Herbal Enemas at home

Enemas have been used for centuries to cleanse the colon. Simply an injection of liquid via the anus, enemas may help relieve constipation, gas and bloating, cleanse the colon and reduce the body's toxic load. While the idea of giving yourself an at-home enema may seem like a daunting and uncomfortable task, it's actually a very simple process that often feels more awkward than uncomfortable. Enema solutions can help with a variety of symptoms, using one of a variety of recipes.

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• Aloe Vera enemas: soothe and heal hemorrhoids and IBS.

• Burdock root enemas: help remove calcium deposits, improving function of kidneys and bladder.

• Catnip enemas: ease pain and cramping.

• Slippery elm enemas: help correct both constipation and diarrhea, as well as help heal hemorrhoids and inflammatory conditions of the bowel.

• Coffee enemas are highly regarded for their use in detoxifying the liver, intestinal walls and colon, and encouraging the release of toxic bile from the system.

• Epsom salt enemas: increase the amount of water in the intestine and colon, stimulating a more thorough cleansing of the intestinal tract.

• Lemon juice enemas: help rid the colon of excess feces and balance pH levels in the colon.

• Salt water enemas: most comfortable and easiest for first time users.

Getting Started:

No matter which solution you choose, you'll need to do a few things to get started. 1. Your enema toolbox should include an enema bag with a clamp on the end of the tube to help control the flow and to prevent fluid from leaking out. You'll also want to make sure that the rectal tube is smooth, so as to avoid damage to the rectal lining. 2. You should be near a toilet and near a place to hang the enema bag, such as as a door handle or towel bar positioned between 1.5 and 3 feet above the floor. 3. Lay a few old towels and a pillow on the floor for comfort and cleanliness. 4. Heat your enema solution to between 98 and 104 F (37 to 40 C). 5. Ensure the tubing on your enema bag is secure, close the clamp and fill the bag with the warmed solution. 6. With your enema tools in place, lie down on your left side, with left leg straight and bend your right knee toward your chest, resting it on the floor. This will allow for the best reach and easiest enema application. 7. Before beginning, make sure there is no air in the tubing, then test the flow of the solution for a steady stream. 8. Lubricate the nozzle and your anus using a natural oil, then insert the nozzle a few inches into your anus, unclamp the tube and relax. If the solution doesn't start to flow, you may have inserted the nozzle a bit too far. 9. When you have finished emptying the enema or have taken in as much solution that you can comfortably hold, remove the nozzle and continue to lie on the floor, slightly clenching your anus to keep solution from leaking and try to hold the enema for 10 to 15 minutes. 10. Massage your abdomen in a counter-clockwise direction to assist the water to flow into the entire colon. When you're ready to evacuate, get up and move to the toilet. You'll want to stay close to a toilet for the next 30 to 60 minutes, as evacuating happens in stages. 11. After your enema, clean and sanitize your enema equipment thoroughly by boiling. Hang the bag and tubes to dry and never store enema equipment while it's still wet as it could grow mold. It is also important to reserve your enema equipment for your personal use only and never share it with anyone else. As easy as at-home enemas are, it is not something that should be done when you have a list of things to accomplish during the same day. You'll want to rest after your enema, drink plenty of hydrating fluids and maintain a diet of light meals that include nourishing, cooked foods, such as steamed vegetables, for the rest of the day. For general maintenance and colon health it is recommended that you give yourself an enema once a month. And although enemas are generally safe and complications are very rare in healthy adults, it is still recommended that you discuss appropriate enema solutions, precautions and even procedures with naturopathic Physician before trying this at home.

Herbal Enema Solutions:

• Aloe (Aloe vera)

• Burdock (Arctium lappa)

• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

• Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

• Chamomile(Matricaria recutita)

• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

• Garlic (Allium sativum)

• Neem (Azadirachta indica)

• Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

• Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

1. Aloe Enema

Aloe Vera is a very soothing and healing plant with strong anti-inflammatory properties. An aloe Vera enema is good for those suffering from hemorrhoids, as it will help to stop any bleeding associated with the hemorrhoids and aid in healing. An aloe Vera enema will also promote healing of the intestinal tract and will be beneficial for those with irritable bowel or diverticulitis.

Aloe Vera Enema Recipe:

• 1/3 to ½ cup aloe vera juice

• 2 liters warm filtered water

Combine the aloe vera juice and the water, mix well. Check that the temperature is comfortable and administer. Retain for 15- 45 minutes.

2. Burdock Enema

Burdock root is one of the best herbs for purifying the blood and correcting skin problems. A burdock enema aids in the elimination of calcium deposits and is beneficial for improving the functions of the kidneys and bladder.

Burdock Enema Recipe:

• 2 Tbsp. burdock root

• 2 liters filtered water

Add the burdock to the water in a pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to an appropriate temperature. Strain the solution and administer. Retain the solution 15- 45 minutes.

3. Catnip Enema

Catnip tea is very calming when taken internally. Taken as an enema it soothes and relaxes the intestinal tract, making it useful for those with stomach and digestive disorders. Catnip enemas ease pain and cramping in the colon, reduce intestinal gas and help relieve constipation. Catnip enemas also help pull mucous from the colon.

Catnip enemas are good to take in times of cold or flu, they also reduce fever quickly and are safe for use in both adults and children.

Catnip Enema Recipe:

• 2 Tbsp. dried catnip leaves or 4 catnip tea bags

• 2 liters filtered water

Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, add the catnip leaves and let steep for 15 minutes. Filter the tea, make sure it is a comfortable temperature and administer. Retain for 15- 45 minutes.

4. Cat’s Claw Enema

Cat’s claw is known for its immune-boosting properties, and it’s efficiency in healing intestinal ailments. When taken as an enema cat’s claw will cleanse the colon and aid the healing of bowel disorders such as Chron’s, colitis, diverticulitis, leaky gut syndrome, and hemorrhoids.

Cat’s claw enemas can help in the reduction of intestinal parasites and, because of the immune boosting effects of the herb, they may also aid in restoring friendly bacteria in the colon.

Cat’s Claw Enema Recipe:

• 2 Tbsp. cat’s claw powder

• 2 liters filtered water

Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, add the cat’s claw powder and let steep for 15 minutes. Filter the tea, make sure it is a comfortable temperature and administer. Retain for 15- 45 minutes.

5. Chamomile Enema

Chamomile is a calming herb which promotes relaxation in the body when taken as a tea. A chamomile enema will calm the body as well as the digestive system. Chamomile enemas soothe an irritated intestinal tract and can reduce abdominal cramps or spasms caused by gas or inflammation. Chamomile enemas may also help relieve hemorrhoids, nausea, and sleeplessness.

Chamomile Enema Recipe:

• 2 Tbsp. loose chamomile or 4 bags of chamomile tea

• 2 liters filtered water

Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat and add the chamomile. Let steep for 15 minutes. Cool to an appropriate temperature, filter, and administer. Retain for 15-45 minutes.

Cautions and Considerations:

• Those with an allergy to ragweed should avoid the use of chamomile.

• Chamomile is a gentle sedative and may cause drowsiness.

6. Fenugreek Enema

Fenugreek seeds are used internally for inflammatory conditions throughout the body. Fenugreek seeds become mucilaginous when added to water; this mucilage helps to lubricate and protect the mucous membranes of the body. Because of their mucilaginous character, fenugreek seeds, when used in enemas are very soothing in cases of inflammations located in the digestive tract. They also protect against the formation of ulcers in the intestinal tract and relieve pain from existing ulcers.

Fenugreek Enema Recipe:

• 2 Tbsp. fenugreek seeds

• 2 liters filtered water

Soak the fenugreek seeds in the water overnight. In the morning, boil the water with the seeds for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to a comfortable temperature. Strain, administer and retain for 15-45 minutes.

7. Garlic Enema

Garlic is a potent antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-parasitic herb. Garlic enemas have been used traditionally to eliminate intestinal worms and other parasites. They are also becoming well known for reducing candida levels in the colon. A garlic enema can rid the colon of harmful bacteria which causes diarrhea and other symptoms of irritated bowel, giving relief of symptoms in just a few hours.

Garlic enemas aid in the elimination of toxins and mucous from the colon, and are also known for their effectiveness in reducing fever.

Allicin is the substance which gives garlic it’s beneficial properties. Crushing the garlic is necessary to release the allicin in garlic. After crushing let the garlic sit for 15-90 minutes before using to increase the amount of allicin.

Taking garlic thorough enema is more efficient than eating garlic, as it delivers the allicin directly into the colon. When garlic goes through the digestive system in undergoes various chemical changes, and most of the allicin has been broken down into other components by the time it reaches the intestines.

Garlic Enema Recipe:

• 3 garlic cloves

• 2 liters filtered water

Crush the garlic cloves and let sit for 15 minutes. Add the garlic to the water and let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours or as long as overnight. This increases the amount of allicin in the solution. Strain the mixture and heat to an appropriate temperature. Administer and retain the enema for 15-45 minutes to achieve the most from its antibiotic effects.

It is also common to combine garlic with an Epsom salt enema or a catnip enema.

Cautions and Considerations:

• If you have a high level of infection from candida or parasites, a garlic enema may provoke a strong die-off reaction. To lessen the severity of the die-off reaction start with one clove of garlic in your enema solution and gradually make the solution stronger by adding one clove per day. Do not use more than 4-5 cloves of garlic in a single solution.

• Garlic is a natural antibiotic which may also kill some of the good bacteria in your colon if used in enemas regularly. To re-establish beneficial bacteria in your colon you can either alternate a garlic enema with an acidophilus enema, or supplement with oral probiotics and fermented foods.

• When using raw garlic in an enema you may experience a warming sensation around the anus, this normal. Stronger solutions may give a slight burning sensation and irritate the soft tissues in the anal canal. If you have a known sensitivity, then start with a more diluted solution.

8. Neem Enema

Neem is an excellent antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic herb. The herb also detoxifies the blood and stimulates the immune system to fight off infections. Neem enemas can reduce candida, parasites and other infections of the colon. Neem enemas are also useful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and skin conditions.

Neem Enema Recipe:

• 1 Tbsp. neem leaf powder

• 2 liters filtered water

Boil the water, remove from heat and add the neem powder. Steep for 15 minutes. Filter and make sure the temperature is comfortable. Administer and retain for 15-45 minutes.

9. Pau d’Arco Enema

Also referred to as taheebo or lapacho, pau d’arco is a potent antifungal and anti-viral herb which is often used to treat various infections in the body. A pau d’arco enema can aid the treatment of internal yeast or fungal overgrowth (candida) in the colon and will also assist in the reduction of parasites.

Pau d’arco enhances the ability of the immune system to fight infection and is useful to those with a weakened immune system. It also purifies the blood, and can lessen the severity of conditions related with toxic blood, such as psoriasis and dermatitis. When taken as an enema, the active substances in pau d’arco reach the bloodstream faster than when taken orally.

Pau d’Arco Enema Recipe:

• 2 -3 Tbsp. pau d’arco, inner bark

• 2 liters filtered water

Place the water and the pau d’arco in a ceramic or glass pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Let the mixture cool to a comfortable temperature. Strain, administer and retains for 15-45 minutes.

Cautions and Considerations:

• Due to its strong antifungal nature, the use of pau d’arco may cause some die-off reactions. If you have a serious infection of candida or parasites in the colon, start with a weaker concentration of pau d’arco tea in your enema and increase the strength gradually.

10. Slippery Elm Enema

Slippery elm is one of the best herbs to take for any problem in the gastrointestinal tract. It aids in the correction of both constipation and diarrhea. It also helps to heal hemorrhoids and inflammatory conditions of the bowel such as Chron’s and ulcerative colitis.

Slippery elm is demulcent in nature, which means that it soothes and protects the mucous membranes of the body by forming a mucilaginous film or coating over the mucous membranes. This coating property of slippery elm heals the intestinal walls, relieves mild pain, irritation, and inflammation. Slippery elm protects the intestinal walls from excess acidity and the formation of ulcers. Using slippery elm in an enema is an excellent way to obtain its benefits.

Slippery elm, is not only good for healing and soothing, but it is also a very rich source of nutrients. It is very good to take as an enema when a person has trouble eating or keeping food down because the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in slippery elm will be absorbed through the bowel walls and help nourish the body.

Slippery Elm Enema Recipe:

• 2 Tbsp. slippery elm powder

• 2 cups filtered water

• 1.5 liters warm filtered water

Boil 2 cups of water, remove from heat, add slippery elm powder and let steep for 5 minutes. Blend the mixture and add it to the remaining 1.5 liters of water. Make sure the mixture is an appropriate temperature, administer and retain for 15-45 minutes.

Do not be tempted to use more of the slippery elm powder in your mixture, slippery elm absorbs a lot of water, and using too much will cause the enema solution to be too thick.

11. Yarrow Enema

Yarrow is a diaphoretic herb, administering it in an enema is good in times of colds, flu or fever.

Yarrow is very soothing and healing for the mucous membranes of the body; therefore, yarrow enemas will aid in the reduction of abdominal cramps and inflammation in the intestinal tract. Yarrow enemas are useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and intestinal gas. Yarrow also helps to loosen and flush excess mucous from the intestinal tract.

Yarrow Enema Recipe:

• 2 Tbsp. dried yarrow

• 2 liters filtered water

Boil the water, remove from heat and add the yarrow. Let steep for 15 minutes, strain, cool to an appropriate temperature and administer. Retain for 15-45 minutes.

Cautions and Considerations:

Yarrow contains lactone and salicylic acid which, in some people, may cause allergic reactions such as nausea or headaches. If you have a known allergy to aspirin, which has a high concentration of salicylic acid, avoid the use of yarrow.

References and Resources:

• Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing

• Jack Ritchason, Little Herb Encyclopedia: The Handbook of Nature’s Remedies for a Healthier Life

• Brent Davis, A New World Class Herb for A.K. Practice: Uncaria Tomentosa, International College of Applied Kinesiology. Phytotherapy Research Laboratories

• Bob Anderson, The Health Benefits of Garlic

• Dr. Denice Moffat, Enemas

• Jethro Kloss, Back To Eden

• Barbara Wren, Cellular Awakening: How Your Body Holds and Creates Light

• University of Maryland Medical Center, Slippery Elm

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