Many pharmacies sell enema kits, and these are also available online. Choose one that a healthcare provider has recommended.

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.

Enemas can treat constipation and clear out your bowel. However, many people choose to use enemas for other purported health benefits ( 8, 9). Use the recommended amount of room temperature liquid, and do not use an enema too frequently. Things to remember Making your own enema to relieve constipation requires certain ingredients and clean, sanitized tools. For some people, enemas may cause side effects, including nausea and dehydration. Soap suds. Adding castile soap, or another mild soap with minimal additives, to water mildly irritates the bowel, which encourages the rapid excretion of stool.

Get your doctor's consent before having an enema. There are several reasons why your doctor might recommend an enema. They can help if you're experiencing severe constipation because they can stimulate your bowels to pass stool. Your doctor might also prescribe an enema if you're going to have bowel surgery. [5] X Research source 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. It’s not difficult to make your own enema at home. All you need is a specific enema recipe from your healthcare provider, a safe fluid, and the right tools. Warning Avoid using home remedies as enemas since these can damage your colon. You've probably heard of coffee, milk, or vinegar enemas. Unfortunately, these can introduce harmful bacteria to your colon or cause an electrolyte imbalance, making them dangerous to use as enemas. Also avoid making enemas with any of these ingredients: [12] X Research source 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.An enema can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If there is a pain, stop and seek medical advice. Using petroleum jelly can ease discomfort during insertion. Enema instructions

Enemas should be avoided in patients who have a potential for circulatory overload, mucosal damage, necrosis, perforation, or hemorrhage. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Typically, store-bought enemas come in children's and adult's sizes. Read the label carefully to ensure you get the right enema for your age and body size. Mineral oil. This type of enema works primarily by lubricating waste inside of your colon, sealing it with water, and promoting its removal. https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/documents/Giving_yourself_a_Clyssie_enema_GHPI1359_02_20.pdf

Release the enema liquid into the toilet. After 15 minutes, or when you can't hold it in any longer, carefully get up and move to the toilet. Then, release your bowels to expel the enema fluid. Afterward, shower or use a wet wipe to clean any remaining lubricant from around your bottom. [16] 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 Using too much liquid: In this case, the body may hold some liquid in and release it without warning. Enemas are a gentle and safe form of colonic hydrotherapy, introducing water, sometimes mixed with other substances such as organic ground coffee or aloe vera juice, into the lower bowel. Enemas can be used to support the health of the colon and liver and detoxification processes. Niv G, et al. (2013). Perforation and mortality after cleansing enema for acute constipation are not rare but are preventable.Still, evidence is limited to suggest that enemas are effective for these purposes or that they benefit everyone who uses them. Most evidence in support of their effectiveness is anecdotal, despite their widespread use in modern medicine ( 10). Talk to a doctor about safe gut cleanses or treatments for constipation before you attempt to try any yourself.