Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Homemade Enemas?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

An enema is a procedure done to relieve constipation that involves filling the rectum with some type of liquid. Although over-the-counter enemas are available, there are also several different types of homemade enemas. These types of enemas are usually introduced into the rectum via a clear plastic bottle and a piece of tubing. Plain water is one of the simplest types of enemas. Water can also be mixed with soap, salt, oil, milk, and honey when used as an enema.

When using homemade enemas, some type of device is needed to inject the enema solution in to the rectum. Most people use a clear plastic bottle, like a water bottle. Rubber tubing should also be attached to the mouth of the bottle. The other end of the tube can then be inserted into the rectum through the anus.

A reusable enema bag.
A reusable enema bag.

One of the simplest and easiest enemas requires nothing more than plain water. Some experts recommend using filtered or distilled water. This water should also be warm, usually around 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius). If it is any hotter, it could cause burns, which can lead to a serious infection.

Another popular homemade enema is a soap enema. Very mild soaps should be used for these types of homemade enemas, since harsh soaps can cause irritation. Many people opt to use a mild solution of castile soap and water for this. Since even a mild soap may cause irritation, experts usually recommend following a soap enema with a water enema to wash out any soap residue.

Some people also use salt-water solutions as enemas. Non-iodized or Epsom salt should be used in these solutions. They should also be very mild, with just a teaspoon or two of salt dissolved in the water.

Epsom salt, which can be used in a homemade enema.
Epsom salt, which can be used in a homemade enema.

Oil enemas are another type of homemade enema. Olive oil and coconut oil are considered two of the best oils to use for homemade enemas. Sometimes just oil is used, but many times, it is mixed with warm water. The oil not only helps soften the stool, but it also lubricates the rectum and anus, making it easier to expel feces. After using this type of enema, however, a person may experience anal leakage, and he should follow it with a soap enema.

Milk can also be used to make enemas. This can be mixed with water, or it can be used on its own. Honey can also be mixed in with a milk enema.

Discussion Comments

anon989558

My wife has been giving enemas to me for the last 14 years. I have IBS and it has actually helped. I do know not to upset her before them because she will add more soap than needed and hold the bag up high and squeeze it.

anon946963

For years I have struggled with respiratory problems. The doctor said that if I didn't find out what was causing my breathing problem, it was going to kill me. I didn't think that I would hit 40 years old. I stumbled on coffee enemas in one of my wife’s natural healing books.

Embarrassed, I tried it for a period of time without telling my wife. Each time they stopped my bout of breathing difficulty! I then tried not taking the enemas. Interestingly, I did get sick! Now approaching my mid-fifties, I have been doing remarkably better. Even my daughter, when about nine years old, benefited from them. She had childhood asthma. I suggested my wife give her a coffee enema as the inhalers and such didn't always help. Within one hour, her oxygen level when up 40 points on the oxygen level gauge! You need to be careful with any procedure, but there is no question that it worked for us!

anon280324

Some medical conditions prevent enemas. I really wish someone would tap on this information

anon274842

@viktor13: Some people have medical conditions that require enemas quite often. So to say "I don't think it is hardly ever necessary to have one" is a gross misstatement. Just because your grandmother had some type of fetish doesn't mean that everyone who has to use an enema does.

MaPa

@ jellies - That's the other thing, cleanliness. I would hope that households that use these things have more than one bag. I suppose you could boil the tip or something, but then what do you do with the pot? It all seems unnecessarily complicated and gross. You can buy an enema at the store for a few dollars, if you even need one.

BigManCar

@ blackDagger - I know exactly what you mean. Why would the smell or taste of anything headed in that direction really matter? Milk and honey? What's the advantage there? Has to be some old folk remedy. I have heard of molasses too. I think some old school doctors even prescribed that one.

I can see it now, recipe trading websites, Internet videos, a whole community on who makes the best enema. Or not. I hope not.

Viktor13

My grandmother was a big fan of the homemade enema. She chased my poor mother around with that giant bag when she would get even the least bit constipated, sometimes even before. I saw the thing once when we were visiting (why would you save it?), and it was *huge*!

My mother had all kinds of digestive tract problems as a young adult, and even had to have surgery. She always thought it was due in part to all of the enemas. Some people seem really fixated on that kind of things. I don't think it is hardly ever necessary to have one. I have never had one in my life.

Agni3

I am very protective of my heinie, and so I have major reservations about using a homemade anything on it, or in this case, in it.

It seems to me like there are medical professionals who know all about heinies who have developed sterile enema methods.

Why fight it, baby? Just go with the best! Go to the store and buy that enema that you need. Make your husband go in and get it if you’re embarrassed.

Even if it does cause us to want to hang our heads a little when we put it on the counter, at least we know it is the ultra in safety and cleanliness!

Our heinies deserve no less than the best!

blackDagger

While all of this homemade enema information is very useful, I would really love to know the different outcomes that are supposed to come from the different kinds of liquids used.

For instance, is there some hidden benefit to using a milk and honey enema which should keep me from using the Epson salt one?

It seems odd to me that anyone would put anything in that particular area for the particular purpose of cleansing if there wasn’t supposed to be a very good cleansing purpose behind it.

Although, I guess these probably stem from old home remedies and wive’s tales, I wonder if they could actually be dangerous. I mean, if I wash my genitals with soap I often become irritated. Imagine what pumping it into your rectum could do!

trekker

There are some interesting ways to make a homemade enema bag. You can make one using a pastry icing bag, rubber medical type tubing, an unused hard plastic drinking straw, and a small hose clamp.

The rubber tubing goes in to the end of the pastry bag. You want to make sure the tubing is covered enough that no solution leaks out. The plastic straw gets connected to the other end of the tubing, then clamp it with the hose clamp. The straw is what you use to administer the enema.

You will want to test out the construction of the enema bag by filling it with water. This way you can test for any leaks and check the flow without wasting any of the solution you are going to use.

liz1103

The rectum absorbs nutrients, and some medications are given in an enema form. When using a homemade enema solution, I would wonder how much of the fluid used actually gets absorbed. Since things like soap don’t contain nutrients, maybe it isn’t a concern.

If I ever had to use a homemade enema, I would stick to using filtered water. I read that enemas can be used as a way to rehydrate a patient who is vomiting too much to keep liquids in their stomach and cannot have an IV put in.

jellies

Using homemade enemas is an interesting concept. I suppose it could be embarrassing to buy an enema in the store, especially if you live in a small town like I do. I would not want to have to go through the checkout with someone I knew.

There isn’t anything embarrassing about normal body functions, but I just wouldn’t want to make small talk while handing over an enema bag.

If you are going to use homemade enema equipment, you should make sure everything you are using is very clean. I would be worried about introducing infection on accident.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A reusable enema bag.
      By: Roman A. Kozlov
      A reusable enema bag.
    • Epsom salt, which can be used in a homemade enema.
      By: Brooke Becker
      Epsom salt, which can be used in a homemade enema.
    • Olive oil, which can be used in enemas, softens the stool and lubricates the anus.
      By: margo555
      Olive oil, which can be used in enemas, softens the stool and lubricates the anus.
    • Using an enema too frequently can damage the rectum and colon, and is thus not advised.
      By: kocakayaali
      Using an enema too frequently can damage the rectum and colon, and is thus not advised.
    • Enemas are used to relieve constipation.
      By: Chatchai
      Enemas are used to relieve constipation.