Furthermore, in some people, herbal enemas have caused internal bleeding that required a blood transfusion and removal of the colon ( 1). Dirty or improperly used tools can cause infection and damage If a person has had a bowel obstruction or colon surgery, they have an increased risk of bowel perforation and should avoid using an enema.

There is no scientific evidence that an enema benefits general health, and using an enema to detox can be harmful. Inserting substances such as coffee or oil into the body can also introduce harmful bacteria. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns of possible harm from exceeding recommended dose of over-the-counter sodium phosphateproducts to treat constipation. Anyone with a compromised immune system — because of a disease such as leukemia, for example — should not use an enema, because of the risk that bacteria may enter the body. A person with a weakened immune system may not be fully able to fight an infection.Sodium phosphate. This is a common over-the-counter enema that works by irritating your rectum, causing it to expand and release waste. A person may need to limit their diet for a few days before the procedure. The doctor may also prescribe an enema to ensure that the bowel is empty. Cancer screening Among Enema Bags, choose between the 2 quart & 4 quart latex bag kits – a simple and economical home enema option.

Colon tubes - closed or open ended; disposable or reusable; rubber or siliconized PVC - complete flexibility as you build your own Enema experience Lay a towel on the floor and lie on the left side of the body if right-handed or on the right side of the body if left-handed. Enemas may also be prescribed to flush out your colon before certain diagnostic tests or surgeries. Your bowel needs to be empty before these procedures to reduce infection risk and prevent stool from getting in the way. This is the second time this week you’ve failed to memorize your Bible lesson,” Aunt Connie said. “Perhaps a whipping will help you concentrate.”Electrolyte disturbances have been observed with various types of enemas, such as large-volume soap suds enemas and those containing minerals. Each enema kit is slightly different and should come with clear instructions. Reading these instructions carefully can help make sure enema use is safe and effective. Gently and slowly insert the tube into your rectum, relaxing your muscles and allowing your anus to push out so that it enters more easily. Only insert the tube up to four inches into your rectum.

Chumpitazi CE, et al. (2016). Soap suds enema are efficacious and safe for treating fecal impaction in children with abdominal pain. Do not add any other ingredients to the saline solution unless your doctor advises you to. Even if you see them recommended online or by your family and friends, do not put fruit juices, herbs, vinegar, coffee, or alcohol into your enema. The risks posed by introducing these substances into your colon far outweigh any potential benefits. [3] X Research source Hamer HM, et al. (2009). Butyrate modulates oxidative stress in the colonic mucosa of healthy humans. Large volume enema. It is an effective treatment for constipation as it cleanses a large part of the colon. The fluid amount used in this type is 500-1,000 ml. The doctors may ask you to hold the fluid in your anal opening for a long time to release the stool completely. Disposable enema kits should still be able to work with a large amount of fluid. Make sure the tip and the tube are sterilized plastic. A vinyl bag is also a good choice, because it can work with gravity or you can squeeze it during use.According to some enema advocates, when waste builds up in your colon over time, it leads to ailments like depression, fatigue, headaches, allergies, and irritability, and using enemas can provide relief. Mix up your own solution if you're using a saline enema. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's safest to use a simple saline solution when you're performing an enema. [2] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan's medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source Making your own saline solution is easy—just stir 2 tsp (12 g) of table salt into 1,000 ml (1.1 qt) of lukewarm distilled water. Choose a quiet place with space to lie down, ideally a bathroom, and have towels, a timer, and the enema kit ready.

Anyone with rectal prolapse, in which the very end of the lower intestine comes out of the body, should avoid using an enema. If a person has hemorrhoids, they should take extra care to avoid further discomfort. It is usually necessary to have an empty bowel before surgery on the rectum, colon, or gut. A person may need to use an enema at home before surgery, or a medical professional may give an enema in the hospital. Colonoscopy Now, open the tube clamp and allow the enema to flow in for 5–10 minutes. You can close the clamp a little to slow down the enema flow. Probiotic. Mixing probiotics with water may cleanse your bowel while helping colonize your good gut bacteria. Lactobacillus reuteri enemas have been shown to reduce inflammation in children with ulcerative colitis. Normal saline solution. It is a combination of salt and water. The salt of the mixture sends the body's water into the bowels to make the feces soft.

3. Get into the right position

Kimura S, Hosoya K, Ogata K, Furuno T, Sogawa R, Takeuchi K, et al. Severity of constipation related to palonosetron during first-line chemotherapy: a retrospective observational study. Support Care Cancer. 2021 Aug;29(8):4723-4732. doi:10.1007/s00520-021-06023-0 Though enemas can clean out your bowel, you should consider their risks and take certain precautions before using one. May interrupt your body’s natural balances