Follow these simple steps to properly do a coffee retention enema. Give yourself a chance and if at first you don’t succeed try again. Push through your resistances, I know I had many, 10+ years later I am so glad I added these to my daily regimen. These can be an excellent complement to any healing program. Coffee enemas have been used for decades to detoxify and support the liver while helping to reduce pain. This is especially helpful for cancer-related pain or post-chemotherapy liver support.
Step 1. What you need
* Buy a 2-quart enema bag with a clamp. I have tried many bags and this one is by far my favorite. It uses medical-grade silicone and a very easy to use shut off valve. Stay clear from the colored plastic bags as these are often plastic and full of chemicals.
* Buy any brand of organic coffee – regular grind. I prefer buying the Mentalist Blend from Bulletproof coffee. It is more expensive but I like that their coffee is tested for mold and other contaminants and is said to be truly clean. This is important to me when working to detoxify the body, I want to make sure I am not adding any contaminants. Store your coffee in the freezer for maximum freshness. You can find it online or in most grocery stores.
Organically grown coffee is best, though any coffee will do. We recommend using a darker blend for Coffee Enemas instead of lighter blends that are higher in caffeine.
Step 2. Preparing your coffee
Note: I recommend using about 2 cups of brewed coffee in your enema. You may use more, but it is not necessary. If you cannot hold the enema well, use less brewed coffee to see if it helps.
There are three methods. The coffeemaker and the boil methods are best.
1. The Boil Method (recommended):
* Place 2 to 3 cups of spring or filtered water and about ½ to one tablespoon of coffee in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. When beginning coffee enemas, use much less coffee to make sure you tolerate it well. For example, begin with a half teaspoon of coffee and increase a higher amount when you are sure you tolerate it well.
* When the water and coffee begin to boil, turn down the burner, cover and allow it to simmer for 12 minutes. Then turn off the heat and allow it to cool. One or two ice cubes may be added to speed the cooling process. You may make a larger quantity and use it for several enemas.
* Wait until the water is comfortable to the touch. If the water is too hot or too cold, retaining the enema will be more difficult. Strain the liquid through a fine strainer or coffee filter paper into a container or directly into your enema bag. The enema is now ready.
* A way to save time is to boil only about 1/2 of a cup of water with the coffee, allowing it to simmer for 10 minutes. Then add another cup and a half or so of water, and this will cool it instantly to the required temperature. You may have to vary the amounts of water to achieve a comfortable temperature. Then follow the instructions to strain the coffee through a fine strainer into your enema bag.
2. Coffeemaker Method:
Place two cups or so of water in a coffee maker, along with 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee, and turn the machine on. When just beginning to use coffee enemas, start with a smaller amount of coffee in case you are sensitive to it. When the coffee is ready, add more water or ice cubes to get back to the desired 2 cups and cool the mixture to body temperature.
*The coffee made with a coffeemaker will not be quite as strong as with the boil method, so you may need to use a little more coffee. I use this method when I am in hotels and usually run the coffee through the machine twice. (I poor the coffee back into the water compartment for a second pass through the grinds)
3. The alternative non-boil method:
* Place 1 cup of ground coffee in a container with 2 cups of water. Stir the mixture thoroughly and allow it to soak overnight. (You may make a larger quantity if desired).
*In the morning, filter the liquid through coffee filter paper or a fine strainer. Place in a jar for storage in the refrigerator. This is your coffee concentrate, do not use it directly.
*To prepare an enema, pour 2 cups of warm spring or purified water into the enema bag. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of your coffee concentrate.
Step 3. Preparing for your enema – you can do this!
Where do I do my enema?
I like to do my enemas lying on a large bathmat covered with one or two extra towels on the bathroom floor. You want to make sure you are comfortable and warm. You could use a little space heater or near-infrared light shining on your abdomen. I lie down next to a door or towel bar so I can hang my enema bag close by and benefit from gravity for easier flow. At first, you may want to have several towels under you and especially under your bum in case of an “accident”. Practice getting up from the floor and going to sit on the toilet before inserting coffee. If getting up from off the floor is an issue try the following alternatives:
If you don’t feel comfortable on the floor, you can try lying in your tub or on your bed. Taking your enema on your bed should only be something you do when you have several of these under your belt and you feel comfortable holding the coffee. I have reached a point where I can walk around in my enema if need be, although I don’t recommend it.
How do I do my enema?
Be sure the silicone tube is fastened tightly onto the enema bag and the thin enema tip is attached to the other end. Close the shut off valve and poor the brewed coffee into your bag.
* Remove air from the tube by raising your bag, placing the enema tip in the sink and slowly opening the shut off valve. Close the valve when coffee reaches the tip or starts to come out. Now you are ready! The bag should be hanging from a door handle, towel bar, or some other hook that is close by.
* Lubricate the enema tip with a small amount of organic almond oil, coconut oil, or any other natural lubricant. (Note: Too much lubrication might cause the tip to fall out of the rectum, creating a mess. Experiment to see how much and what kind of lubrication is best for you).
* Create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. After a short while, you will be looking forward to this alone time and will thoroughly enjoy this daily ritual. Light a candle, play some light music and make sure you are comfortable and warm.
Step 4. Taking the enema – this is happening!!
* The position preferred by most people is lying on one’s back on a towel on the bathroom floor, or in the bath tub.
* With the valve closed place the enema bag on an elevated surface next to you, or hang the bag about one foot above your abdomen. Like I mentioned earlier, I like to hang the bag on the door knob in the bathroom.
* Insert the tip gently and slowly. Move it around until it goes all the way in.
* Open the valve slowly, relax and breathe. The coffee may take a few seconds to begin flowing. If the coffee does not flow, you may gently squeeze the bag. If you develop a cramp, close the valve, turn from side to side and take a few deep breaths. The cramp will usually pass quickly.
* When all the liquid is inside, the bag will become flat. Close the clamp. You can leave the tube inserted, or remove it slowly. If you remove it, you may wrap the hose around the doorknob, or if you are using an open bag, you may place the tip back into the top of the bag.
* RETAIN THE ENEMA FOR 15 MINUTES. See below if you have difficulties with this. You may remain on the floor, or lie in bed with a towel under your mid-section to protect against leaks. To reach all areas of the colon, I recommend spending 5 minutes on your right side, then 5 minutes on your back, and the last 5 minutes on your left side. If this is difficult stay on your back. Do not walk around or do busy work. Use the time to read a book, meditate, listen to a CD, etc.
Step 5. Finishing up
* After 15 minutes or so, go to the toilet and empty out the coffee. It is okay if some coffee remains inside. If coffee remains inside often, you may be dehydrated. Rubbing your abdomen while sitting on the toilet may help eliminate the coffee. Take your time with this part; relax and breathe. You will know over time when you are complete. If you get up too fast, you may feel some discomfort in your abdomen. If this happens simply go the the toilet to eliminate the rest. Again, take your time with this process.
* Wash the enema bag and tube thoroughly with soap and water.
* Rub the tops of the toes, in particular. If you feel at all uncomfortable, bloated, or out of sorts after the enema. This will often clear it up. You may eat a meal soon after a coffee enema.
Hints regarding enemas:
* If possible, do the enema after a bowel movement to make it easier to retain the coffee. If this is not possible, take a warm, plain water enema first if needed, to clean out the colon. This is a simple 5 minute flush to help things move out. While this is not necessary, some find this helps them retain the coffee enema longer.
* If intestinal gas is a problem, some exercise before the enema may help eliminate the gas.
* If the enema makes you jittery, reduce the amount of coffee. (I have not found this to be the case, although some people have reported feeling full of energy after their enema. This is more related to the liver getting a supportive boost than caffeine)
* The enema may lower your blood sugar. If so, eat something just before or after taking the enema.
* If you have trouble holding the enema, here are suggestions:
1) Be patient. Practice makes perfect.
2) The water may be too hot or too cold. Be sure the water temperature is comfortable.
3) It may help to place a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your buttocks so the water flows downhill into your colon.
4) If trouble continues, try reducing the amount of coffee or add 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses to the water.
If you have questions or comments, please share them in the comments or contact me.
Recommended article after reading Coffee enema procedure – detox liver support: Cancer and Chemotherapy Hacks