You may need an enema if you are frequently constipated, want to treat a bowel condition, are detoxing, or are preparing for bowel surgery. If you have consulted with your doctor and were told that enemas can be useful, you can make a solution to help you have a comfortable and safe bowel movement. Some of the ingredients needed are warm water, table salt, and clean utensils.
Ingredients
Saline solution
- 2 tsp (10 grams) table salt
- 4 cups (1 liter) tap or distilled water
- 2-6 tsp (10-30 ml) glycerin (optional)
- Prescription drugs, if recommended
Produces 4 cups (1 liter) of salt solution
Step
Method 1 of 2: Mixing Enema Salt Solution
Step 1. Put 4 cups (1 liter) of warm water in a clean bottle
Prepare a sterile bottle with a large enough size, then put 4 cups (1 liter) of warm water into it.
- Sterilize bottles by boiling them for 5 minutes or putting them in the dishwasher and turning them in after they are hottest.
- While tap water is safe to use, you can also use distilled water.
- The water used should be warm and comfortable, between 37 and 40 °C.
Step 2. Put 2 tsp (10 grams) of table salt in the bottle
You can use a measuring spoon to add salt to a bottle filled with warm water. You have to pay attention to the measurements properly. Otherwise, the solution becomes ineffective.
Warning:
Never use Epsom salt to make an enema solution. This can make magnesium levels in the body very unbalanced, which can be life-threatening.
Step 3. Close the bottle and shake until the salt dissolves
Close the bottle tightly to prevent water from leaking out, then shake vigorously until the salt dissolves into the water. This process takes approximately 30 seconds.
This saline solution will be clear in color because you are adding less salt than water
Step 4. Put the recommended amount of warm saline solution into the enema bag
Your doctor will tell you how much saline to use, but for adults, you should usually put 2 cups (500 ml) of saline in the bag.
Children aged 6-12 years need 1 1⁄2 cups (350 ml) of saline solution, while children aged 2-6 years need 3/4 cup (180 ml)
Variation:
Instead of a saline solution, you can use pure mineral oil, which softens stools and lubricates the colon (large intestine). Buy a 130 ml bottle or pour an equal amount of oil into the enema bag. If the enema is to be used on a child aged 2-6 years, use half the dose.
Step 5. Add glycerin or prescription medication to the enema bag if your doctor recommends it
For a laxative effect, your doctor may advise you to add 2-6 tsp (10-30 ml) of glycerin or a prescription medication for intestinal conditions, such as colitis or ulcerative colitis.
Follow your doctor's prescription when you add medication to the enema solution. You may have to let it mix with the solution for a long time, or use it at certain times of the day
Method 2 of 2: Giving Enemas Safely
Step 1. Get your doctor's approval before using the enema
There are several reasons why doctors recommend enemas. Enemas are useful for treating severe constipation because they stimulate the intestines to expel stool. Your doctor can prescribe an enema if you are going to have bowel surgery.
If you are going to have bowel surgery, you will usually need to use an enema 2 hours before the procedure
Step 2. Ask your doctor about the dosage and frequency
If your doctor thinks that giving you an enema at home would be useful, ask your doctor to prescribe a special type. Your doctor will also tell you how much fluid to use and how often you should use it.
You must follow the prescription precisely because overdosing on the enema can damage the colon or make you addicted to the enema
Step 3. Use a sterile enema device to prevent infection
You must use a sterile device each time you give the enema. Purchase a device consisting of a sterile enema bag and a tube with a nozzle. Depending on the device purchased, you may also receive a lubricant.
Enema kits can be purchased at pharmacies, drug stores, or the internet
Step 4. Give the enema
Hang the enema bag about 30-50 cm above the rectum or have someone hold it at this height. With the enema bag position like this, the liquid will flow smoothly. Rub the skin around the anus and the enema tube nozzle with rectal lubricant or petrolatum (petroleum jelly). Lie on your side and lift your legs towards your chest. Next, insert the nozzle into the rectum to a depth of 7 cm, then remove the clamp that is on the tube. The solution will flow into the intestines.
If you're having trouble getting the nozzles in, try doing it in a squat position
Step 5. Hold the enema saline solution for 15 minutes
Hold your position for at least 5 minutes. Once the enema solution starts to work, you will begin to feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Try to stay relaxed and breathe slowly if your stomach feels cramped.
If the solution is added with glycerin, you may have to hold the enema for up to an hour
Step 6. Take out the enema and defecate in the toilet
If you feel like having a bowel movement, go to the toilet. It may take you a while to pass the enema solution and stool. So, don't worry if you have to sit in the restroom for a while before the stool comes out.
Remain sitting on the toilet until the urge to defecate is gone
Step 7. Understand the risks of using enemas at home
Some of the side effects that often occur when using enemas include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping or abdominal pain. In rare cases, the colon may become perforated or there may be a severe electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, only do enemas if your doctor recommends it.
If you are afraid of the risks of using enemas at home, ask your doctor if you can do enemas in a hospital
Step 8. Avoid using home remedies for enemas as they can damage the colon
You may have heard of coffee, vinegar, or milk enemas. Unfortunately, these ingredients can carry harmful bacteria into the colon or cause an electrolyte imbalance. So, never use it. Also avoid making enemas from the following ingredients:
- Lemon juice
- Alcohol
- Garlic
- Aloe vera
- Thistle (a type of thorn bush)
- Mineral water
- wild plants
- Turpentine
Warning:
While you may have encountered soapy water enemas, studies show that they are only safe for use in extreme and emergency room situations.
Tips
If you're hesitant about making your own enema solution, buy a ready-made phosphate enema at the pharmacy. Phosphate solution is safe for use in children as long as it follows the dosage recommended by the manufacturer
Warning
- Never use food products or home remedies (such as milk, herbal tea, lemon, or coffee) for enemas as they can cause fatal health problems.
- Do not use purified water enemas as you need salt to draw water into the intestines. This will soften the stool so you can pass it out.
