Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Enemas
As discussed in a previous video, enemas have been used for centuries all over the world in various cultures and traditional medicine. There is hardly a region of the world where people did not discover or adapt the use of an enema. We know that they are safe beyond the rare misuse of them. But do we have any research in this area?
As mentioned as well, there is not a lot of research on coffee enemas specifically, but there IS a lot of research on various enema therapies for various conditions.
Watch the full video or continue reading below.
Lets take a look at the literature
A randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of calendula tea retention enemas on colon mucosal healing in dogs. The results were promising, showing “significant mucosal healing” one month after subjects received a week of calendula tea enemas. (1)
In a study involving 2 groups of children with active ulcerative colitis, those treated with Lactobacillus reuteri enemas showed significant clinical and histological improvement compared to the placebo group after 8 weeks.(2)
Another study covered herbal retention enemas on chronic UC. The effect of the treatment group was markedly superior to that of the control group. The study showed that QAKJP (a chinese herbal preparation as retention enema) could rapidly alleviate the congestion and edema of intestinal mucosa, promote the healing of ulcers, inhibit spasms and helped diarrhea. (3)
A meta-analysis of twenty-eight randomized controlled trials demonstrated that retention enema with Traditional Chinese Medicine had significantly better effectiveness compared to control groups. (4)
In a randomized controlled study comparing oral and enema Chinese herbal treatment, the group receiving herbs through both methods showed the best outcomes across various aspects of clinical effectiveness. (5)
A study investigating turmeric extract enemas for ulcerative colitis found a trend toward more remission compared to a placebo enema, with significantly higher remission rates in those who completed the full 8 weeks of therapy. (6)
Enema Therapies Beyond GI Conditions
Enema therapies extend beyond gastrointestinal conditions. Studies indicate their potential in treating Hepatic Encephalopathy (7), chronic severe hepatitis, hyperuricemia-related kidney disease (8), endometriosis, and even in the management of chronic renal failure (9).
Researchers in 2021 working on a systematic review looked at colonic dialysis combined with retention enema in the treatment of chronic renal failure. It was their conclusion that colonic dialysis combined with TCM retention enema in the treatment of CRF can delay the progression of renal disease.
“The treatment method used in this study is colonic dialysis combined with TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) retention enema, so that the metabolic harmful substances produced by the body can be discharged from the intestine and the damage to the organs of the whole body can be alleviated.” (10)
Something to note here is with renal failure specifically, western medicine does not even entertain that it can be healed or improved. which is flat out WRONG. I have direct experience with this in my own patients and clients and my colleagues have similar experience.
Renal failure can be temporary if the right steps are taken to allow the kidney tissue to heal. Enemas can play a role for that just as this study mentions.
Clinical trials exploring endometriosis revealed that Chinese herbal retention enema combined with intrauterine douching significantly improved clinical pregnancy and embryo implantation rates. (11)
Dr. Datis Kharrazian’s Perspective
Dr. Datis Kharrazian, a Harvard Medical School-trained , award winning clinical research scientist, actively recommends the use of coffee enemas in clinical practice, citing their benefits from direct experience, despite limited direct studies (12)
Conclusion
This therapy has been done all over the world for centuries; it is still done for many ailments in Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and in other indigenous cultures; I have personally used this type of therapy and professionally with patients for many years AND as I covered there is actually good indication that retention enemas can help several types of condition states.
Of course, do use care when performing at home therapies and make sure you are prepared and educated on how to do them effectively and safely!
