A coffee enema is a procedure in which coffee is introduced into the body rectally. More standard enemas use saline solution to cleanse the body, but it is thought by some that the caffeine in coffee provides a more complete cleanse. Coffee enemas are performed much the same way as saline enemas, using the same equipment and procedures, with additional precautions needed due to the caffeine in coffee.
Coffee for a coffee enema can be prepared like normal coffee, although French presses are highly recommended. Most practitioners use only organic coffee, and it is not a good idea to use flavored or decaffeinated coffee for these purposes. With a French press, boiling distilled water is poured over the grounds and left to cool and steep for one hour. At this point, it is usually lukewarm or cool and ready to use. It is important never to use coffee that is above body temperature because this can cause internal damage.
It is possible to give yourself a coffee enema, but many colon cleansing experts also offer coffee enema services. For home enemas, a reusable enema kit can be purchased from most drug stores or pharmacy sections, and these typically include instructions and slightly variable equipment. Most kits include an enema bag, tubing, and an insertable tip. Devices to control the liquid flow into the rectum are also common. It is simple to perform a coffee enema using the directions for a saline enema, and no special precautions are needed.
Unlike a colonic, an enema does not involve multiple introductions of fluid into the body. Rather, the liquid is made to flow into the rectum until the recipient feels full, and then it is eliminated fully. Some people recommend allowing the water to sit in the bowels for up to 15 minutes. The urge to eliminate can be overpowering for people who have not had an enema before, and so it is important to be close to the facility designated for elimination when the coffee enema is performed.
The purported benefits of coffee enemas are numerous, but most are unproven. Like all enemas, coffee enemas are said to get rid of blockage, remove toxins, and promote intestinal functions. The caffeine in coffee is also said to stimulate the liver and dilate the bile ducts. Whether enemas work to provide long-term health benefits, recipients of coffee enemas almost report feeling lighter, cleaner, and somewhat stimulated by caffeine. After the initial discomfort of the enema itself, the experience is usually reported to provide a feeling of well being to those who endure it.
