DIY Enema For Detoxing the Body
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD
Homemade enemas are often used to detox and cleanse the body naturally. This article will discuss what enemas are, their benefits, and homemade enema solutions.
How Often Can You Do an Enema?
What is An Enema?
An enema is a procedure where a liquid is injected into the rectum to remove waste and gas in the lower bowel via bowel movements. Enemas are often used before medical exams or procedures such as a colonoscopy or used to treat constipation or fecal impaction. Enemas are also believed to cleanse the liver and colon, helping to improve overall health. They also serve a similar purpose as oral laxatives.
Benefits of Enemas
Enemas appear to have many benefits. For example, enemas may help increase immunity–: studies show the number and ratio of white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the body increase after an enema.1 They also help cleanse the liver, which could potentially help ease feelings of anxiety and depression: an overabundance of toxins in the liver is associated with depression and liver disease.2
By eliminating waste, enemas also remove harmful toxins and parasites that tend to grow and multiply in the colon. Other benefits include increased energy, weight loss, and relief from constipation.
DIY Enema Essentials
The following items are needed for homemade enemas to ensure you do it correctly and with maximum effectiveness. Click on each item for additional details and to purchase on Amazon:
- Enema bag kit. The enema bag kit contains everything needed for homemade enemas, minus the water and other ingredients.
Individual enema items are listed here:
- Enema bag
- Lubricant (KY jelly)
- Distilled water
- Medical tubing
- Rubber bulb syringe
- Comfortable bath towel
- Book or magazine (optional)
How to Do an Enema
Note: While enemas are considered safe, always consult your Doctor before doing an enema. They may suggest specific instructions to ensure you’re doing it correctly.
Step One: Assemble all items and fill the enema bag with warm, purified water.
- 12 fluid ounces (350 ml) for children 6-12 years old
- 16 fluid ounces (470 ml) for anyone 13 or older
- To avoid injury, Water should be between 105°F and 110°F.
Note: Consult with a physician before giving enemas to children.
Step 2. Remove air from the bag before use.
- When used, the air in an enema could cause gas, nausea, or bloating.
- Clamp the bag shut to prevent leakage.
Step 3:Drink 1-2 glasses of water 30-45 minutes before using the enema.
- Drinking water before the enema and after can help decrease the risk of dehydration.
Step 4. Lay towels down on the floor.
- Performing enema in the bathroom.
- Hang the enema bag from a stool, hook, or shower rod.
Step 5. Use KY jelly to lubricate the enema tube.
- Apply the KY jelly (or another water-based lubricant) from the tip of the nozzle down 3 inches.
- For additional comfort and ease of use, apply the KY jelly to the anus.
Step 6. To insert the enema, lie on the towels.
- Lie flat on your back or on your side, depending on comfort level and ease of use.
- Bring knees up to the chest.
- Slowly insert the nozzle’s lubricated tip (3 full inches) into the rectum.
Step 7. Hang or place the enema bag 1-2 feet above your rectum.
- Allow gravity to funnel the enema bag contents into your rectum.
- Once the bag has emptied, remove the nozzle.
- Continue laying on the side.
- Wait 5-15 minutes before going to the bathroom.
Note: it can take up to 10 minutes for the enema bag contents to completely empty. Consider reading a magazine or book as you lay and wait.
Step 8. After the enema.
- Stay near the bathroom for an hour after using the enema in case there’s another bowel movement.
- Some people may have short bouts of dizziness or stomach cramping after having an enema, which is normal. Laying down for a few minutes until they pass is advised.
- After an hour, a person can safely resume their normal activities.
- Sterilize the equipment by washing it with warm soapy water or throw it away when finished.
5 Homemade Enema Solutions
In addition to using water, you can add other ingredients to make an enema. Here are the top 5 natural enema ingredients.
Water Enema
Water enemas, as described above, help relieve extreme bouts of constipation. In addition, water enemas help fight fatigue, decrease headaches, and reduce back pain.
Coffee Enema
Coffee enemas are warm water and freshly brewed coffee. Coffee enemas help with constipation, and depression, boost energy, increase immunity, and remove heavy metals from the intestinal tract. For those trying coffee enemas for the first time, add only one teaspoon of coffee to the instructions above. This is to gauge how the body reacts to the caffeine in the coffee. If the body responds positively, you can add (2) tsp coffee to future enemas.
Chamomile Enema
Chamomile enemas are popular for their calming and relaxing effects on the digestive system and the body. In addition, they help reduce intestinal spasms or cramps caused by gas or inflammation. To create a chamomile enema, add 2 Tbsp of loose chamomile or 4 bags of chamomile tea to 2 liters of filtered or purified water. Bring to a boil and cool before placing in an enema bag and use as described above.
Note: Those allergic to ragweed should avoid chamomile enemas.
Coconut Oil Enema
Coconut oil enemas may lower cholesterol and assist with weight loss. Coconut oil enemas are made with 1.5 quarts of water and 8 ounces of coconut oil warmed to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Epsom Salt Enema
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which the USDA has approved to treat constipation as a laxative. Epsom salt enemas are popular because they are milder than other ingredients. Other benefits include helping to clear waste and toxins from the colon and improving metabolism. In addition, Epsom salt enemas help enhance blood circulation in the body, promoting skin health.
How Often Can You Do an Enema?
Enemas can be used safely once a day for three consecutive days. However, consult your doctor if you see no improvements after the third day. Drinking plenty of water while doing enemas is also advised to decrease the risk of dehydration.
Enema Risks & Side Effects
Taking too many enemas can cause an imbalance in both electrolytes and healthy gut bacteria. In addition, some enema ingredients (such as coffee) could harm some. Potential side effects include rectal burns, vomiting, and burns in the rectum. When trying various enema ingredients for the first time, use smaller amounts to ensure the body doesn’t have an adverse reaction.
Final Thoughts
Enemas have been used for centuries to naturally cleanse the bowel and improve overall health. Weight loss, anxiety, constipation, and improved energy are all potential benefits of enemas. Give enemas a try. Your body might thank you.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is based on the opinions of The Cell Health team. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended to share knowledge and information from the research and experience of the Cell Health team. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD, for the accuracy of the information provided, but we encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
References:
- Uchiyama-Tanaka Y. Colon irrigation causes lymphocyte movement from gut-associated lymphatic tissues to peripheral blood. Biomed Res. 2009 Oct;30(5):311-4. doi: 10.2220/biomedres.30.311. PMID: 19887728.
- Kahl KG, Krüger T, Eckermann G, Wedemeyer H. Depressionen und Lebererkrankungen: Die Rolle von Mikrobiom und Inflammation [Major depression and liver disease: the role of microbiome and inflammation]. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2019 Feb;87(1):12-21. German. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-123068. Epub 2018 Feb 28. PMID: 29490382.