How to Do a Coffee Enema (Updated, Safer, Still Effective)
Originally published September 11, 2021 · Updated for clarity and safety
I believed in coffee enemas long before I ever did one. Months of research. Months of hesitation. A healthy amount of “this feels extreme.”
Then I tried it.
And yes — it earned its place.
Coffee enemas remain one of the most effective at-home tools for supporting glutathione production and liver detox pathways, particularly through bile flow and phase II liver support. When used appropriately, they can also help relieve constipation and support detox or parasite protocols.
What’s changed since I first wrote this:
- I no longer recommend loading enemas with multiple essential oils
- I’m much clearer about who should not do coffee enemas
- I emphasize binders and downstream support much more strongly
This is a tool. Not a lifestyle.
What Coffee Enemas Do (Physiology, Not Hype)
A properly prepared coffee enema may:
- Stimulate bile flow from the liver and gallbladder
- Support glutathione activity in the liver
- Encourage detoxification via the portal circulation
- Support elimination
Many people feel more energized afterward — not wired, but clearer — because the liver is being supported rather than stimulated through the nervous system.
This is not a weight-loss trick or a daily forever practice. Context matters.
🚫 Who Should NOT Do Coffee Enemas
Pregnant or nursing women should not do coffee enemas or use essential oils rectally.
Coffee and essential oils can mobilize compounds into circulation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not appropriate times to stir detox pathways aggressively.
Other reasons to avoid or use extreme caution:
- Active rectal bleeding, fissures, or hemorrhoid flares
- Recent colon or rectal surgery
- Inflammatory bowel disease flares
- Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Strong caffeine sensitivity
If this is you, there are gentler options — including professional colon hydrotherapy without coffee or oils, under guidance.
A Note on Essential Oils (Updated Guidance)
I used to include multiple essential oils in enemas. I don’t anymore.
Current recommendation:
- Essential oils are optional
- If used, limit to one drop total
- Citrus oils (like tangerine) are the gentlest option
- Many people do best with coffee + water only
The colon absorbs efficiently. Respect that.
If you choose to use essential oils or binders, use practitioner-grade products:
👉 Fullscript Dispensary (NOW essential oils + binders):
Coffee Enema Basics (What You Need)
- Glass enema bucket (Pyrex preferred)
- Cone strainer and funnel
- Thermometer
- Optional silicone valve
- Clean lubricant (plain coconut oil works)
- Towel (bathroom floor or tub)
- Secure hook to hang the bucket
- High-quality, mold-tested coffee (non-negotiable)
Optional after the coffee round:
- Isotonic or sea-water minerals
- Probiotics
- Filtered water flush
Preparing the Coffee
- Use ¼–½ cup therapeutic, mold-tested coffee
- Add to 2–4 quarts of cold filtered water
- Bring to a boil, then simmer 15 minutes
- Strain well
Important:
Allow the coffee to cool to 86–98°F (30–37°C) before use.
Test on your wrist — it should feel comfortably warm, not hot.
Do not rush this step.
Prepare the Space
- Use a bathroom
- Lay down a towel
- Hang the bucket securely (do not trust flimsy suction hooks)
- Set up a podcast, show, or music — distraction helps
Expect the full process to take 30–60 minutes, depending on rounds.
Preparing the Bucket & Tubing
- Clean equipment thoroughly between uses
- Fill the bucket with cooled coffee
- Run liquid through the tubing to remove air
- Clamp closed before insertion
Performing the Enema
- Lie on your side or back with knees bent
- Lubricate generously
- Insert gently
- Release the clamp and allow coffee to flow slowly
- If flow pauses, gentle hip movement or abdominal massage can help
Once the coffee is in:
- Aim to hold 10–15 minutes
- Beginners: 3–5 minutes still counts
Then evacuate.
After the Coffee Round (This Part Matters)
Coffee enemas mobilize toxins. Binders help escort them out.
Common options (timed away from food and supplements):
- Activated charcoal
- Modified citrus pectin
- Carbon- or clay-based binders
You may also do a second round with:
- Filtered water
- Minerals
- Probiotics
Most people do 1–3 rounds total. More is not automatically better.
Practitioner-grade binders and support tools:
What I’d Buy (Simple, Practical Setup)
If you’re setting this up at home, these are the items I’d personally choose:
- Happy Bum Co. Silicone Coffee Enema Kit
- Happy Bum Co. Mold-Tested Coffee (for enemas)
- Pure Life Enema Glass Pyrex Coffee Enema Bucket (I have this one)
Coffee Source Note (Additional Trusted Option)
In addition to mold-tested enema coffee options online, another reputable source is:
Café Mam — Eugene, Oregon
They offer a therapy roast blend specifically formulated for coffee enemas and can ship nationwide.
I don’t currently use an affiliate link for Café Mam. I am, however, a local wholesaler, and they’ve consistently met my standards for quality, sourcing, and mold awareness.
If you’re choosing a coffee for enemas, this matters more than brand loyalty:
- Mold testing
- Gentle therapeutic roasting
- Coffee intended for rectal use, not just drinking
Regular grocery store coffee is not appropriate for this.
Why glass or silicone (not plastic, not stainless steel)
To be clear: I would never use plastic for enemas. Ever.
I prefer glass or medical-grade silicone over stainless steel because:
- You can see exactly how much liquid remains, which matters for pacing and comfort
- There’s no concern about coatings, seams, or hidden residue
- Cleaning and inspection are straightforward
Stainless steel can be durable, but opacity makes it harder to gauge volume mid-use. For me, visibility and simplicity win.
How to Clean a Coffee Enema Setup (Important)
Proper cleaning matters — for safety, longevity of your equipment, and your nervous system. This does not need to be complicated or aggressive.
After Each Use
- Disassemble the setup completely
Separate the bucket, tubing, clamp, and tip. - Rinse immediately with hot water
Do this before residue dries. Hot water alone removes most coffee oils. - Wash with mild soap
Use a simple, unscented dish soap.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. - Flush the tubing thoroughly
Run hot soapy water through the tubing, then rinse with clean hot water until no soap remains. - Boil the tip (optional but recommended)
Place the nozzle/tip in boiling water for 3–5 minutes if the material allows. - Air dry completely
Hang tubing so water can drain fully.
Let all parts dry before reassembling or storing.
What I Do Not Recommend
- Bleach
- Harsh disinfectants
- Running essential oils through tubing “to clean it”
- Storing equipment damp or sealed while wet
Clean, dry, and simple beats aggressive.
Periodic Deep Cleaning (Optional)
Occasionally, you can:
- Run boiling water through the tubing
- Inspect silicone or glass for residue or cloudiness
- Replace tubing if it ever becomes difficult to fully clean
If something looks questionable, trust that instinct.
Final Note on Hygiene
This setup is personal equipment. Do not share.
If you’re feeling unwell, inflamed, or unsure — skip the enema and support your body in gentler ways that day.
Detox works best when the nervous system feels safe.
Coffee enemas can be a powerful support tool when used thoughtfully.
They are:
- Not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Not enhanced by dumping multiple essential oils into the colon
- Best paired with binders, minerals, and foundational support
If it feels intimidating, that’s normal. Go slow. Respect your body. This is about supporting terrain — not forcing outcomes.
Clarity beats intensity. Every time.