COFFEE ENEMAS

By Lawrence Wilson, MD

© August 2010, The Center For Development

Why in the world would someone want to take coffee in an enema? I asked this question some 30 years ago when my health practitioner suggested I do daily coffee enemas to decongest my liver and clean the colon as well.

In spite of skepticism, I went ahead with them, and when I got over my initial resistance, I quickly saw the benefits of coffee enemas. They heal the colon, remove many toxins from the liver and colon, often reduce headaches and other body pain, and reduce many symptoms of general toxicity. Since toxicity is the cause of dozens of common symptoms from arthritis to cancer, coffee enemas help with many, if not most diseases and conditions.

Other benefits that clients regularly report include increased mental clarity, improved energy levels, more joy and happiness, better digestion and others. I have had at least three dozen clients tell me that “coffee enemas saved my life”.
I have recommended coffee retention enemas to more than thirty thousand people. I have yet to hear about horrible side effects of any kind, although the procedure is somewhat inconvenient, especially at first. Most people get used to it quickly. They are simple, very safe when done properly, highly effective and inexpensive.
An ancient therapy. Enemas are an ancient form of hydrotherapy. They have been used for thousands of years for mechanically cleansing the colon. In fact, one can read about them in a forgotten book of the bible entitled The Essene Gospel Of Peace, Volume 1. This small volume was rediscovered by the eminent biblical scholar, Edmond Bordeaux Szekely, who found it in the Vatican library and first published it in 1928. It is published in English by the International Biogenic Society. The text discusses the healing methods used by Jesus. The following is quoted from pages 15 and 16:

“Think not that it is sufficient that the angel of water embrace you outwards only. I tell you truly, the uncleanness within is greater by much than the uncleanness without. And he who cleanses himself without, but within remains unclean, is like to tombs that that outwards are painted fair, but are within full of all manner of horrible uncleannesses and abominations. So I tell you truly, suffer than angel of water to baptize you also within, that you may become free from all your past sins, and that within likewise you may become as pure as the river’s foam sporting in the sunlight.

“Seek, therefore, a large trailing gourd, having a stalk the length of a man; take out its inwards and fill it with water from the river which the sun has warmed. Hang it upon the branch of a tree, and kneel upon the ground before the angel of water, and suffer the end of the stalk of the trailing gourd to enter your hinder parts, that the water may flow through all your bowels.

“Afterwards, rest kneeling on the ground before the angel of water and pray to the living God that he will forgive you all of your past sins, and pray to the angel of water that he will free your body from every uncleanness and disease.

“Then let the water run out from your body, that it may carry away from within it all the unclean and evil-smelling things of Satan. And you shall see with your eyes and smell with your nose all the abominations and uncleannesses which defiled the temple of your body; even all the sins which abode in your body, tormenting you with all manner of pains. I tell you truly, baptism with water frees you from all of these.”

Enemas in modern medical care. In more modern times, enemas and colonic irrigation, also called colon hydrotherapy, were used routinely in hospitals. There are many types of enemas used for varying purposes. Technically, the coffee enema is a coffee implant and a retention enema. This means the enema implants coffee in the colon and the procedure is to retain the coffee mixture for 15-20 minutes.

History of the coffee retention enema. I understand that coffee enemas were first used during World War I because nurses and doctors who lacked medicine for soldiers’ pain found that coffee retention enemas took away pain. Coffee enemas were listed in the Merck Manual for many years. I learned about them from reading A Cancer Therapy - Results of 50 Cases by Max Gerson, MD. Dr. Gerson pioneered nutritional therapy for cancer and other diseases with excellent results. His therapy combined coffee enemas with a special diet, juices and a few other supplements. The enemas were an integral part of the therapy. Later, Dr. William Donald Kelley used them extensively in his metabolic cancer therapy, as it is called. He wrote about their benefits and importance in a small book entitled One Answer To Cancer.

The benefits of coffee enema. The major benefit of the coffee enema is to enhance elimination of toxins through the liver. Indeed, endoscopic studies confirm they increase bile output. A patient was given a coffee enema while an endoscope monitored the entrance to the common bile duct. Within minutes of administering the enema, bile flow increased.
Other benefits are:

· Increased bile flow alkalinizes the small intestine and promotes improved digestion.

· Coffee acts as an astringent in the large intestine, helping clean the colon walls. A common contributor to ill health is the production and absorption of toxins within the small and large intestines. If food is not digested properly, sugars ferment and protein putrefies or rots. Both processes generate toxic chemicals which are then absorbed into the liver.

· By stimulating the large and small intestines somewhat, coffee enemas help enhance liver activity. This is a process understood in acupuncture. Technically, introducing water and coffee into the colon weakens the large intestine meridian somewhat. This is usually helpful, as this meridian is often overstimulated by the presence of toxins in the large bowel. Even if it is not overstimulated, the effect in terms of acupuncture meridians is to enhance the energy of the liver/gall bladder meridian to some degree.

· Coffee contains some selenium, a mineral needed by most people. Taking the selenium by rectum apparently works better than taking it by mouth.

· Coffee also contains some toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. However, it appears from our experience that when taken by rectum, these are not absorbed nearly as much as they are when coffee is taken through the mouth.

· Retaining the enema for 15 minutes or so forces one to move one’s attention downward toward the pelvic area. This may have a subtle and powerful healing effect. To read more about this, read the article on this website entitled Downward Energy And Healing.

· Coffee is a more yang substance, and the coffee enema may have a yang effect on the body.

· Coffee enemas cause relaxation of the sympathetic nervous system. This may seem odd, since they contain caffeine which is a stimulant. Possible reasons for relaxation of the sympathetic nervous system include: 1) they affect two important parasympathetic organs, the liver and the large intestine, 2) they remove irritating toxins from the body rapidly and thoroughly, 3) more subtle mechanisms that affect the nerve feedback in a way that inhibits sympathetic nerves.

· The compounds kahweol and cafestol found in coffee enhance glutathione S-transferase activity in the liver. This enzyme assists liver detoxification that neutralizes and helps remove a large variety of toxic compounds.

How often and when? Dr. Gerson recommended the coffee enema up to 6 times daily, or every four hours, for severely ill patients with cancer and other conditions. His patients continued them for up to several years with no ill effects.

This appears to be more than most people need, however. I usually suggest one enema per day to assist detoxification or to enhance liver activity. Two or perhaps even three enemas daily may be taken safely, however, especially during a healing reaction of if one feels much better by using them two or even three times daily for a few months or even longer.

For best results, a program of coffee enemas should be carried on for at least a year or much more. Many people, including myself, have continued to take them for 10 years or more daily without any problem whatsoever. A good friend has used them continuously for almost 30 years as he suffers from a very chronic arthritic condition and continues to benefit from them. Not only has he had no ill effects from them that I can determine, but his health continues to improve to this day.
The best time to take a coffee enema is often in the morning, and after a normal bowel movement. One may get a slight rush from the caffeine, but it is not like drinking coffee, which I do not recommend. Coffee enemas taken in the evening may interfere with sleep, but not always. If one feels ill during the night, a coffee enema may help relieve the symptoms, such as a headache, and allow one to go back to sleep rapidly.

Cautions and contraindications. When done properly, coffee enemas do not cause habituation, constipation or any rectal problems. They will cause some constipation in a few cases, but often this is because the fecal matter is removed daily, so there is less to remove. In over 29 years of practice, I have not seen any significant negative effects of coffee enemas at all. However, observe the following cautions.

Hemorrhoids. Mild hemorrhoids are not a problem. If one has hemorrhoids, use extra care inserting the enema tip. Some people with hemorrhoids find the enemas irritating. If hemorrhoids are severe, one may not be able to do the coffee enema.

Anal or rectal fissures or rectal prolapse. If these conditions are present, one may not be able to do coffee enemas.

Those with severe hemorrhoids or other rectal problems might be able to do coffee enemas by first inserting a well-lubricated colon tube in the rectum so that the coffee and water will be released far away from the fissues or hemorrhoids. A colon tube is usually a 30-inch soft rubber tube that is available on the internet. However, this may not solve the problem in all cases.
Problems retaining the coffee enema. A small number of people are unable to retain even a cup of water for the required 15 minutes. One can start with less coffee or less water in these cases. Retain the small amount for as long as possible, and then insert more, retaining that amount for as long as possible as well.

There seems to be no harm if one wishes to retain the enema longer than 15 minutes. Below are some other hints if you have trouble retaining the enema. While enemas may seem uncomfortable, many clients report the procedure is so helpful they soon forget the inconvenience.

Problems tolerating caffeine. Most people who cannot tolerate caffeine well are able to do coffee enemas without a problem. They may need to begin with a very small amount of coffee until their bodies grow accustomed to the enemas. However, a very few clients could not tolerate any caffeine at all. These people were unable to use coffee enemas. At the time, I did think to have them try decaffeinated coffee, although this might have helped. Decaffeinated coffee usually still contains a small amount of caffeine.

THE COFFEE ENEMA PROCEDURE

Note: This method recommends using 2-3 cups of water in the enema. You may use more, but it is not necessary. If you cannot hold the enema well, use less if needed.

Step 1. Materials

* Buy a 2-quart enema bag with a clamp. This is sold at drug stores. The enema/douche bag combination is easier to use.

* Buy any brand of regular coffee - regular grind or flaked, non-instant and not decaffeinated, or grind your own coffee. Organically grown coffee is best, though any coffee will do. Organic coffee is available at natural food stores. Store opened coffee containers in the freezer for maximum freshness.

Step 2. Preparation of coffee

There are three methods. The coffeemaker and the boil methods are best.

1. Coffee maker. Place a cup or so of water in a coffee maker, along with ½ teaspoon to 2.5 tablespoons of coffee and turn the machine one. When starting to do enemas, use less coffee in case you are sensitive to it.
When the coffee is ready, add more water to 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 a little more coffee using a coffee maker.

2. The boil method.
* Place 2 to 3 cups of purified water and two to three tablespoons of coffee in a saucepan and bring to a boil (or use a coffee maker).

* Let it boil 5 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 clean enema bag. Screw on the top of the enema bag. The enema is now ready.

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.

* To prepare an enema, pour 2 cups of purified water into the enema bag. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of the coffee liquid from the jar.

Step 3. Preparing to take the enema

* Be sure the plastic hose is pushed or fastened well onto the enema bag and the thin enema tip is attached to the other end.

* Remove any air from the enema tube the following way. Grasp but do not close the clamp on the hose. Place the tip in the sink. Hold up the enema bag above the tip until the water begins to flow out. Then close the clamp. This expels any air in the tube.

* Lubricate the enema tip with a small amount of soap or oil. (Too much lubrication will cause the tip to fall out of the rectum, creating a mess!).

Step 4. Taking the enema

* 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 clamp closed, place the enema bag on the floor next to you, or hang the bag about one foot above your abdomen.

* Insert the tip gently and slowly. Move it around until it goes all the way in.

* Open the clamp and hold the enema bag about one foot above the abdomen. The water may take a few seconds to begin flowing. If the water does not flow, you may gently squeeze the bag. If you develop a cramp, close the hose clamp, 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.

* RETAIN THE ENEMA FOR 15 MINUTES. See below if you have difficulties with this. You may remain lying on the floor. Use the time to read a book, meditate, etc. Some people are able to get up and go lie on a towel in bed, instead of on the floor. Walking around the house with the coffee inside is not recommended.

Step 5. Finishing up

* After 15 minutes or so, go to the toilet and empty out the water. It is okay if some water remains inside. If water remains inside often, you are dehydrated.

* Wash the enema bag and tube thoroughly with soap and water.

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 plain water enema first if needed, to clean out the colon.

* If intestinal gas is a problem, some exercise before the enema may eliminate the gas.

* It is not essential but is helpful if the water fills the entire colon. You can assist by first lying on your right side for 5 minutes, then on your back for 5 minutes, and then on your left side for 5 minutes.

* If water will not flow around the entire colon, you may gently massage your abdomen. Some people attach a 30-inch colon tube to the tip of the enema tube, and insert the tube so the water will reach the right side of the colon.

* If the enema makes you jittery, reduce the amount of coffee.

* 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 down hill into your colon.
4) If trouble continues, try reducing the amount of coffee or add 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses to the water.

COFFEE ENEMA ARTICLE FROM THE TOWNSEND LETTER, FEB/MAR 2010, BY JULIE KLOTTER

Coffee enemas, used in the Gerson, Kelley, and Gonzalez cancer therapies, produce physiological effects that aid liver function and detoxification. The coffee enema, a common medical treatment during the early 20th century, was included in The Merck Manual, a standard medical reference book, from 1899 to 1977. Like other enemas, this one induces peristalsis and promotes evacuation of the intestine; but compounds in coffee have additional effects. Caffeine stimulates bile production in the liver and dilates the bile ducts. (Bile breaks down dietary fat and is a means by which the liver removes toxins.) The compounds kahweol and cafestol enhance glutathione S-transferase action. This detoxification system neutralizes a large variety of toxic compounds.

When mice eat green coffee beans as part of their diet, their glutathione S-transferase activity increases 600% in the liver and 700% in the small intestine, according to the National Research Council (Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer. National Academy Press; 1982:15-7,15-8). Roasted coffee has about 50% less glutathione-S-transferase-stimulating effect than green coffee, according to research by Lam, Sparnins and Wattenberg (Cancer Res. 1982;42:1193-1198).

So why not just drink lots of coffee? Drinking coffee is, after all, associated with reduced hepatic injury and cirrhosis in humans. Coffee enemas appear to be a more efficient way to get the benefits without getting a caffeine buzz. Most people, even those who tend to get jittery from drinking coffee, report relaxation after a coffee enema.

Chemical compounds in the gut enter the blood, which then goes directly to the liver via the portal vein. Gar Hildenbrand, of Gerson Research Organization (San Diego, CAl, says: "Because the stimulating enema is retained for 15 minutes, and because all the blood in the body passes through the liver nearly every three minutes, these enemas represent a form of dialysis of blood across the gut wall."

Dr. Max Gerson viewed the coffee enema's detoxification activity as the reason that this treatment eases pain in many cancer patients. A clinical study performed by Dr. Peter Lechner and colleagues showed that coffee enemas, performed twice a day, "reduced the need for pain medications by 71.3%, 59%, and 22%- respectively in cancer patients with WHO cancer pain level 1 (n = 91, P < 0.001), level 2 (n = 68, P < 0.05) and level 3 (n= 19 not significant due to small sample)."

Anecdotal cases also suggest that coffee enemas can relieve migraine headaches. Doctors who recommend coffee enemas to their cancer patients view the enemas as an important part of their protocols. None of them, however, claim that coffee enemas cure cancer.

People who choose to use coffee enemas to enhance liver detoxification and/or reduce pain should take the same precautions as in any enema: use an enema bag with appropriate lubricated nozzle to avoid damaging the rectum or bowel; thoroughly clean the equipment after each enema to avoid reintroducing pathogens to the colon; and do not perform too many enemas within a short time.

Dangers. Ralph Moss reports that the US Office of Technology Assessment "cites the case of the two Seattle women who died following excessive enema use. Their deaths were attributed to fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. One took 10 to 12 coffee enemas in a single night and then continued at a rate of one per hour. The other took four daily. As OTA points out, 'in both cases, the enemas were taken much more frequently than is recommended in the Gerson treatment.'"

As Moss says: "In general, coffee enemas are an important tool for physicians who try to detoxify the body. This is not to say they are a panacea. They certainly require much more research. But coffee enemas are serious business: their potential should be explored by good research - not mined for cheap shots at alternative medicine or derisively dismissed as yet another crackpot fad."

References

Enemas. The Merck Manual. 10th ed.

Hildenbrand G. A coffee enema? Healing Newsletter, May-June 1986.

Lechner P, Hildenbrand G. A reply to Saul Green's critique of the rationale for cancer treatment with coffee enemas and diet: cafestol derived from beverage coffee increases bile production in rats; and coffee enemas and diet ameliorate human cancer pain in Stages I and II. Townsend Letter, May 1994.

Moss RW. Coffee: The royal flush. The Cancer Chronicles. Autumn 1990. Available at: www. ralphmoss.com/coll.html. Accessed. November 11, 2009.

Muriel P, Arauz J. Coffee and liver diseases. Fitoterapia. Epub October 13, 2009.

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