroduce me to enemas as a home remedy for myself and the children as well. And taught me about coffee enemas! At first I thought she was on some sort of fad. I read about coffee enemas and regular enemas for my four.
I cannot preach enough about the wonderful benefits of home enemas!
Especially coffee enemas !
Best to advise discuss home remedies, herbal remedies and enemas with your doctor. Before doing or giving such.
Coffee enemas changed my life. I feel better after getting a coffee enema and a regular enema.
Some mentioned not being able to take much solution. I had to build up to a larger volume enema for myself. Sometimes needing a full bag of a plain water enema before doing a coffee enema.
If giving a enema for fever and no enema solution comes out. This may mean dehydration. The water was absorbed. Give a second enema a few hours later.
Slap me for talking too much. But since doing enemas head aches, sluggish feeling, fevers, colds and more have gone away! My mind is now clear. Skin tone has improved. Eyes are clear. Body order has also improved.
They are God’s gift for a healthy body.
Talk with a naturopathic doctor.
Val says
Cara, pray he is better. Agree with Kelly saying it is best to talk with pedi, naturopath, or Doctor to see if CEs would be ok for him.
Always ask doctor before giving enema.
I do not know at what age he can be given a CE. I have never heard of a child getting a CE.
Check Kristina’s Amelong’s page optimal health network dot com. She has lots of advice and discussion on CEs. She also sells coffee, enema buckets, bags and bulbs. Made for enema soap and more.
Give her or DeeDee there a call (1-800 number). Ask about the CE. They are both very helpful.
I did read somewhere that a series of enemas may be helpful. If I find it, I I’ll post it. I don’t remember if CEs or other enemas were given. But do remember they helped.
My mom gave enemas when needed. But never a CE. That I recall.
Enemas were given for fevers or constipation.
I have given my four enemas when needed. Given with a bulb syringe or the bag. IMHO enemas (regular and CE) are a very goof natural home remedy.
I get a coffee enema often. I feel wonderful after a plain water enema or a coffee enema! I use the old fashioned red rubber two quart enema bag. There is no plastic smell from it. I don’t think there is a problem with leeching of chemicals from the enema bag. But if I could afford one I would use the bucket one.
Enemas are given and taken in my home on the bed. Towel is placed on the bed. I do not like the hard cold bathroom floor for enemas. Never had a mess. I put a plastic sheet on the bed and towel on the plastic sheet.
I warm the room. Play some soft relaxing music down low. This helps relaxing. No bright lights. Even have burned scented candles. Getting and giving an enema should be a relaxing soothing experience.
After enemas I wash the bag, hose and nozzle good with warm soap and water. Rinse well few times with plain warm water. Leave the bag hanging out in the bathroom for a few days after an enema. Hose and nozzle removed from the bag while airing out. To be sure they are dry before putting it in the bathroom closet on a shelf. Same with the enema bulb syringe…wash well and air dry for a few days.
Leaving the bag or bulb airing out is good. It lets my three know enemas are a good thing. Not to be scared of or ashamed of. It also reminds them of the importance of regular BMs.
And when a visiting mom sees the enema airing out most of the time she will ask about the enema. Or I bring it up with her. i want other moms to learn. Leaving the enema out gives me a opportunity to teach her some about the wonderful benefits of an enema. Especially coffee enemas!
By having a open enema discussion a few moms have started doing coffee enema and giving enemas too. They told me giving an enema is better than harsh chemical or meds. Their kids got better faster.
Sue says
Did doctor Natasha Campbell or anybody else (trustworthy) ever mentioned about the depletion of beneficial flora from the enemas? Does the flora washes out completely or does it leaves “seeds” behind to continue growing? anybody with reliable info please?
Fred says
Hi
I’ve been doing coffee enemas for about 3 months, twice daily. Since about 3 days, whenever I do an enema nothing will come out after, or barely nothing. What could be the problem? Did anyone of you ever had that problem of not evacuating after your enema?
Cara says
How young is to young for a child to do a coffee enema? My 9 year old has had a problem with anxiety which his dr told me is from him always being on fight or flight (he had nasty reactions to vaccines and he thinks it messed up his nervous system). He also has skin rashes food allergies and major environmental allergies as well. I know for myself I have benefited from them tremendously (digestion and seasonal allergies especially). Assuming he will let me do it would it be safe for someone his age?
KitchenKop says
I’m sorry but I don’t know the answer to that. Maybe check with a naturopath or holistic doc?
Kelly
Lauren says
My husband is treating for Lyme, co-infections, high lead/mercury and candida overgrowth and I am treating for Candidiasis and migraines. We use small plastic buckets, which can be purchased at https://gerson.org/gerpress/gerson-supplies-coffee-enema-supplies/ and other on-line vendors or you can find similar ones at your local medical supply store/drugstores. FYI – We use only organic coffee and distilled water.
Good luck!
Bee says
I currently use a rubber bag, but worry abt the toxicity. I tried the ss bucket, but felt it to be cumbersome, big, and didn’t hang well. The Silicone bags are awfully pricey.
Any suggestions as to what to use? Thoughts on the plastic bucket and any links u can provide to inexpensive safe kits?
Barb H says
Bee, your post is rather old. So wondering if you still read on here. I also use the 2 quart red rubber enema bag for myself. I tried the ss bucket and did not like it for all the reasons you mentioned.
I have had no problems with the red rubber enema bag. Hangs well and easy to carry when full.
I do not like the plastic enema bucket.
You may want to consider using a enema bulb. But would have to be refilled a few times to do your enema.
Barb
Karen B says
Bee, I also used the two quart red rubber bag and agree with you that the ss bucket is cumbersome. Also feel the bucket is hard to hang when I get and give home enemas.
A friend told me she uses a higgison syringe for her enemas.
I Purchase one. The enema solution Is placed in a large glass or enamal container. You can put the solution in a container you want to use.
Slowly and gently Squeezing the bulb in the middle of the hose, gives a gentle enema. I like using this enema because i can see the enema solution going down in the container as i pump the bulb.
I found it to be a much easier enema to get and give. since a small device is used, concern for toxicity with the small bulb and hose is not a concern to me as the bag was.
that may help you.
Check with dr before doing enemas.
melissa says
OK. So, I went ahead and tried my first coffee enema.(about2 cups) it completely flushed me out and I felt great. However, (this may sound gross. Sorry but I have to ask) its been about 3 days since I did it and now whenever I pass gas I find myself leaking a small amount of orange fluid. Kinda like grease or something. its really strange. Any idea why this might be happening to me? is something wrong or is this just my body still flushing out “junk” Thanx in advance.
Christine says
Coffee enemas are definitely ok during pregnancy. You can read all about it here: https://drlwilson.com/Articles/obstetrics.htm
If it were me, I would do them.
Pamela says
About the coffee enema during pregnancy… I’m 15 weeks along and get headaches every day. My nutritional chiropractor told me to do a coffee enema to see if it would help. I’ve tried a lot of other natural things too. Now I haven’t done the enema yet but am now worried about it affecting the baby. Do you think it would be better to do the enema than taking pain meds for the headache?? It’s a tough call…. thanks!
Pamela
KitchenKop says
Definitely consult a naturopath about this or someone trained in this stuff. Amy may be able to comment here with her advice, too.
Kelly
Julie says
My naturopath was worried about my liver and said I needed to detox it. I didn’t want to do enemas but my liver is overtaxed from pain meds following a botched surgery so I decided it was worth the ick to try it. It was actually warm and comforting. I was able to retain it for @ 30 minutes and I felt great after! I am thinking of adding probiotic suppositories to my supplement regimen also.
Jen S. says
I was wondering what you thought about my case. I am breastfeeding my 10-month old and am fighting Candida. I am experiencing very bad “die off” symptoms. From what I have read, it seems like coffee enemas are helpful to detoxify your body while treating Candida. I have noticed over the last 3-4 days that my baby’s skin has these rough, dry patches. It seems to coincide with my “die off” symptoms peaking.
Would you weigh in on the safety of trying coffee enemas to help expedite the expelling of the toxins in my system and whether it’s safe if I’m breastfeeding? Specifically if it’s advisable, how often should I do it?
MrsHill says
If I may, regarding water issues. While it used to be that you could set water out and boil it to remove the chlorine, in most municipalities this won’t work. The form of chlorine used in sanitizing water at many treatment plants is chloromine or cholromide. This is a compound of chlorine bonded to ammonia that is not easily removed. It cannot be boiled out nor will it evaporate. That being said, the expense of removing this substance is very high and we are left to what is within our reach. You might try digging a hole in the ground and placing a smaller container inside it and covering it with plastic wrap. On top of the plastic wrap in the center place ice cubes which does two things. It creates a temperature difference to create condensation and also adds weight in the center that will cause the condensation to run and drip into the container inside the hole. There needs to be at least two inches of space around the container. This water is processed and filtered through the natural soil particles as it has accumulated as rainwater. While our rainwater picks up the impurities in the air as it descends, this water has been filtered naturally. I will tell you that it will only yield a little water at a time. Do not do this on lawns that have been chemically treated for pests and disease, of course. Too this process also works as a homemade low temperature distilling method to make some herbal extractions. (Some herbs require alcohol to breakdown the cell walls while others require more heating than this method.)
Sharon says
I’ve been doing coffee enemas every other day for about a year. My acupuncturist recommended them for pain relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis. At first, I was skeptical, but they have become an important part of pain management. Also, they help with mental clarity, fatigue, and pms. Occasionally I’ve stopped them for about a week, but each time my symptoms return.
Denise says
Sharon, the fact that your symptoms return means nothing has changed. Get rid of the cause of the pain – don’t just use pain relief for them.
i have had R.A. For 21 years and much of that time I have been in remission. Please check your library for The New Arthritis Breakthrough, by Henry Scammell. I did the treatment and went into remission. Also find information and doctors who do the treatment at this site:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/02/Agave-A-Triumph-of-Marketing-over-Truth.aspx
The symptoms are returning when you stop the enemas because the cause of the symptoms is still there. R.A. is an infection and can be treated.
Best to you.
Megan says
I started doing plain water enemas to clear out colon before starting ce’s. I was doing some other things to detox at the same time. I ended up with anxiety (die-off, I assumed). Does this mean that I have a “heavy burden” to detox or that something is keeping the toxins from coming out of my body? Since then I have tried other things to do mild detox, and anytime I go to fast I end up with anxiety. Would doing coffee enemas rather than plain water help or is there something else I need to do first? Thanks for all the info!
Carrie says
I found out about coffee enemas a couple of years ago whilst researching vegatarianism (I know!) I even went to a medical supply store and bought a bag/kit for doing them after I got all excited to try them at home. Haha, it’s been collecting dust ever since I brought it home. I took it out of the box, looked at it, and put it back in the box. The ick factor is totally what gets me as I am we’ll aware of the health benefits (from previous research). However, something I am doing now that I wasn’t doing then is breastfeeding. My daughter is 3.5 months and the whole ‘toxin release’ thing is a concern for me. She already has a major intestinal thing going on and I am trying not to agrivate it further. ((She, like her mother, has flatulence issues…especially in the evening. She screams and wriggles so hard some evenings it’s bothersome. It’s obvious I have issues and need the cleansing quite a bit since my issues have followed me since childhood.))
I noticed someone mentioned the water quality as it was on my mind….my municipal water tastes like a swimming pool. Gack! I only have two options and would like to know the best one Amy or Christine. First would be to fill a pail with tap water and let the chlorine evaporate before using it, or second, buying a 5 gallon jug of filtered water. Now at $5 a gallon, those enemas could get pricey in the long run and we are not even at the point of buying organic fruit and veg yet.
I will have to get to your link to watch the video though and hope the ick factor becomes a lot less ‘ick’. 🙂
Carrie says
Ok, so I just finished watching the first link. It does look easy. I didn’t mention it before but I have gone to someone who performs enemas. Something different from the video and the treatment I had was that there was a ‘release’ tube as well. Is that something different?….are colonics and enemas different or the same thing?
So I went and looked at the kit I have just collecting dust and its practically the same one used in the video, although mine doesn’t have the surgical rubber (its white). (The receipt was in the box and I paid less than $10 for it 🙂 )
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
I never really knew the point of coffee enemas so I appreciate this interview. I really think I may have to try this! I have a lot of colon issues that then cause brain fog, fatigue, etc… It sounds like coffee enemas might help me!
Lazmos says
Marge,
Thanks again, I understand and have had issues in the past where I had 16 lbs of blockage. I was very ill at the time(on pain/musle relax meds.) and this only added to the problems, but I was eventually able to evacuate. I think you may be correct and I shall follow Amy’s protocol.
Marge says
Lazmos – it depends on the condition & health of your colon. A person may have old impacted stool taking up space – not necessarily “full” like you might be thinking. Also, some people just have to work their way up to being able to take the full amount. Maybe their muscles are not strong enough for example. Be patient with yourself and with time, the C.E.s should help with both. But my thought is – if you cannot take anymore in it is because there is not space. Up above Amy is mentioning doing several rounds of water before doing the coffee. Some people do recommend doing plain water enemas until the elimination is clear. The issue with this method is TIME!
Lazmos says
Thanks Marge, I’ll give it a try! This is however my 4th enema and I don’t believe I was full everytime……ya’ never know……..we’ll see! Thanks again!
Marge says
Lazmos – it could be that your bowels are full. You could try doing a plain water enema first to clear some space before doing the coffee enema. Try this and see if it helps.
Lazmos says
I am having trouble getting all of the coffee enema inside of me. I wait for a minute or so after the bucket is empty, but some coffee remains in the tube and won’t go in………..any idea why this is happening? Also, I’m only usiing 1/2 of the desired enema(Gerson Therapy Coffee Enema).
Thank you kindly,
L
Geoffrey Truffle says
Do we need further proof that everyone associated with the Weston A. Price is both mentally ill and overweight?
Denise says
Shame on you! I went to Mexico for the Gerson Therapy treatment and left after the week pain free, due in part to the 5 coffee enemas we did every day. There is solid science behind this. Do some research before you start slinging insults.
Vills says
Does anyone here have a thorough knowledge on the physiology of the body? – as there is an interesting link i found supposedly debunking some of Dr Wilson’s theories on coffee, enemas and the way the body works. Would really love some input to this guy’s response to Dr Wilson’s claims. So far it sounds very thorough in relation to the body’s physiology but then i am no expert in anything that has to do with science.. Cheers
https://curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1938721
Marge says
Thanks for the reply…. are we both talking enema vessels??
I am seriously questioning my own vessel but at most it holds the coffee 5 minutes. Reading up on website it states that the Stainless are the safest – mostly because of cleaning abilty. Curious, does a magnet stick to your SS bucket? I’m thinking I may have to rig something myself with a ceramic water crock & sure – there is that question since everything seems to have its issues.
I have old stainless steel pots & pans that magnets do stick to – the interesting thing is last year I was gifted a new pan from the same line and a magnet does not stick it. Stainless has become too popular and quality suffers.
So…….. you’re doing enemas for an hour?
KitchenKop says
Haaaaaaa, nooooo!! I have coffee cups on the brain because mine just broke and I need to get a new one. 🙂
LOL! Guess I didn’t *drink* enough coffee yet today to get rid of my fog brain!
Marge says
Ahhh Ok! At first I thought you were kidding with me but then I felt maybe we we’re not on the same page. I personally do not drink out of any stainless or plastic products, especially not hot liquids.
Above Amy mentions aversion to the use the Walgreen’s rubber enema kit b/c of issues with plastics leaching but since reading here last I was on Dr. Wilson’s website and he does not take issue with the same kit. I’ve also researched time with issues with plastics and do not believe there is enough time for a leaching reaction or that my temp is high enough to cause one either. I’m not endorsing the product, just realising I’m most likely not causing any harm.
Marge says
Hello – I’m usually pretty conscious about plastics & my food in general but do you really think there is enough time for the coffee to absorb the bad stuff with only a few minutes of exposure???
In the last couple of years I have been warned that stainless steel contains nickel & chromium – so under the premise of the container leaching wouldn’t using the SS buckets also pose a similar risk of flooding the colon with these heavy metals?
“The most common austenitic alloys are iron-chromium-nickel steels and are widely known as the 300 series. The austenitic stainless steels, because of their high chromium and nickel content, are the most corrosion resistant of the stainless group providing unusually fine mechanical properties”.
KitchenKop says
I do think that that amount of time is enough to get us too much exposure – especially since I often keep adding hot water and sip on it for an hour. Your SS comments have me thinking…. My SS cup JUST broke, too, I wonder if I should find one of those ceramic cups with the plastic and handle around them for a travel cup. Probably something wrong with ceramic, too, though!
Maybe I’ll put this on FB and see what I can find out.
Thanks!
Kelly
Carrie says
A this rate, it seems wood is about the only nontoxic and natural material left to use…maybe taking us back to really ancient times 😉
jpatti says
So… do you add cream and stevia to the enema bag? 😉
Jeanmarie says
I had a coffee colon cleanse in Thailand while fasting, way back in the 1990s… I’m extremely sensitive to caffeine, so this just didn’t go well for me. It made me very sick so I quit the fast early. Didn’t have bad reactions to water cleanses at all. My understanding is that an enema only washes out the rectum, not the colon. I’m really surprised at the idea of doing this daily… wow.
karen says
so does the coffee make a person feel jittery, like when a person drinks it?
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
Hey Karen! It’s not usual for it to do so. I know plenty of folks who don’t tolerate drinking coffee, but its use in enema form does not bother them at all. If the coffee is retained for longer than about 30 minutes, the caffeine can be absorbed systemically, and could cause some jittery feelings, similar to when coffee is consumed. It’s not advised to retain it for that long as the benefits are really when the caffeine is affecting the liver and gut only. If even retaining coffee for a short time causes side effects, then you can try diluting it, holding it less time or you may simply not tolerate coffee at all. I would suspect there would be other symptoms when you drank coffee (more than being jittery) if you were intolerant to coffee, like irritability, pain, headaches, digestive upset, etc. The jittery feeling is typically related to caffeine, so avoiding the systemic absorption should prevent that. Hope that helps!
Jennifer @ 20 something allergies and counting...down says
I have really tried getting into them, but I don’t find enemas all that pleasant. I usually lean toward teas, juicing, detox baths, dry brushing, and oil pulling for my go to detox methods. I’m going to keep trying though, so I hurry up this last part of my healing journey!
Thanks for reminding me why I should really suck it up and incorporate them into my routine more often. Great info ladies!
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
Those are all great methods, Jennifer 🙂 Sometimes trying different positions, different formulations (water with sea salt, with probiotics, a chamomile tea, or with aloe) can make a difference. If you would ever like to brainstorm some thing to help, feel free to contact me and we’ll see what we can figure out. Of course, not every therapy is right for everyone, so maybe this will just end up being one of those things that isn’t the best fit for you 🙂
Jennifer @ 20 something allergies and counting...down says
Thank you so much for the offer Amy! My biggest problem is that I have short little T-Rex arms and a 4 year old who is away from me all too infrequently. 😉
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
It’s best if there is a pre-conception health plan in place and the mother has eliminated a heavy metal burden more than 6 months prior to conception. However, that is not always practical, so the issue, in my opinion, in my practice, is that we wait until after the baby is here. Yes, the metal burden will cause issues for both mother and child, even stored deep in the tissues. But, I think there will be LESS damage done than if metals are mobilized during pregnancy. To me, that is a recipe for disaster. I will not work on detoxification protocols with an expectant mother. It’s just how I operate in my practice and other practitioners are welcome to practice as they see fit 🙂
Christine says
So then, this is the question: If the metals are stored deep in the mothers tissues and not mobilized, will they affect the baby or not? Here’s Pam’s answer : “They will still affect the baby, yes. After the child is born, he/she will still have to get rid of metals. It would actually help both the mother and the baby to start moving the metals….the sooner the better…..Remember that when the metals are sequestered deep in the tissue, they’re still wreaking havoc on the body. So, not only will they adversely affect the health of the mother, it will also affect the fetus.”
Christine says
I think there is a miconception regarding the coffee enemas an pregnancy. Drinking coffee during pregnancy is definitely not a good thing, but there is no danger in using coffee enemas. I personally know someone who is using coffee enemas during her pregnancy and it has been ok’d by Dr. Wilson himself. I decided to contact my health coach, Pam Killeen about this. Here is what she said, and I agree! “Laxatives are unsafe to take during pregnancy. My guess is that whoever said that is equating laxative use to coffee enema use. But laxatives are working differently than a coffee enema. In general, people need to be cautious when taking laxatives because they can irritate the gut lining (that’s how/why they work). I think there’s a belief that laxatives can induce a miscarriage. I’m not sure if that’s true. But in general I caution people about laxatives because they’re irritating the gut lining….and because they can throw off potassium in the colon. Coffee enemas are needed to make sure the bile is being produced and that the heavy metals can take their exit. If the heavy metals can take their exit, this is not just beneficial for mama, it’s also beneficial for the baby. So, one has to ask themselves, even when pregnant, “if the heavy metals can’t take their exit, what kind of effect will this have on me and/or my baby?”
I don’t think the long-term use of laxatives is a wise idea — pregnant or not. But I see so many benefits to the coffee enemas…..I’d say, what’s good for mama, is good for baby…..I use that mantra quite a bit…..
There are lots of people who dismiss coffee enemas and say they’re bad for us. Again, I’d have to ask these people just how they plan on getting rid of the heavy metals. It’s pretty tough without stimulating bile production…….”
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
I understand there are two schools of thought on this, but my stance is that I am not sure it’s totally safe. It’s not related the laxative effect at all, just that once toxins (especially heavy metals) are freed in the body- can we be assured they will leave or is there a chance they could deposit in the baby? Are we stirring things up that might have stayed put until after delivery when we can deal with it without a baby in play? Heavy metals can hide in the body, and be “safely” stored in fat until the body is ready to deal with them. I just don’t feel completely confident that it’s the right time to undergo a detox.
Now, obviously I think coffee enemas across the board are pretty darn safe and fairly gentle. Is it absolutely going to cause problems if a woman does a coffee enema while pregnant? No. COULD it be helpful? Possibly. Is it better than some sort of systemic detox- absolutely! That would be disastrous. I just have a personal policy against detoxification during pregnancy- just to be on the safe side of things.
I am certainly open to learning more, however, as things are constantly evolving and more information becomes available quite often. I am totally on board with water enemas (with sea salt and/or probiotics) during pregnancy to ease constipation, etc.
Christine says
Hi Kel,
I just wanted to pass on a link regarding coffee enemas and the “hows” of them working. It is by Dr. Larry Wilson, an expert on coffee enemas and Nutritional
Balancing. https://www.drlwilson.com/Articles/COFFEE%20ENEMA.HTM
leigh says
Would be very interested in trying this out if I can find a way to just buy a kit. Amy, do you have links for anything like this? I have been having massive acne outbreaks for the last 6 months or so, even though I suspect just as much of it is MRSA as it is acne. This would go along well with my goals for August to get my bowel issues under control. I can eliminate on a daily basis, but it’s normally hard and painful. Although hemmoroids don’t cause any discomfort, would be nice to alleviate those as well. I’d be curious to see what the cost is like for the coffee if I only did this 2-3x/wk.
I actually just read a natural mommy post the other day recommending water enemas for little ones in assisting to bring down high fevers during the cold and flu season. We have heavily chlorinated water, would you suggest warming filtered water for this purpose?
Kelly, thank you for the post – this is a very intriguing and informative topic!
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
Hi Leigh,
You can absolutely buy a kit- that’s what we did when we started. Please go to my site https://www.realfoodwholehealth.com/2012/08/lets-talk-coffee-enemas/ and follow the link for “equipment” (it’s not an affiliate link).
And yes, it is ESSENTIAL to use only clean, pure water, so filtered water would be your best option here. I don’t actually recommend using distilled, as it can upset your electrolyte balance, but filtered/spring water would be great. We use water filtered by our Berkey.
Good luck!!
Mrs. Hill says
Amy,
You mention distilled water upsetting your electrolyte balance…so boiling rain water would do the same? Interesting.
Barb H says
Leigh, little late to help you; but, go to optimalhealthnetwork.com Kristina there sells enema bags, buckets, bulb and more. Or you can buy a 2 quart enema bag in local drug store. A good book for home remedies is Prescription For Nutritional Healing. Every mom should have a copy of it in the home. A remedy for fevers in little ones recommended in the book is a catnip tea enema or a garlic enema.
The natural mom who recommended “water enemas for little ones in assisting to bring down high fevers during the cold and flu season” is right. I also have read, and heard from other moms, that a water enema for the little ones to bring down a fever is a good home remedy. Give with a small rubber enema bulb syringe.
Of course, before giving any enema check with your pedi or doctor first.
DeeDee says
Leigh
Yes giving the little ones a enema will bring fever down.
So, the natural mom who suggested a enema be given during the cold and flu season is right.
Please do consult with your holistic provider before giving him a enema.
So other moms can learn, I have given many plain clean filtered water enemas when the child had a fever.
It works!
Carol M says
Leigh — comment is kinda of dated…hope you continue to read on here and learn — so others can learn,
Yes! enemas help bringing a fever down in the little one.
I read on blogs and in articles that giving the little one a water enema, some what cool to luke warm water, helps bring fever down. I know other moms who give this fever reducing remedy and give enemas for constipation. Many holistic doctors say the same.
Before giving an enema DO check with your holistic doctor or other doctor first. Not giving medical advice. Just what I have done and know other moms have done too.
Read on Mandy’s page about the garlic enema for the child. She has a excellent blog. Find at https://www.realfoodrecovery.org/stop-fever-and-more-with-a-garlic-enema/
The garlic enema brings a fever down. I haven’t given the garlic enema yet. But may with next fever. Hope don’t have another fever to deal with. But know it is coming.
I use a larger one piece enema bulb than what Mandy uses.
The older child can be given an enema with the bucket or bag. Ask your doctor what is right to use.
When a high fever comes on — most of the time late at night in my home — during the cold and flu season, I know I will be giving enemas! It happens every year! Many late nights I have administered an enema on the bed, across my lap and on the table. Every time it made him feel better and brought the fever down! It works!
Buy an enema bulb, bag or bucket kit before one gets ill in the home. Know how to use it. Ask another mom, or nurse friend, or doctor how to administer the enema.
Not a good time to learn how to give an enema when he is not feeling well late at night. And if you don’t have the enema in the house, having to run out late at night to buy one is no fun.
Talk with your holistic doctor. You may want to give an enema before a fever comes on to learn how to give one.
It is easy to give the enema. That way you know how administer the enema and he knows it does not hurt getting an enema. Many say it is good to administer a monthly enema.
omg don’t use heavily chlorinated water for the enema.
Use as Amy told you. Clean pure filtered water.
I am at my friends house now for a few weeks. She just read what I am saying and agrees. She also gives enemas when needed. They are a wonderful home health tool.
Both of us do coffee enemas! The coffee enema is wonderful. I feel good after getting a coffee enema. Detoxes the liver and cleanses.
Too bad there is a ick factor attached to enemas in this country. I grew up in Europe. Enemas were given often. Mothers didn’t run to the doctor or ER for a high fever or the constipated child. An enema was given.
Bless you
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
This is a common question. And do I have 100% bulletproof, empirical evidence that enemas do not affect gut balance- no I do not. But here’s how I see it after doing years of research and seeing the results of client experience:
If we were pristine beings in a completely non-toxic world and eating pure food, drinking pure water and our bodies were functioning completely optimally I would say why introduce an enema (even though I don’t feel it would particularly imbalance you). However, we know we are NOT doing any of those things. Our bodies have been exposed to hundreds of thousands of chemicals for generations now, diets have been industrialized, antibiotics and steroids are rampant (even if we don’t take them, we are exposed through food and water) and the biological “stuff” that our bodies create now is very different- meaning gobs of stress hormones, increased free radicals, etc. Even those of us on very clean, real food diets, using natural remedies, avoiding EMFs and as much stress as possible are still wildly exposed to these things in our environment, no matter what we do. There is SOME compromise to health in everyone living on planet Earth now, I would seriously assume. So I honestly think enemas (coffee or otherwise) are one thing that can help (not the only thing).
Enemas have a very, very long traditional/ancestral history, using mostly water. Coffee didn’t come about until around WWI. Of course, we know that they also ate a lot of cultured/fermented foods and were in contact with the Earth more than we are today (and picked up more beneficial microbiota because of this) and were not exposed to anywhere near the toxins we are today.
Due to the toxicity in our world, ill diets, generational health issues, etc, most people today do not have a good balance in their gut to begin with, which is one reason they are so toxic! Most people have impaired liver & gallbladder function – these organs are not doing the detoxing they should on their own and while nutritional support is great, the added assistance of enemas (or coffee enemas) helps the body to flush toxins.
I certainly see no reason why herbal support, glandular support or digestive nutrients would be harmful to the detox process- quite the opposite. I use all these in my practice with great success. The coffee enema is just another tool in the arsenal against the onslaught of a toxic world. And, the body is still doing the work, the coffee is just providing the motivation.
There is nothing inherently antibacterial in the coffee that I know of that would kill bacteria in the colon. The colon is also not a static environment as things move in and out daily.
So, though you are helping to induce a detox response, you aren’t wiping out mass amounts of gut flora (microbiota to be more correct), and you would be replenishing with cultured/fermented foods in the diet. Also, some water enemas are given with probiotics added in- this is often for those who are on a gut healing protocol and have an imbalance or improper microbiota anyway.
That was a bit rambly- but I hope it makes sense.
Heather@Food Ponderings says
No, it does. Thank you for this more detailed explanation. It’s still not my cup of coffee, as it were, but I get more of where you are coming from.
Heather@Food Ponderings says
Wouldn’t an enema be at least somewhat disruptive to the bacteria in the colon? I’m very skeptical of doing anything that would purge organs which should already be doing that kind of work. It’s an interesting concept, so please enlighten me. But my personal approach would be to support and nourish the liver with herbs, like dandelion, yellow dock, chicory or nettle.
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
Good luck, Misti!! Check out those videos (link on my site)- it will give you a little boost of confidence! 🙂
KitchenKop says
{Warning} While the video is done in a totally inoffensive way, there is a *behind* shown on camera, ACK! I couldn’t wrinkle my nose enough as I watched… And I used to be a nurse, too, LOL!
Mary says
Hi Amy
I new to your site and I haven’t been able to find the link to the video. Can you help me please?
Mary
Misti says
Kelly,
I just love this blog! You aren’t afraid to talk about the Good, the Bad or the Icky…Apparently!! LOL And I love that you always seem to have a positive spin on things. (At least as much as possible! Some things just make me mad, too and it’s hard to be positive about it all!) But, another blog that I used to follow (no need to name names!) has become SO NEGATIVE in her posts that I can’t even read it anymore!! Basically, she’s lost all credibility to me. I just want to say THANK YOU for doing what you do, the way you do it! Honestly and Positivity goes a long way!! Keep up the GOOD WORK here!!!
All that to say…..
After this encouraging (and frank!) Q & A post, maybe I’ll finally open that box of coffee enema stuff that I bought more than six months ago but still have never used! Why, you ask? HA! I don’t really know! I have wanted to try it for a long time. (Enough to order all the stuff!)
So now I ask myself…..what are you waiting for?? Hmmm….maybe it’s the ick factor? Or the fear of the unknown? Yes! and (most definitely) YES!! But, no one ever said that being healthy would be EASY (or fear-free), right?! Time to GET OVER IT and JUST DO IT!! 😉
Thanks for the nudge, Kelly!! And thanks to Christine and Amy for all their helpful info!
Many Blessings,
Misti
KitchenKop says
Thanks for saying that Misti!!!
Kel
Ruth says
I am breastfeeding and I have some ppd. How long do you recommend waiting before trying this when you are breastfeeding? And do you think it would help with ppd? Part of my problem is being very fatigued. My little one is 2 months old now.
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
Hey Ruth! It’s hard to issue blanket statements as everyone is of course different and PPD can have many causes, but I don’t see why trying this would be unwise, especially as the liver handles the conjugation of hormones, and hormones are certainly involved in PPD. I think it would probably be fine for you to go ahead and try it since you’ve been BFing for 2 months already. You might aim to do it at night, or a time when you won’t be BFing for a least a (few, hopefully) hours, and that would be short introduction. Of course, if your little one does not tolerate it for some reason, you’ll know you need to wait a bit longer. If there is more to the story (a complicated health history or your little one is having health issues at this time) then feel free to contact me personally and we can set up a free consult to talk further to determine if now is a good time.
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
The active constituents are the caffeine and the palmitic acid. The caffeine travels through the portal vein to the liver, and stimulates the bile ducts to release bile, which is a primary means of detoxification in our body. The theobromine, theophylline, and the caffeine in coffee dilate blood vessels and bile ducts, relax smooth muscles, and increase the bile flow. Bile is sort of a river by which toxins may flow out. (Bile is also what helps us dissolve our fats, and healthy bile depends upon good intake of proper fats, and is hindered by ingesting hydrogenated oils, polyunsaturated fats in high amounts and a low fat diet. I would say that at least 90% of my clients had biliary stasis (thick, viscous bile) when they started working with me. Poor digestion is at epidemic proportions)
But back to the enema question:
When coffee is taken in enema form, an enzyme in the liver (glutathione S-transferase) actually is raised by over 500% (some report as high as 600-700% increase). This enzyme helps neutralize free radicals in the bloodstream. These free radicals move out through the bile via the intestinal wall.
When you ingest coffee, it simply doesn’t work the same way as the caffeine is then absorbed systemically and the beneficial effects are muted by negative effects, especially in cases of adrenal fatigue (also epidemic!)
jenna @kidappeal says
awesome post, thanks for sharing. been wanting to try coffee enemas but hadn’t had time to do a deep dive and figure out the who, what, when, why of it. i think i know what my project will be when the guys go on their fall camping trip! liver detox here i come!
Dr NCM recommends adding probiotics to enema water for kids too, thought that should be mentioned here. For about 3 weeks we did enemas for three people every other day last summer, oh what fun. my sons are such troopers, and so much healthier now. no more asthma meds, yahoo!
Denise says
I spent a week in Tijuana at the Gerson hospital. I also spent two weeks at the facility in Sedona, AZ. I have benefited from personal counsel from Charlotte Gerson and many of the fine doctors at both facilities. We did five enemas a day on the therapy.
At no time did any of the Gerson people say that these should be done every day or on a regular basis as a part of a health routine. They were a specific adjunct to the therapy, but something to be used only when needed after that.
I have nine autoimmune conditions and use the enemas for pain relief mostly. At one time I was doing two a day and at critical stages every two hours. These help move toxins through that are released due to a therapy or detox plan that is already being done. But I do not do them daily or even regularly.
I don’t believe, from all the literature that I have read over the last 20 years on this issue, that these coffee enemas should be used daily or or on a regular basis but, rather, as an adjunct to a detox therapy to encourage more rapid elimination of toxins.
It is possible that there has been new research, but the Gerson hospital (and Gerson really brought these enemas to the forefront) never indicated that coffee enemas are effective for chelation.
Kelly says
I thought of another question this morning that I should’ve asked in the post: WHY does this work? Specifically, what is it about coffee enemas that make them so helpful? I’m curious just because of the controversy over *drinking* coffee.
Thanks!
Kelly
Amy Love @ Real Food Whole Health says
Hi Stephanie! Yes, it is absolutely essential that the coffee be organic. I did mean to make that notation. Coffee is one the most highly sprayed crops and all coffee for any use should be organic (and preferably fair-trade too!). The coffee I recommend and use (see my site for the link) is organic, fair-trade, air roasted coffee specifically for enemas, with a higher caffeine and palmitic acid content.
The rinsing with water first is to allow the coffee to be held/retained longer. If the colon is full, the pressure will inevitably cause someone to need to release sooner than the recommended 15-20 minutes. However, if you are doing coffee enemas regularly, as in the Gerson therapy, then you may not need to do the water enemas first because the colon will be relatively empty.
I have been very cautious with using this during pregnancy with clients, because I don’t feel it’s wise to detox during the pregnancy at the risk that all elimination pathways are not working at their best. The mother’s body is actually predisposed to dump toxins in the fetus (unfortunately) and this can absolutely happen if her detox pathways aren’t open fully (this would include digestion functioning normally, lymph and sweat, respiration, etc). While many toxins MAY flow out, it’s not a guarantee. And, not all toxins can be neutralized in the bloodstream. However, it would be an individual choice to consider both sides of the discussion and for a mother-to-be to decide which path she’d like to follow.
Another thing I did mean to mention is that coffee enemas can be very helpful for hemorrhoids, because it clears the portal vein (and helps unclog the liver). Of course, hemorrhoids are sometimes experienced during pregnancy. My professional advice to my clients is to wait until after delivery and the first bit of breastfeeding before undergoing ANY kind of detoxification therapy. Plain water enemas, however, are super helpful to deal with pregnancy related constipation.
Stephanie says
I am very familiar with coffe enemas, as part of the Gerson Therapy protocol. These types of enemas are not for colon cleansing, but strictly for liver detox, so there is no need to “rinse” with water before using coffee. Also, when choosing the coffee, the most important thing is to make sure it is organic, you don’t want to be introducing any harmful substances into your liver. Lastly, this therapy is absolutely NOT contraindicated during pregnancy, toxins are neutralized in the bloodstream and excreted thru the intestinal tract. This actually cleans the blood flowing to the placenta. You can find detailed instructions at http://www.gerson.org