The Coffee Enema: A 20-minute ritual that resets me every week
Picture this: we roll the RV into the driveway after another month of highway miles, campground potlucks, and “adventure”protein bars. I love the memories—my liver and gut, not so much.
So, before the suitcases are even unpacked, I slip into the bathroom—kids still asleep—and cue my little secret weapon: the coffee enema. (Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. No, it's not as scary as Google makes it out to be.)
One morning a week—and always after travel—I brew a special organic light-roast, let it cool to body temp, and give my liver a date with liquid gold.
Here’s why I'm obsessed:
Master detox boost: Caffeine triggers the “palmitic acid” receptors in the colon → liver dumps glutathione (your top antioxidant).
Happy thyroid: Clearer liver pathways = smoother T4-to-T3 conversion. Hello, steady energy.
Glowing skin: Less backlog of estrogen + toxins means fewer breakouts and dull patches.
Bloat relief: Gentle flush lowers gut inflammation and sweeps out lingering pathogens.
Mood & focus: The combo of glutathione + clean bile flow feels like flipping the lights on in my brain.
Twenty minutes later I'm lighter, clearer, and ready to tackle breakfast duty.
Here’s why it works:
Rectal absorption leads to liver signaling. The rectum drains partly into th portal vein, which goes directly to the liver. The idea is that caffeine and other compounds (like cafestol and kahweol) reach the liver quickly and: stimulate bile duct dilation, increase bile flow, and support detoxification by increasing glutathione activity.
Nervous system stimulation. Caffeine can stimulate the enteric nervous system, which may increase bowel movement, and create a feeling of release in people who are constipated.
Colon stimulation. Warm liquid in thecolon alone (even without coffee) can trigger bowel evacuation, temporarily reduce pressure or bloating.
Please remember: Don’t use coffee enemas to do all the work. You still need to make sure you are getting in adequate protein and fiber, key micronutrients (B vitamins, magnesium, glycine), having regular blowel movements WITHOUT dependency, and regulating your nervous system.
CONTRAINDICATIONS & SAFETY:
pregnant mamas (nursing mamas, please use caution as well)
very young child
hypertension
currently undergoing chemotherapy
bleeding and/or ulceration in the colon tract
ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease
renal/heart/respiratory failure
acute or ongoing chronic diarrhea until investigated by a physician
first 6-8 weeks post-surgery (always check with your primary physician)
HERE’S THE EQUIPMENT I USE:
BREW: 1-3 TBSP COFFEE TO 1 COFFEE PRESS FULL OF WATER, SIMMER 10 MIN, COOL TO LUKEWARM. I ADD ICE BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE TIME TO WAIT IN THE MORNINGS.
SET UP: BATHROOM FLOOR, TOWEL, NETFLIX IN EARS (YOU NEED TO HAVE SOMETHING TO OCCUPY YOU, THERE WILL BE A LITTLE CRAMPING.) WHEN THAT HAPPENS, BREATHE THROUGH IT AND MASSAGE LOWER BELLY.
INFUSE: LIE ON RIGHT SIDE, INSERT LUBRICATED TIP 1–2 INCHES, ELEVATE BUCKET, LET GRAVITY DO THE WORK. PLACE MINE ON THE COUNTER (1–2 MIN). IF HUNG HIGH ON A SHOWER CURTAIN ROD, THEN YOU MAY NOT MAKE IT THE FULL 15 MIN. SLOWER FLOW MEANS LESS STRESS ON YOUR GUT.
HOLD: ROLL ONTO BACK, KNEES UP. DEEP DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING FOR UP TO 15 MIN. (YOU CAN WORK UP TO THIS TIME GRADUALLY.)
RELEASE: HEAD TO TOILET & LET IT ALL GO. DON’T WORRY. (YOUR SPHINCTER WILL HOLD IT IN UNTIL YOU GET TO THE TOILET.)
PRO TIPS:
Hydrate—8 oz electrolytes before & after.
Start with half the volume if you're new.
ALWAYS use organic, light-roast enema coffee (regular drinking coffee ≠ the same).
I know sticking coffee anywhere south feels… unconventional. But the science (and my skin, sleep, and mood) speak for themselves.
If your gut still feels sluggish or inflamed—even with clean eating—this is one tool worth trying. And if you want a full roadmap (GI-MAP, DUTCH, personalized protocols) let’s talk.
I’ve also created a free PDF for you HERE.
