Coffee Enema: What It’s All About, and How It Works

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 26th, 2023

What are coffee enemas?

A coffee enema is a type of “colon cleanse” in which water and coffee are inserted into the rectum and colon. A coffee enema, like a water enema, is an enema. The only exception is that the solution consists of coffee. The coffee enema solution is administered through the enema tube into the rectum in the same manner as a water enema.

Coffee enema history

Coffee enemas may have begun in the early 1900s as a cancer therapy by German physicians. However, it was Gerson’s treatment that helped popularize the treatment.


Max Gerson was a German-American doctor who thought that raw juices, an organic plant-based diet, and coffee enemas could detoxify the body and provide it with the nutrients needed to repair itself. His strict regimen became known as the Gerson treatment.

black coffee

Coffee enemas were utilized as a part of natural cancer therapies at the Gerson Institute. Many more people now use coffee enemas to treat a range of diseases.

Coffee enemas boost bile flow and glutathione synthesis, both of which are cleansing antioxidants. Does that not sound promising? But, do not go running to the drugstore for an enema bag just yet. Before you try a coffee enema, you should know a few things.

How does coffee enema work?

“Coffee enemas are a critical element of the detoxification process,” says the Gerson Institute. They continue, “the objective of the enemas is to eliminate toxins stored in the liver and free radicals from the circulation.”

Is it effective?

Caffeine is transported to the liver via the hemorrhoidal vein and portal system. They claim that bile ducts are opened by doing so, allowing toxin-containing bile to be discharged from the liver.

Furthermore, it is suspected that the cafestol palmitate in coffee enhances the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GSH), which accelerates bile excretion. GSH is also an important detoxifying enzyme with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood-cleaning properties. Coffee also helps relax smooth muscles and open up (dilate) blood vessels, which aid in bowel movements.

Coffee acts as a cathartic when taken orally or directly through the colon, contracting the colon muscles. These contractions aid in the movement of feces, making it simpler to use the toilet and alleviating constipation. As you are probably aware, regular bowel movements are essential for eliminating waste and toxins from the body.

What the research says

There is no scientific evidence to support or refute the use of coffee enemas to treat any medical ailment. The majority of evidence for or against using coffee enemas is anecdotal. Colon cleaning is unneeded in modern medicine since your body’s digestive system can eliminate waste, poisons, and germs.

Autointoxication is the belief that colon waste is toxic to your body. However, according to a 2014 report published in The Journal of Lancaster General Hospital, there is no evidence to support this notion.

Who should think about getting a coffee enema?

There are no clear medical standards about who should have a coffee enema.

According to an article published by an alternative medicine expert, Linda L. Isaacs (M.D.), people are constantly exposed to hazardous chemicals and pollutants in the air, food, and water. Consequently, she feels that coffee enemas might assist everyone by “helping encourage the liver to cleanse the body of these waste products and pollutants.”

Coffee enemas can be used instead of stimulant laxatives to clear the stool before a video capsule endoscopy.

According to a 2014 research published in Clinical Nutrition Research, coffee enemas can prepare the intestine without causing any unwanted side effects. More research is needed; however, enemas were commonly advised for bowel preparation before coffee.

Coffee enema’s health advantages

You may prefer to taste your coffee rather than administer it rectally, but having coffee enemas has health advantages. Coffee enemas can treat various illnesses, including IBS, overdose, candida overgrowth, constipation, parasites, cancer, liver dysfunction, and digestive diseases.

Some data suggest that coffee enemas can assist with:

  • cleansing the liver
  • repairing digestive tissue
  • improving blood circulation
  • improving gut health
  • helping with cellular regeneration
  • increasing immunity
  • relieving digestive issues, such as bloating, frequent constipation, nausea, and cramping
  • repairing digestive tissue
  • improving moods and low energy levels

Improve detoxification

Regular bowel movements are critical for maintaining health and clearing waste from the body. Increased detoxification of undesirable substances can occur through bowel movements and coffee enemas.

Enemas clean out the colon manually, eliminating potentially harmful yeast, bacteria, heavy metals, and parasites. In the process, toxins, food residues, and impacted stools can all be discharged.

Coffee enemas have been used for decades to clean the body and combat cancer; they are a key component of The Gerson Therapy for cancer patients, and their reputation is expanding. Coffee’s caffeine has been demonstrated to open the bile ducts, enhancing bile output and flow.

Additionally, coffee increases glutathione synthesis in the liver by up to 600-700% over normal levels. Glutathione is the body’s “chief antioxidant” and is necessary for detoxification. It also aids in energy production, immunological function, and mental clarity. Glutathione aids in the neutralization of free radicals, which are dissolved in bile and removed from the body.

Relieve constipation

Constipation affects a large number of people. It is not commonplace for people to take laxatives to relieve constipation’s discomfort and adverse effects. Coffee enemas work by increasing the quantity of water in the colon; this helps to ease constipation. It also helps to promote peristalsis (involuntary muscular spasms and relaxations) in the intestine and move feces out.

Boost antioxidant activity

Coffee aids in the activation of glutathione S-transferase (GSH). Glutathione is an antioxidant that assists your body in combating hazardous substances that you are exposed to regularly. Many consumers spend a high price on glutathione IVs and dietary supplements. Coffee compounds such as cafestol and kahweol allow you to produce glutathione naturally!

Fight cancer

While unconventional, cancer specialist Dr. Max Greson utilized coffee enemas to effectively cure thousands of cancer patients. He coupled organic, vegetarian, anti-inflammatory meals with nutritional supplements and frequent enemas to enhance and speed detoxification. His objective was to cleanse the body while also strengthening the patient’s immune system.

Improved digestion

This might be due to cafestol palmitate, a chemical found in coffee that stimulates glutathione S-transferase. This enzyme aids bile secretion from the liver, breaking down food and facilitating digestion.

Insomnia and cognitive difficulties are alleviated.

According to Suzy Cohen, America’s Pharmacist, coffee enemas can help treat sleeplessness, cognitive problems, and fatigue.

Coffee enemas’ risks and side effects

It is recommended to consult with a doctor before doing a coffee enema, especially if you have had problems with enemas in the past. For the first time, a doctor can supervise and guide you through the procedure.

This is done to ensure that the coffee enema formula is followed accurately and safely. Caffeine is not suggested for pregnant women or children since they may be more vulnerable to its effects. Here are some of its effects:

  • Burns and irritation
  • Tears in the colon or rectum
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Dehydration
  • Infection

According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute in the United States, death-related cancers are rising. While coffee enemas are uncommon, they have been linked to a few deaths. They are especially harmful to people who are allergic to coffee.

Coffee enemas are considered a safe and practical treatment option for digestive dysfunction, and no clinically relevant adverse effects associated with coffee enemas have been documented. Coffee enema effects, like those of other therapies, vary from person to person.

However, all enemas have certain negative effects, such as colon rips, electrolyte imbalances, or dehydration, especially if they are overdone or conducted poorly.

One approach to make the operation more comfortable is always applying lubrication gently and attentively following recommendations. You can avoid burns and discomfort by chilling the coffee liquid thoroughly and filtering it thoroughly.

Coffee enemas are normally not suggested for children or pregnant women since they might be sensitive to caffeine’s effects.

Has anyone died as a result of a coffee enema?

According to the National Cancer Institute, at least three fatalities may have been caused by coffee enemas. While these alleged fatalities occurred over a lengthy period (decades), it is nevertheless a truth that should not be overlooked. Coffee enemas can be problematic if someone is allergic to coffee. Thus, this should always be tested out before doing an enema.

The Relationship Between Coffee Enemas and Weight Loss

Coffee enemas do not immediately aid in weight loss. They can, however, aid with water retention, bloating, and inflammation. It is worth noting that enemas are not replacements for a good diet, exercise, and lots of water. Remove inflammatory items from your diet and avoid processed foods for the greatest outcomes. Whole foods, vegetables, and fruits are what I advocate for.

Coffee enemas are not for everyone. 

During pregnancy, no enemas of any kind should be used. Caffeine may be quite irritating to certain people.

Some humans have a genetic mutation that prevents them from effectively detoxifying caffeine. Others, particularly those suffering from adrenal exhaustion or M.E., may find coffee enemas excessively stimulating.

Coffee enemas are also not recommended if you have diarrhea, kidney, respiratory, or heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, have had part of your colon or intestine removed, have high blood pressure, or are recovering from surgery unless you are under the guidance of a competent naturopathic nutritionist.

While caffeine absorption is reduced with a coffee enema compared to consuming caffeine, some absorption occurs.

It is also crucial to stay hydrated, which means drinking 4 pints of still, clean water daily (see my hydration blog for more information on the best method to stay hydrated). Coffee enemas may be highly dehydrating on the body. Thus they are not recommended until your hydration levels have been restored.

If you are unsure how you will respond to coffee, start cautiously with a teaspoon in your coffee solution. If you react well to this, you can gradually raise the amount by a teaspoon at a time.

How will you feel after a coffee enema?

After a coffee enema, most people experience greater mental clarity and vigor. They can also assist in bowel movements, especially if you have constipation, contrary to popular belief that having enemas may weaken the colon.

The fluid stimulates peristalsis, a movement in the gastrointestinal system that assists in the flow of material through and out of the body in the event of undesirable or indigestible substances.

Coffee enemas, on the other hand, are not for everyone. Certainly, if you feel strange or nervous after drinking as little as a teaspoon of coffee, you should reconsider using a coffee enema.

How frequently should enemas be taken?

Talk to your doctor about how frequently you may safely do enemas if you have a chronic condition. Daily and up to four times a day are frequently advised. If you do not have persistent difficulties and merely want to keep your bowels flowing, once a week is sufficient.

Troubleshooting

  • If you have a water leak, ensure the nozzle is at least 2 inches into the rectum.
  • If you get a cramp when the liquid is pouring in, shut the clamp, turn from side to side, then take a few deep breaths. The cramp will usually go away on its own.
  • Squirting and gurgling noises are normal. Your body is ridding itself of poisons.

Precautions

  • Before an enema, visit your doctor if you have a serious ailment.
  • Enemas regularly may result in electrolyte imbalances. Keep hydrated and supplemented since dehydration and mineral loss might have negative effects.
  • Before performing the enema, ensure the liquid has cooled to room temperature. If it is too hot, it might burn the rectum and colon, necessitating surgery. Many people have had to learn this the hard way.
  • If you are constipated, do not push yourself to hold in the enema or poop afterward.

How to prepare a coffee enema solution

You should use organic, mold-free coffee beans for the coffee enema, such as Bulletproof Coffee, to avoid adding further toxins to your system.

Make three cups of coffee using filtered water and two teaspoons of ground coffee. First, ensure that all the beans have been filtered out of the solution. Then, to avoid serious harm, remove it from the fire and cool it completely before using it.

The most important thing to remember while making a coffee enema is that the drink should never be hot. Liquids at normal temperature will not burn. However, hot coffee will, and this can be extremely harmful to fragile rectal tissue.

To make a coffee enema, follow the procedures below:

  • In a 1-liter combination of distilled water, brew two teaspoons of coffee. The coffee may be prepared in a standard coffee maker, which yields around 4 cups of 8-ounce coffee. There should be no coffee grounds remaining in the cup.
  • Set aside enough time for the coffee solution to cool to room temperature. For the enema, never use warm or hot water.
  • Place towels on a couch, bed, or other surfaces that may lie on their left side to absorb the water. Being nearby to the restroom will be beneficial since the individual may need to use the toilet immediately.
  • Using an enema system, instill the coffee mixture into the rectum. These are frequently available in drugstores. Most have a water bottle linked to tubing that is put into the rectum.
  • A water-based lubricant may be applied to the tip’s edge to ensure ease of insertion.
  • Inject as much 1-liter coffee/water mix as possible into the rectum.
  • The solution should be retained in the rectum for 10 to 15 minutes and not be pushed in. When kept for this period, enemas are most effective. Following that, a person should try to use the restroom.
  • If the initial enema does not provide substantial effects, the client may need to repeat it a few hours later.

Best coffee for enema.

As we mentioned before, BulletProof coffee works the best.

[amazon bestseller=”bulletproof coffee” items=”3″ template=”table”]

Certified organic regular (non-decaf) coffee is the finest coffee for enema. Non-organic coffee contains a lot of hazardous chemicals and pesticides, which will reduce the detoxifying effects.

This is why an organic coffee enema is so crucial. Furthermore, though the caffeine content of a coffee enema is 3.5 times lower than when consumed orally, the caffeine portion plays a part in the procedure’s success.

Cafestol is abundant in Pure Life enema treatment coffee, and palmitic acid is required to open the liver bile channels. It is an organic air-roasted coffee that is quite “clean.” It is not the same as store-bought coffee.

In conclusion

Coffee enemas are not recommended by mainstream medicine. But, many people believe that coffee enemas improve their health and well-being while having no harmful side effects. Because statistics on coffee enemas are few, it is impossible to say if most individuals have had a pleasant or bad experience.

What is certain is that coffee enemas are potentially hazardous. Whether to undergo a coffee enema is a personal decision best made in consultation with your doctor.

If you opt to have a coffee enema and have any major adverse effects, get immediate medical attention. Severe discomfort, prolonged nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding are all serious adverse effects.

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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.