Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride recommends using enemas especially during the initial stages of the GAPS diet to assist with detoxification especially if you are having a lot of die-off symptoms.
Enemas are very safe and extremely helpful for reducing toxic load in the body, relieving constipation, removing faecal compaction from the bowel, introducing probiotics directly to the bowel, cleansing the liver, stimulating bile, removing heavy metals, supporting the gallbladder, healing haemorrhoids or varicose veins and dealing with many other issues.
For adults:
Use water enema to clear your bowel and then use a coffee enema. Do not use coffee enema for children.
Coffee Enema Recipe:
Bring to boil 1 litre of water and add 3 heaped tablespoons of organic ground coffee, boil for 2 minutes and then reduce the heat to minimum and cover with a tight lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Cool down and strain.
Equipment: There are many enema kits on Amazon and are often easy to find in pharmacies. This one is an easy to use affordable enema kit.
Coffee Enema Procedure:
As mentioned above, before doing the coffee enema cleanse the bowel with an enema of warm water.
Use filtered or bottled water, bring it to a boil and cool it down to body temperature. Dissolve some natural salt (sea salt or himalayan salt) and baking soda into the water (use 1/2 teaspoon of each per litre (quart) of water). The salt will bring the mineral content of the water to a more natural balance for the human body. The bicorbonate of soda will provide alkaline pH, which is natural for the bowel and will help to bring yeast overgrowth down.
It is helpful to lie on your right side with knees brought up to the belly (fetal position), or to have a bunch of towels under your sacrum so that the exit of your bowel is higher than other parts of the bowel which will help to allow the water to flow in. Using either a bucket enema or a enema bag (the same thing as a rubber hot water bottle) although enema buckets are better as they hold more water adjust the positioning so the bucket is hanging from the shower curtain rod or a high towel rack (this is best done in the bathroom).
It is also a good idea to make a comfortable warm nest for yourself using towels and have some music, a book or some other entertainment on hand so you can patiently rest for at least 15 mins.
Using coconut or olive oil or butter lubricate the nozzle and your anus and insert the nozzle. Let about 1 to 1 1/2 liters (quarts) into the bowel and then take out the nozzle. Gently massage the abdomen for a few second and then empty the bowel. This procedure should be repeated 2-4 times until the water that comes out looks fairly clean indicating that the bowel is empty.
After that lie on your back and relax for a few minutes, put the soles of your bare feet together toe to toe and heel to heel. This completes the energy circuit of the lower body and will cause peristalsis of the bowel to move, when this happens the ascending colon clears in what is called an illeal flush. Wait to be sure the entire bowel is cleared. When the bowel is empty, then you can begin to use the coffee enema.
It is desirable to keep the coffee in the bowel for 15 – 20 minutes before expelling it to allow the coffee to absorb into the portal system. To hold the coffee for that long it may be helpful to keep the nozzle and pipe in the rectum after the coffee has gone in to allow gases to escape: accumulating gas stretches the bowel and causes an urge to empty the bowel too soon. Changing position also helps to keep the coffee in longer. So if there is an urge to empty the bowel, turn on to the other side of your body or onto your back.
This whole procedure takes about two hours, so be sure to have a nice warm bathroom and something to keep you entertained while you are waiting.
After the enema it is good to have a nice warm bath with epsom salts, seaweed, baking soda or sea salt dissolved in it (use 1/2 cup of any of these per bath.
Coffee has been used for enema’s for over 100 years, they are particularly well known as part of the treatment for cancer with the Gerson Protocol. Coffee enemas are considered to be one of the best ways of cleansing the liver and speeding up the detoxification process in the body. Many people report that coffee enemas are excellent for pain relief as well. The mechanism of its function is not clear, but it is thought that various substances in the coffee absorb through the rich capillary bed of the rectum into the portal veins, which lead directly to the liver. In the Gerson protocol people perform 4-6 coffee enemas a day. A GAPS person does not need to do that. Dr. Campbell McBride recommends doing a coffee enema whenever there is a need, which can be once a day, once every few days or once in a while.
Using coffee enemas people have reported that migraine headaches disappear, nausea goes away, pain relief everywhere in body, clear-headed, no brain fog, more energetic, better mood, acne clears up, less reflux, sleep better, skin problems clear up, breathing better, feeling less bloated and toxic among other things.
Once a person has experienced the coffee enema, they usually know when they need another one. In order for the coffee enema to have full effect it needs to be held in the bowel for 15 minutes. For a person who does enemas only occassionally it can be very difficult or impossible to hold the coffee in the bowel for that long. This is why it is best to clear the bowel with a water enema before putting the coffee in. A person with a lot of faecal compaction or putrefaction in the bowel and trying to hold coffee along with all that will stir up a lot of toxins and allow them to reabsorb which will give unpleasant symptoms so it is important to clear the bowel first before trying to hold coffee in the bowel.
Other types of Enemas
- Garlic can help to expel parasites but it is very strong for the sensitve bowel tissues so be careful not to use too much – the garlic will absorb through the mucous membrane of the bowel and will force parasites (worms) to let go their hold on the bowel wall.
- Beet root – grate the beet root very finely and steep in hot water, strain and use in enema. This is helpful for chronic constipation issues.
- Structured water – mineral rich, structured water is an amazing enema, you may experience increased relaxation and even some trauma release (shaking, shock/freeze energy, from emotional or physical trauma)
- Meat stock – people with extreme emaciation who are just not getting enough nourishment and can’t eat will benefit from meat stock enemas. We can be nourished through our colons.
- Green juice – this is also sometime used in the Gerson therapy and again if a person can’t eat they can be nourished with green juices via their colon.
- Rope worms – lemon juice and/or eucalyptus oil enemas can be used, again be very careful as a little goes a long way via the colon.
Another helpful website with more information on coffee enemas (including a demo video!)
Enemas For Children
For children older than five years old:
Use the enema bucket/bag as the syringe will not provide enough water. Add about 3-4 billion live probiotic cells per enema to the water, preferably from the Bifidobacteria group. We can also add 1/2 t of natural salt per litre of water (do not use table salt).
For children from three to five years old:
You can use the bulb syringe or the enema bucket. For this age group we can add some probiotics to the enema water – about 1-2 billion live cells per enema, preferably from the Bifidobacteria group.
For babies and children up to two years old:
Use enemas in cases of constipation only – if the child has not passed a stool for 2 days of more. Use the bulb syringe enema kit; the usual size of bulb syringes are 50ml (2oz) or 100 ml (4 oz). Fill the syringe with warm water (body temperature), lubricate the nozzle and anus of the child with coconut oil, olive oil or butter, insert the nozzle into the anus and gently squeeze the bulb. Remove the nozzle and hold the bottom of the child closed while gently massaging the belly for about one or two minutes, then let the baby empty the bowel. Use only clean filtered water. Do not put anything into the water.
Thanks for your comments HellaD.
Read and talked with others about the artemisia annua. Has many benefits. But has some negative effects too. Give sparingly. Don’t make too strong.
Talk with holistic doctor first. Amazing it was found as treatment for malaria and parasites among other conditions.
Glad you loved the catnip enema. It is, along with garlic, a great way to bring a fever down. Catnip is gentle and calming as well.
A friend pointed out in your article you told what to use, and amount of solution, up to 2yo. Then told for 3 to 5 yo. She wanted to know what for between 2 and 3. Hers is 2 and half. I suggested she use an 4oz enema bulb syringe for him.
I used the bulb for 2yo to 6 and older. Even 11 yo and older.
Thanks for telling to add probiotics and natural salt to enema bag/bucket water for older ones over 5. I passed that along to another mom.
Gregg, if you can try getting book Back To Eden or Prescription For Nutritional Healing. Very good books. Among the remedies written about in them the enema, implants, suppositories and other remedies. We have learned much from these books and other sources.
Hope we are understanding your question.
What is told on here, the coffee enema, detoxes and cleanses the liver. Been a therapy for years and years.
Blessings
And hugs
At what age can coffee enemas be given to children?
Believe we were told not until in teen years and only after approval from doctor.
Great for liver and detoxing!
Save and given this page to many.
Blessings
Well written!
This is not cause of the page… but letting others know:
The loci solution enema bag (link in article) is out of stock. Unknown when will be available.
Few weeks ago tried ordering a pic solution 375 ml one piece enema bulb syringe. It is also out of stock and now available. So ordered a Cara 8 oz enema bulb.
Glad put a list of OTHER TYPES OF ENEMAS.
Never knew beet root enema was good for constipation. Next time an enema is needed for one of mine will try giving the beet root enema.
Make a mild solution and see how it goes. Of course will as doctor before giving it.
Also glad put ENEMAS FOR CHILDREN information. We were told could, if want to, change from the bulb syringe to the enema bag when 5ft tall.
Again ask doctor.
We use the enema bulb until about 10 years old.
Administered on changing table or across the lap until about 3 yo.
From about 3 to about 10 given on a table.
Over ten given on the bed with the bulb syringe.
The home enema is a good natural remedy to give.
Thanks so much for your comments on this information and so helpful to have your experiences added! Yes home enemas are such a powerful natural remedy for so many things. As you say good to check with your doctor around giving enema to children, and not recommended to use the coffee enema. I love the suggestion to use catnip tea enema. Another nice one to use for deep relaxation is structured water or even artemesia enemas. These area also good for removing parasites, but don’t make it too strong. I personally like the artemesia annua as well as the mugwort, wormwood is also good if you have parasites.
Glad you commented!
Love to learn and talk about old home remedies, herbal remedies, enemas and more.
Omg yes! Agree with you! It surprises us too how many people, especially moms of toddlers, that have not been made aware of the health benefit of giving enemas in the home.
Glad telling experiences was helpful!
I found out about the catnip tea enema for fever reduction in book Prescription For Nutritional Healing (put link below) and on anniesplacetolearn.com page.
Annie has a great, free, healing book: Self Reliance In Health Course. You can find it on her page.
She also has instructions for preparing and giving the Cold Sheet Treatment (by Dr Christopher). We have given it a few times.
We are going to learn about the structured water and artemesia enemas you told of.
We have given a garlic enema to help remove parasites. But, like you told don’t make it too strong. Going to look up the other enemas you told of…Imugwort, wormwood.
The link for the enema bag (by pic solution) shows no longer available.
I used to have one piece red rubber enema bulbs from pic solution. Had a 6 oz and a 8 oz bulb from pic solution. Their page shows none available now.
We introduce many moms to the benefits of giving the enema. And dumping the over the counter(otc) junk! Nothing like giving toxic horrible junk to heal!
We get together at least once a month, or more often, to talk about health, natural healing and home remedies.
Few of the moms bring old home nursing books their moms had or they found in old book stores.
The home nursing book we use for teaching was published in the late 1950s !
The older home nursing books have well written detailed instructions in them. Not like the ones today.
Love the step by step by step instructions given in the old books.
-Try fining book The ABC Herbal book.
Very good herbal remedies book for mothers to give to the child.
Here are some veery good web pages that may help others:
Valerie has veery good article:
http://valerie_cct.tripod.com/parentsg.html
This is a good page:
https://medisential.com/blogs/health/7-effective-enema-liquid-solutions-to-cleanse-your-body-recipes-included
Mandy has wonder pages. This one about the garlic enema is very good:
https://www.realfoodrecovery.org/stop-fever-and-more-with-a-garlic-enema/
This book is a must read. Has lots of information in it:
https://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Nutritional-Healing-Fifth-Practical/dp/1583334009
If you like will post links to Annies pages.
Hope didnt talk too much.
Sorry
Thanks for your comments?
Did you write this article?
Very well done.
Valerie has a very good article.
https://www.oocities.org/valerie_cct/parentsg.html
Bless all.
HellaD…
Did you write the article?
Good article!
The enema is a very good natural home remedy to give.
Growing up I remember the enema was given in most homes. No over the counter toxic junk was given to the child.
For the child 3 to 5 or so I administered a bulb syringe enema. For fevers gave either cool water enema or a garlic enema. Catnip tea worked too.
Many moms today have no idea how to give an enema. Nor know of the benefits of giving the child an enema. Especially when he is sick or has a fever.
I gave a monthly enema regardless if the child was sick or not.
Administered the enema on a table or across my lap. Put towel on the table. Prepared everything. Made sure the room was warm. No interruptions. Closed the blinds and door if possible.
When everything was prepared brought him to the table. Most of the time was the kitchen table. Moms years ago gave enemas on the kitchen or dining table. Or for the younger ones on changing table or across the lap.
I either used a 6 oz or a 8 oz size enema bulb syringe.
Best to consult with your holistic doctor before giving an enema.
If you believe he will resist getting an enema, especially if it’s his first ever enema, ask another mom or friend to assist in giving the enema. She can help restrain him. Calm him by talking with him. Encouraging him to take the enema. Having him relax.
Have him retain the enema for a few minutes. Goal should be retaining it for 3 to 5 minutes. Then take him to expel.
If the results were not desirable a second enema can be administered to him.
I found the best time to give him an enema was mid morning. That way the others are off to school.
Normally things have settled down in the home mid morning.
I haven’t given a home enema in a few years.
Recently a friend stayed with me for a few weeks.
Her 5 yo b was constipated and had slight fever.
I thought she was going to give him some over the counter junk.
She surprised me when she asked where the closest drug store was…so she could buy an enema!
Good to know moms still give the home enema.
When we got home from the store she gave him an enema. On the table.
I told her it was the best natural home remedy for him.
Blessings
And hugs
My bowel is NEVER empty! I can enema it and get a lot out but never all of it. Should I not do coffee enemas? Id be disappointed because I’ve still used them many times and had wonderful results.
Elaine, have you tried colonics? Getting a series of colonics will cleanse you very well.
Possibly talk with your holistic doctor before.
Wondering how much solution to are using?
Position used?
When I worked for a holistic doctor part time doing home treatments for a good cleanse I would give a two to three quart enema to the patient.
Position used was the “knee-to-chest” position. The patient getting the cleansing enema would be on the bed. On knees. Bent at the waist with head on the bed. I would let her rest head on a pillow.
When the bag, or bucket, was empty the patient would first lay on back. Then side to side. I would gently massage tummy. Have her retain the enema for five to ten minutes. Expel.
It was very important to have the patient relax when getting the enema. Taking deep breaths in and out of open mouth.
If the results were not desirable then a second enema was given.
Years ago a warm mild soapy water enema was given to the constipated patient. Made by swishing a bar of ivory soap in a pan of warm water. Making a mild soapy solution.
This is no longer recommended.
Best to use the Made For Enema Soap Bar now.
Sold at optimal health network (OHN).
Kristina there is professional and very helpful.
She has excellent health articles. Sells the enema bag and buckets.
Again, talk with your holistic doctor first.
Blessings
Hi
I am really interested in the billum making references, thankyou giving it a go now. I like the philosophy of being mindful of what we eat and our activities that align with respect for the food and what we kill if we must to eat meat etc.
However, I just read on your site about coffee enemas!
How does introducing foreign materials into your rectal cavity align with mindfullness of life?
Did our ancestors conduct regular colon cleansing .. with coffee!!!
Cheers
Gregg