How do you take your coffee? Every day, millions of people across the world wake up to a hot, steaming cup of Joe. The effects of coffee are well-documented. Coffee gives you a burst of energy, dehydrates you, and in many cases, can cause you to evacuate your bladder and bowels. However, for some people, this just isn’t enough. Coffee enemas are considered an alternative medicine technique by some and complete madness by others.
Coffee enemas are for constipated people, much like a laxative. Overall, an overwhelming majority of doctors don’t recommend this “procedure” for any reason.
What are Coffee Enemas?
A coffee enema involves the same techniques as a traditional enema. A medical enema is used to relieve constipation. Liquid is inserted into the rectum in a sort of desperate attempt to dislodge major constipation. According to Medical News Today, people will commonly use water, mineral oil, or soapy water for a traditional enema.
But for some, this is not enough. In coffee enemas, liquid coffee is inserted into the rectum in the place of water or oil. While a coffee enema is said to potentially have some health benefits, there is danger involved as well.
Diving into Gerson Therapy
If you are looking into coffee enemas, you may have heard of Max Gerson. Max Gerson was an early advocate of coffee enemas. Gerson also advocated for a plant-based diet. According to the Gerson Institute, Gerson did not invent coffee enemas, and they have been around since the late 1800s. The “Gerson Therapy” today consists of cleansing and detoxifying the body through the use of coffee enemas and a plant-based diet.
Potential Benefits of a Coffee Enema
As mentioned before, Coffee Enemas are not medically recommended. Having said that, people have reported some benefits. According to Dr. Danielle Saunders, many have used coffee enemas to treat a variety of conditions, including IBS, constipation, cancer, and liver dysfunction. She indicates that coffee enemas may also lead to boosted immunity, increased energy, improved clarity, and restored bowel function. Always consult a healthcare professional before considering a “procedure” of this kind.
Potential Dangers of a Coffee Enema
When prepared incorrectly, a coffee enema can cause a host of issues. According to Saunders, pregnant women and children are most at risk. Potential dangers from a coffee enema include rectal tears, infection, dehydration, burns, and even death. Please consider that other enemas are commercially available before attempting a coffee enema.
Steps to Perform a Coffee Enema
This is going to be repetitive but please consult a medical professional before considering a coffee enema. According to Medical News Today, here are the general steps when performing a coffee enema.
- First, the coffee should not be hot at all. Burns are a real concern here.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of coffee in one liter of distilled water. Make sure there are no grounds left in the coffee. Allow the coffee to cool completely.
- Arrange the seating so that the person receiving the enema can lie on their left side. Consider an area near the bathroom.
- Instill the coffee mixture into the rectum using an appropriate enema system, pouring in as much of the solution as possible.
- The person receiving the enema should hold the solution for at least 10 minutes.
- Finally, they should try to use the bathroom.
Be sure not to do enemas too often. Overdoing it can be dangerous as well. According to Medical News Today, not much is known about the potential long-term benefits and risks, so most doctors will not recommend the practice. There are other, safer enemas available. There are also more practical and less invasive means of treating constipation. If a person has consistent constipation, they likely have an underlying medical need.
Before You Grind Those Beans
If you are thinking about coffee enemas for yourself, don’t rush out to your nearest Starbucks just yet. Before making any health decisions, it is a good idea to consult with a medical professional that you trust. Ask if there’s an easier treatment for your condition and if the dangers really outweigh the “rewards.”
And most of all, is this really the best use of that Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
