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Update: 31 October 2024

Enema Therapy (coffee enema)

Author: Julie Casper, C. Ac.

Coffee enema therapy is proven effective in detoxification therapy. Generally considered safe, enema therapy should not be used for more than short periods of time. Enema therapy may even be contraindicated depending on health status, mineral levels and ratios.

Contents

1. Coffee Enema Benefits
2. Health Concerns Regarding Enemas
3. Benefits of Drinking Coffee
4. Coffee Break
5. Coffee enema therapy supports liver function.
6. Cautions and Contraindications
7. General Coffee Enema Guidelines
8. Basic Coffee Enema
9. Enema Equipment

Coffee Enema Benefits

Enema therapy has proven health benefits and is effective in detoxification (it has been used across cultures for thousands of years). When done correctly it is safe, affordable and easy to do yourself. A coffee-infused enema removes toxins from the liver and colon, and can relieve the unpleasant symptoms of toxicity. It is a powerful therapy. And while it is effective for detoxification purposes it can deplete essential minerals as well. Therefore overuse of coffee enema therapy can be detrimental.

Benefits of Coffee Enema Therapy

• Aids in the safe removal of mobilized toxins.
• Stimulates and cleanses the liver.
• Relieves may types of pain symptoms.
• Improves mental clarity and focus.
• Increases energy.

Health Concerns Regarding Enemas

Be aware of the possible adverse reactions that can happen as a result of enema therapy, and talk to your doctor about any problems that you experience.

Frequent use of enemas can cause dehydration. Enema overuse may cause serious health problems. For example, regular use can lead to an electrolyte imbalance called hyponatremia, where the blood becomes diluted and its salt content becomes lower than normal. Hyponatremia can cause muscle spasms and swelling of the brain that leads to mental impairment. Drinking a cup of organic coconut water can help to fortify and restore electrolyte loss. The reverse is true with overuse of phosphate-type enemas for constipation, this can lead to a condition called hyperphosphatemia, in which the blood levels of phosphate salts become elevated.

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Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Drinking coffee does not have the same therapeutic effects as a coffee enema because it travels through the digestive system where stomach acids destroy some of its therapeutic properties. Although the health benefits of drinking coffee are controversial, coffee does contain beneficial antioxidants and may have other merits.

The benefits of drinking coffee depend on an individual's health status, the quality and quantity consumed and the preparation method. If you drink coffee and care about your health we recommend you use organic, bird-friendly, shade-tree grown coffee seeds. Grind your coffee fresh with each cup (stored ground coffee looses beneficial antioxidants and potency). Most experts agree that drinking too much coffee is harmful and should be avoided after 2 pm.

Due to its metabolic effects on sodium and potassium, drinking coffee will have different effects on a slow vs. a fast metabolizer. For individuals with a slow metabolic profile a small amount may be fine. For a fast metabolizer however, coffee may increase sodium too much. And any caffeinated beverage has a diuretic effect which causes adverse effects on neurochemistry and endocrine function.

When you drink coffee, drink an equal amount of water to prevent dehydration. Adding full-fat organic milk or cream can help to balance the metabolic effect (and the protein can help reduce teeth stains). Non-dairy organic coconut milk is a delicious alternative for both hot and cold drinks! Cold-brew coffee is a wonderful alternative to hot coffee and very easy to make. It provides similar health benefits, but is less acidic, less bitter, and may be more easily tolerated by sensitive individuals.

• 9 Health Benefits of Cold-Brew Coffee (Plus How to Make It)

Grind your organic whole coffee beans yourself for maximum quality, freshness, and to enjoy best the flavor. Using a manual grinder with a ceramic burr is slower, but eliminates toxic heavy-metal particles and any damage to the flavor from the heat created by grinding machines.

• Khaw-Fee HG1B Manual coffee grinder with ceramic burr.

Coffee Break (maximize and maintain the positive effects)

Most research finds no additional health benefit to consuming more than 2-3 cups per day. And like any drug, frequent regular caffeine use builds tolerance, so you need to take more to feel a similar effect. Some people think that they can handle stronger more frequent doses because they feel less affected by the drug. Biochemically however, greater consumption has a greater effect on cellular processes throughout the system (i.e., downregulation). Taking a break from daily routine consumption is an easy way to prevent building tolerance and habit that can turn benefit into detriment. If you have difficulty stopping it may be an indication that your natural energy producing functions are compromised and in need of restoration.

• Best Time to Drink Coffee - And Still Be Able to Sleep
• Why You Shouldn't Drink Coffee Before 9:30 am
• Reasons to Drink Coffee Before Your Workout
• Your Brain On Coffee (3 min)
• Are You Consuming Your Coffee Correctly? (2 min)
• Caffeine!!! by Bite Sci-zed

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Coffee enema therapy supports liver function.

The chemicals in coffee include caffeine and palmitates. These work synergistically to stimulate and cleanse the liver and blood. Caffeine is absorbed through the bowel wall, via blood vessels, and makes its way directly to the liver without entering the digestive tract.

The caffeine exposure causes the liver's portal veins and the bile ducts to expand, which increases the release of diluted toxic bile. The enema fluid triggers peristalsis (intestinal muscle contractions) and the efficient removal of wastes from the body.

Palmitates in the coffee stimulate and increase the production of a liver enzyme called glutathione-S-transferase (GST), which removes free radicals and cancer cells from the bloodstream and facilitates detoxification of the liver. As a result of the enema, the liver becomes less congested with debris, which makes room for the filtering process of yet more bodily toxins.

General Coffee Enema Guidelines

• Learning how takes a little time and experience. For many people it is best to start slow and carefully with self-administered enema therapy. Begin simply by using plain filtered water. This will help you to work out the mechanics, it will allow your colon to gradually adjust to the therapy as well. The temperature of the enema liquid should feel just barely warm when you put you finger into it (i.e., body temperature). Try starting with just one cup of water and practice holding it in for 5 minutes or so. You wil increase the amount with experience.
• One way to start small is with an enema bulb/syringe. An enema bulb syringe is used most commonly for small volume enemas to fill the lowest part of the colon. Available in various sizes, it is a device commonly used to relieve constipation. The enema bulb syringe is useful for people who want to do colon cleansing without using too much water or solution. These devices can be submersed in a cleaning solution such as 3% food grade H₂O₂ for effective sterilization.
• The stainless steel enema bucket discussed below is recommended for ‘large-volume enema’ (more thorough colon cleansing).
• With experience, the enema should be retained for 10 - 15 minutes. The blood supply circulates and passes through the liver approximately five times (Every three minutes). Since the blood serum is detoxified as it flows through the caffeinated liver, the enema acts essentially as a non-invasive, safe form of blood dialysis (filtering) across the colon wall.
• Enema therapy is safe and effective, however, it is a powerful therapy. If you experience any uncomfortable symptoms, stop or reduce the therapy immediately. Symptoms of discomfort indicate that you may be releasing too many toxins too quickly, or that toxins are being purged in an uncontrolled or chaotic order. If this occurs, it is important to work with a medically trained qualified practitioner with experience in this therapy. They will use your lab results to more precisely guide supportive therapy.

Basic Coffee Enema

1. Gather your supplies.
   • A clean, sterile enema kit.
   • One quart filtered or distilled water.
   • Fresh-ground organic coffee.
   • 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt.
   • lie on a couple of large, old towels (coffee stains fabric).
   • Have an old rag or washcloth handy if needed for a quick emergency cleanup.
   • Organic oil for insertion tip lubrication (almond, olive, coconut). Natural liquid soap works also.
   • Interesting reading material (you'll have some productive free time).
   • Organic coconut water (to restore electrolyte loss)
2. Prepare coffee solution. Four cups is adequate, you can increase to six cups with experience.
   • Put four (4) cups of water in a glass or stainless steel pan and bring it to a boil.
   • Add 1-4 tablespoons of coffee (add slowly, it will increase the boiling activity of the water).
   • Add 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt.
   • IMPORTANT: If you have absolute or relative magnesium or potassium deficiency, coffee enemas will deplete these minerals further. Either stop the enemas or do them infrequently. Also, use a very small amount of coffee, about one to two (1-2) teaspoons.
   • Most people need to start with 1 tablespoon of coffee, and slowly increase it over the next few enemas, so their detoxifying reactions are more tolerable.
   • Lower heat and simmer 5 - 15 minutes.
   • Allow it to cool down to a comfortable temperature. (You can add ice to cool it quickly, or you can make the coffee with 2 cups of water and add 2 cups of cold water at the end to cool it down.)
   • Test temperature with your finger, it should be barely warm; body temperature is ideal.
   • Tip: Adding a small amount of aloe vera juice provides additional healing qualities and can help prevent irritation. After coffee cools, add 1 tbsp (+/–) per cup as desired.
3. Set up your enema location.
   • Find a warm, comfortable place to perform the enema, such as a private bathroom with a sunny window or heater. There should be a place for your enema bag or bucket to sit or hang from (it should be about 2 - 3 feet above the floor).
   • Place towels on the bathroom floor to lie on.
   • Put your reading material where you can reach it after you are laying in position.
   • Assemble the enema kit according to the instructions included with the kit.
   • Be sure the tube clamp is closed (place the tip in a sink or bathtub in case it leaks).
   • Pour the prepared coffee into to your enema bucket.
4. Performing the enema.
   • Use the oil or liquid soap to lubricate the insertion tip of the enema tube.
   • Place the nozzle over the sink and open the clamp while you fill the tube to clear the air out.
   • Let the enema solution travel through the tube until it just starts to come out of the nozzle.
   • Quickly clamp the tube to stop the flow.
   • Lie on the towels on your back, draw your knees towards your chest.
   • When you are comfortably positioned, insert the nozzle into the anus.
   • Stop if you feel any resistance and adjust the angle slightly until you can easily insert it.
   • Release the clamp to start the flow of the enema solution.
   • You can raise or angle your hips upward so gravity helps facilitate the flow.
   • Remember: You can close the clamp at any time to slow or stop the flow into the colon.
   • The key to a successful enema is to take in and retain the liquid.
   • If you experience cramping, clamp the tube and take slow, deep breaths before continuing.
   • Lightly massaging the abdomen also may help.
   • After you have taken in as much solution as you can hold (preferably the entire quart), gently remove the nozzle and continue lying on the floor.
   • Relax, breath slowly, close your eyes, read your book, listen to relaxing music.
   • Try to hold the liquid for up to 15 minutes.
   • Then move to the toilet to expel the solution. The toilet can be cleaned afterwards with a non-toxic cleaner.
5. Thoroughly clean enema equipment (meticulous hygiene is important).
   • Fill bucket with hot soapy water and let water drain out through the tube to clean it from the inside.
   • Hang the tube up to allow it to air dry. Note: If over time the inside of the tube becomes too stained, you can fill it with food grade 35% hydrogen peroxide and let it soak for 24 hrs, then rinse thoroughly.
   • Storing the enema plug in a small bottle of rubbing alcohol between uses maintains its sterility.

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Resources

Enema Equipment

A standard enema bag purchased at a pharmacy is inexpensive and will work. However, our patient's experience using this equipment has proven unsatisfactory (awkward, messy, difficult to clean and keep sterile). To avoid these problems, we recommend using a special enema kit with a 2-liter stainless steel enema bucket and a silicone colon tube.

• Enema Kit 2 quart stainless steel bucket, 6 ft. silicone tube, plastic clamp and nozzle.

Enema Coffee

We recommend, organic whole coffee beans (dark-roast) for enema therapy. Grind the beans yourself fresh for maximum quality.

• Grounds for Change.com
• Counter Culture Coffee.com
• Khaw-Fee HG1B Manual Coffee Grinder with Ceramic Burr

• Theraputic Value of Enemas Charlotte Gerson (7 min)
• Benefits of Coffee Enemas Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez (3 min)

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