Home

Homemade enema solution: Definition, Recipe, Procedure, and Side Effects

Definition, Recipe, Procedure, and Side Effects

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

A soap suds enema is one way to treat constipation. Some people also use it to treat fecal incontinence or clear their bowel before a medical procedure.

While there are many types of enemas, a soap suds enema remains one of the most common types, especially for constipation. It’s a combination of distilled water and a small amount of soap. The soap mildly irritates your bowels, which helps to stimulate a bowel movement.

Keep in mind that soap suds enemas are typically only used for cases of constipation that haven’t responded to other treatments, such as laxatives. Don’t use a soap suds enema unless directed by a doctor.

Read on to learn more about soap suds enemas, including how to make one and potential side effects.

You can easily make a soap suds enema at home. The key to a safe home enema is to ensure that all of your tools are sterilized to reduce your risk of infection.

Follow these steps to make a soap suds enema:

1. Fill a clean jar or bowl with 8 cups of warm, distilled water.

2. Add 4 to 8 tablespoons of a mild soap, such as castile soap. The more you add, the more irritating the solution will be. Your doctor can guide you on which strength will work best for you.

3. Test the temperature of the solution using a bath thermometer. It should be between 105 and 110°F. If you need to warm it up, cover the container and place it in a larger container holding hot water. This will slowly warm it up without introducing any bacteria. Never microwave the solution.

4. Place the warm solution in a clean enema bag with attached tubing.

You can give a soap suds enema to yourself or someone else. Regardless, it’s best to have a medical professional show you how to properly administer one before trying it on your own.

Before getting started, gather all of your supplies, including:

  • clean enema bag and hose
  • water and soap solution
  • water-soluble lubricant
  • thick towel
  • large, clean measuring cup

It’s best to do this in your bathroom, since things can get a little messy. Consider putting down a towel between where you’ll be doing the enema and the toilet.

To administer an enema, follow these steps:

  1. Pour the prepared solution into a sterile enema bag. This solution should be warm, but not hot.
  2. Hang the bag (most come with an attached hook) somewhere nearby where you can reach it.
  3. Remove any air bubbles from the tubing holding the bag with the tube facing down and opening the clamp to allow some fluid to run through the line. Close the clamp.
  4. Place a thick towel on the floor and lay down on your left side.
  5. Apply plenty of lubrication to the nozzle tip.
  6. Insert the tube not more than 4 inches into your rectum.
  7. Open the clamp on the tubing, allowing the liquid to flow into your rectum until the bag’s empty.
  8. Slowly remove the tube from your rectum.
  9. Carefully make your way to the toilet.
  10. Sit on the toilet and release the fluid from your rectum.
  11. Rinse the enema bag and allow it to air dry. Wash the nozzle with soap and warm water.

It doesn’t hurt to have a trusted friend or family member nearby in case you need help.

Tips for children

If a pediatrician recommends that you give your child a soap suds enema, you can use the same process outlined above with a few modifications.

Here are some considerations for giving an enema to your child:

  • If they’re old enough to understand, explain to them what you’ll be doing and why.
  • Make sure to follow the solution guidelines recommended by their doctor.
  • Hang the enema bag 12 to 15 inches above your child.
  • Don’t insert the nozzle more than 1 to 1.5 inches deep for infants or 4 inches for older children.
  • Try inserting the nozzle at an angle so it points toward their navel.
  • If your child says they’re starting to cramp, stop the flow of fluid. Resume when they no longer feel any cramping.
  • Make sure the solution moves slowly into their rectum. Aim for a rate of a little under half a cup per minute.
  • After the enema, have them sit on the toilet for several minutes to ensure that all of the solution comes out.
  • Take note of the consistency of their bowel movement after the enema.

Soap suds enemas generally don’t cause many side effects. But some people may experience:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain

These should subside shortly after releasing the solution from your rectum. If these symptoms don’t seem to be going away, call your doctor right away.

Enemas are typically safe when done correctly. But if you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions, you could end up with some complications.

For example, if the solution is too hot, you may burn your rectum or cause severe irritation. If you don’t apply enough lubricant, you run the risk of potentially injuring the area. This is particularly dangerous because of the bacteria found in this area. If you do injure yourself, make sure to thoroughly clean the wound.

Call a doctor as soon as possible if any of the following occur:

  • The enema doesn’t produce a bowel movement.
  • There’s blood in your stool.
  • You have ongoing pain.
  • You continue to have a large amount of fluid in your stool after the enema.
  • You’re vomiting.
  • You notice any changes in your alertness.

Soap suds enemas can be an effective way to treat constipation that doesn’t respond to other treatments. Make sure you feel comfortable administering an enema before trying it on your own. A doctor or nurse can show you how to safely do it for yourself or someone else.

Benefits, Research, Risks, and Instructions

What is a probiotic enema?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that benefit your body. The human colon is home to billions of beneficial bacteria that play an important and complex role in digestion, immune function, and other bodily processes. Having the correct number and balance of microorganisms in your colon can help to reduce inflammation, improve the absorption of nutrients, and prevent digestive issues, such as gas and bloating.

An enema is a procedure that involves injecting a solution into your rectum to help stimulate a bowel movement. They’re typically done to treat cases of severe constipation.

Probiotic enemas involve injecting a solution containing probiotics through your rectum and into your colon. This type of enema is becoming a popular alternative remedy for weight loss, gut health, immune system support, and some diseases of the digestive tract.

Keep reading to learn more about the research behind this new trend and whether you should try it.

Some people claim that probiotic enemas help to both eliminate harmful bacteria and increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the colon.

While you can consume probiotics orally, using an enema places them directly into your colon. This prevents them from encountering stomach acid, which can kill 60 percent of probiotics.

However, most oral probiotic supplements tend to contain strains, such as Lactobacillus, that are more resistant to stomach acid. As well, some manufacturers produce oral probiotics with unique delivery systems that are intended to withstand stomach acid and deliver more of the probiotic to the digestive tract.

Proponents of probiotic enemas claim they offer several health benefits, including:

  • increased metabolism
  • weight loss
  • improved immune system function

They may also play a role in helping to treat digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or ulcerative colitis (UC). In people without these conditions, probiotics may help to reduce common digestive symptoms, such as:

  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • bloating

The concept of probiotics, including their benefits and how to best administer them, is an emerging field of study. While some of the existing research is promising, most studies have been small and inconclusive.

There’s very little research on probiotic enemas. However, there are a few studies that take a look at the use of probiotic enemas to treat UC. For example, a 2011 study found that administering certain strains with an enema, in addition to oral medication, might be beneficial for children with UC.

Keep in mind that the various strains of probiotics behave differently. In addition, everyone has a unique microbiota, which refers to the collection of microorganisms in your body. This means that people likely respond differently to probiotics, based on what’s already in their system.

There haven’t been any studies done that look at the benefits of probiotic enemas for weight loss or metabolism.

If you have a digestive condition, such as UC or IBS, consider talking to your doctor about probiotic enemas. They can help to recommend specific strains based on your condition and existing research. This is a growing area of research, so they may also be able to give you more information about the latest developments.

Otherwise, there’s no reason to do a probiotic enema. In addition, probiotic supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. This makes it hard to know what you’re getting, especially if you buy them on the internet.

If you’re interested in trying probiotics, consider starting with some dietary sources, such as:

  • yogurt containing live cultures
  • miso
  • kefir
  • sauerkraut
  • tempeh

Enemas administered by a doctor don’t come with many risks. However, doing it at home may cause:

  • rectal damage
  • intestinal discomfort or pain
  • infection
  • diarrhea
  • kidney failure in older adults
  • embolism in very rare cases

Probiotic enemas carry additional risks for people with weakened immune systems, including people who are very young or old. While these bacteria are usually beneficial, they can lead to infections in people with compromised immune systems.

If you still want to try a probiotic enema, it’s best that you ask your doctor for their recommendation on what probiotic and type of enema kit to use. You also want to make sure you’re correctly giving yourself an enema. If you’ve never done an enema before, have your doctor walk you through the process.

You’ll need to choose a probiotic that comes in the form of powder in a capsule. Remember, probiotics aren’t regulated, so it’s important to look for a reputable brand. Learn more about how to choose a probiotic supplement.

Once you’re ready, gather your supplies. You’ll need:

  • an enema bag and tubing
  • distilled water
  • a probiotic capsule
  • a measuring cup
  • water-soluble lubricant
  • a large towel

Since things tend to spill, it’s best to perform the enema in a bathtub or on a hard surface, such as a tiled floor, and near a toilet. It’s also easier to have someone help you, if possible.

Once you have all of your supplies assembled, follow these steps:

  1. Fully dissolve the contents of a probiotic capsule into a cup of distilled water.
  2. Pour the mixture into the enema bag, making sure the tubing is clamped.
  3. Hold the bag with the tube end down. Open the clamp for just a moment to release any air bubbles, and then re-clamp.
  4. Lubricate the end of the tubing.
  5. Hang the bag within reach and lie down on your left side, pulling your knees to your chest.
  6. Insert the tube 2 to 3 inches into your rectum. Breathe deeply to help with insertion.
  7. Unclamp the tubing and allow the solution to flow into your rectum. Continue taking deep breaths. Watch for the bag to empty, and then re-clamp the tubing.
  8. Slowly remove the tubing from your rectum.
  9. You may immediately feel like you need to have a bowel movement, which is normal. Move carefully to the toilet. Your enema packaging should have instructions for how long you should hold in the solution before having a bowel movement.

Call your doctor if you notice:

  • watery bowel movements for more than a day
  • blood in your stool
  • pain that doesn’t go away

Probiotic enemas are becoming a popular way to reap the benefits of probiotics. However, there’s very little research surrounding this method, and experts are still trying to fully understand how probiotics affect the body. If you’re interested in trying it, talk to your doctor first to make sure you do it safely. Otherwise, it’s best to stick with probiotics from food sources and oral supplements.

BASIC TRAINING OPTIONS – OGBUZ “KDP No. 1”

Option No. 1

If the patient does not suffer from constipation, that is, the absence of an independent stool for 3 days, then preparation for the study is as follows:

90 008 1. 2 days before the colonoscopy, it is necessary to switch to a special (slag-free) diet, excluding vegetables and fruits, potatoes, herbs, berries, mushrooms, legumes, black bread from the diet. Allowed: broth, semolina, egg, boiled meat, boiled sausage, fish, cheese, butter, dairy products, except cottage cheese.

On the eve of the colonoscopy and on the day of the examination, only liquid food is allowed – boiled water, broth, tea.

2. On the eve of the colonoscopy at 14-15 hours, you need to take 30-40 grams of castor oil (2 tablespoons). For a more comfortable reception, the oil can be dissolved in half a glass of kefir.

Castor oil replacement – an aqueous solution of magnesium sulfate 30% – 150 ml at a time. Other laxatives (pursenide; bisacodyl 5 tab. – taken on the eve of colonoscopy at 12.00 pm – stools usually appear after 6-8 hours) do not completely clean the colon, so they should be used in the preparation process for intolerance to castor oil. After independent stool , it is necessary to make 2 enemas , 1.5 liters each, at normal room temperature, with water. Enemas are done at 20 and 21 hours.

3. In the morning on the day of the colonoscopy (usually at 8 and 9 o’clock in the morning) it is necessary to do 1-2 more similar enemas, but always before the “clean” water.

CLEANING ENEMAS

Esmarch’s mug is used to set up a cleansing enema. You can buy it in almost any pharmacy

Esmarch’s Mug is a tank (glass, enamel or rubber) with a capacity of 1.5-2 liters. At the bottom of the mug there is a nipple, on which a thick-walled rubber tube is put on.

The tube is a direct extension of the rubber reservoir. The length of the tube is about 1.5 m, the diameter is 1 cm.

The tube ends with a removable tip (glass, plastic) 8-10 cm long. The tip must be intact, with smooth edges. It is preferable to use plastic tips, since a glass tip with a chipped edge can seriously injure the intestine. After use, the tip is well washed with soap under running warm water and boiled.

There is a stopcock next to the tip of the tube that regulates the flow of fluid into the intestines. If you don’t have a tap, you can replace it with a clothespin, clip, etc.

Use only water from proven sources (that is drinkable) for enemas. For children, it is better to use only boiled water. The water temperature is about 37-38 degrees. Colder water significantly increases the motor activity of the intestine, causing unpleasant pain. Using water with a temperature of more than 40 degrees for an enema is dangerous to health.

How to give an enema.

1st method

Lie on the bed closer to the edge on the left side with legs bent and pulled up to the stomach. Place an oilcloth (plastic film) under the buttocks, lower the free edge of which into a bucket in case you cannot hold water. Pour 1-1.5 liters of water at room temperature into Esmarch’s mug, lift it up to a height of 1-1.5 m and lower the tip down to release a small amount of water and air from the tube with it.

Fill the tube (remove some liquid from the tube), then, without lowering the mug, close the tap on the rubber tube.

Check that the tip is not broken, lubricate it with Vaseline (soap, vegetable oil) and, spreading the buttocks, insert the tip into the anus with light rotational movements.

The first 3-4 cm insert the tip towards the navel, then another 5-8 cm parallel to the coccyx. If obstacles are encountered and the tube rests against the intestinal wall or hard feces, remove it 1-2 cm and open the tap.

Pressurized water will enter the colon. Almost immediately there will be a feeling of “filling” the intestines, the urge to stool. At these moments, you need to reduce the rate of fluid supply from the mug by closing the tap on the tube or pinching it. Circular soft stroking of the abdomen will help reduce discomfort.

If the tip is clogged with stool, it must be removed, cleaned and re-inserted. If the rectum is filled with feces, try to wash it out with a stream of water. Esmarch’s mug does not need to be completely emptied. Leaving some water at the bottom so that air does not enter the intestines, close the valve that regulates the flow of fluid and remove the tip.

Place a pre-prepared pad (fabric, multiple folded toilet paper, etc.) on the crotch, which must be clamped between the legs.

2nd method (“according to Hegar”)

Stand on all fours in the bath (knee-elbow position), leaning on one elbow, insert the tip into the rectum with the other hand.

The tip must be inserted slowly, carefully, especially with hemorrhoids. After inserting the tip, lower the head and shoulders lower and breathe deeply, but not often, with the stomach, “drawing in air through the mouth or nose.” If not all of the water has entered, but you already feel pain in the intestines, turn off the tap on the hose, take a deep breath.

When the water in the mug runs out, remove the tip, put a pre-prepared pad on the anus.

Preferably hold water for 10 minutes. To do this, lie on your back and breathe deeply. Pain, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen is calmed by stroking. If possible, walk with the introduced water or lie on your stomach. When setting a cleansing enema, you need to make sure that no more than 1.5-2 liters of liquid is administered at a time. If you need to put two enemas in a row, you should observe the interval between them 45 minutes-1 hour, making sure that the wash water from the first enema has completely drained.

Option No. 2

Preparation for colonoscopy with Fortrans (France)

The required degree of colon cleansing is achieved:

  • without cleansing enemas
  • without additional laxative intake
  • without long-term slag-free diet
  • without assistance
  • free from abdominal pain and excessive gas

The drug solution has a fruity taste. This type of preparation is ideal for patients with diseases of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

The action of the drug is based on the combination of a high molecular weight polymer with an isotonic electrolyte solution that prevents the absorption of water from the stomach and intestines. The solution promotes accelerated bowel movement. The presence of electrolytes in the solution, corresponding to the osmotic pressure of saline, replenishes the intestinal secretion of potassium, sodium, chlorine bicorbanate, and therefore there is no change in the composition of body fluids.

There are two types of preparation with Fortrans:

A. One-stage preparation with Fortrans.

The day before (the day before the study) exclude vegetables, fruits, potatoes, berries, mushrooms, greens from the diet.

On the day of the colonoscopy, you can only drink sweet tea, boiled water.

On the day of colonoscopy, depending on weight (up to 50 kg – 2 sachets, 50–80 kg – 3 sachets, over 80 kg – 4 sachets), the drug is diluted in boiled water at room temperature at the rate of 1 sachet per 1 liter of water, the required amount the solution is drunk on the day of colonoscopy from 5-6 to 10 am in fractional portions (a glass at 15-20 minutes). The solution can be washed down with boiled water. The chair begins to depart 1.0-1.5 hours after the start of taking the drug and stops 2-3 hours after taking the last dose of the drug.

On the day of the test, before the colonoscopy, you can have a cup of sweet tea.

Colonoscopy is possible no earlier than 4 hours after the last dose of the drug.

B. Two-stage preparation with Fortrans.

Preparation is carried out both on the eve of the colonoscopy and on the day of the examination.

On the eve of the colonoscopy, breakfast is allowed until 12 noon (semolina, yogurt, scrambled eggs, tea). After 12.00 clear broth, tea, boiled water are allowed.

On the eve of colonoscopy, depending on weight (up to 50 kg – 1 sachet, 50-80 kg – 2 sachets, over 80 kg – 3 sachets), the drug is dissolved in boiled water at room temperature at the rate of 1 sachet per 1 liter of water. The required amount of solution is drunk from 17 to 20-21 hours in fractional portions (a glass in 15-20 minutes). The solution can be washed down with boiled water. The chair begins to depart 1.0-1.5 hours after the start of taking the drug and stops 1-3 hours after taking the last dose of the drug.

On the day of the colonoscopy, from 7 am to 9 am, drink another 1 liter of solution at the rate of 1 sachet per 1 liter of water. After taking the last dose of the drug, the stool stops after 1-2 hours. The solution can be washed down with boiled water. Colonoscopy is possible no earlier than 4 hours after the last dose of the drug.

On the days of preparation for colonoscopy, it is possible to take the medications necessary for the patient, with the exception of iron preparations and activated charcoal.

Colonoscopy is a rather complicated procedure, so the patient needs to help the doctor and nurse as much as possible, namely, follow all the instructions.

In some pathological conditions, to clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to microscopically examine the changed areas of the mucous membrane, which the doctor takes with special forceps – a biopsy is performed, which lengthens the examination time by 1-2 minutes.

During a colonoscopy, you will feel a feeling of fullness in the colon with gases, which causes the urge to defecate. At the end of the study, the air introduced into the intestine is sucked off through the channel of the endoscope. Pain during this procedure is moderate because the intestine is stretched when air is introduced into it. In addition, at the moment of overcoming the bends of the intestinal loops, a displacement of the intestine occurs. At this point, you will experience a short-term increase in pain.
The success and information content of the study is determined mainly by the quality of preparation for the procedure, so it is necessary to pay the most serious attention to the implementation of the above recommendations. In order to examine the mucous membrane of the colon, it is necessary that there are no feces in its lumen.

How to properly deliver an enema at home

09/09/2021

0013 rectum human special substances for medical purposes.

It is carried out for various indications, for example, with prolonged (more than two days) stool retention, in case of chemical poisoning,

poor-quality products, and more.

Depending on the purpose of the enema, it is classified into:

• Therapeutic. Designed to cleanse the body, get rid of harmful substances, negative conditions of the body.
Nutrient . It is designed to introduce various nutrients into the body that will help it cope with the disease.
Diagnostic . It is used in X-ray studies, and consists in the introduction of contrast agents into the body.

Doing an enema at home

To do an enema at home, you need to prepare the following tools: Esmarch’s mug, rubber bulb, oilcloth, vaseline.

Everything you need can be purchased at the pharmacy. In carrying out an enema, only boiled pure water is used, its temperature will vary

depending on the purpose of the procedure. In any case, it should not exceed 40 degrees, it is recommended to use a special thermometer

for measurement. To enhance the effect, you can add a little shavings of baby soap to the water.

There are many recipes for making an enema solution, using ingredients such as milk, soda, various plants and flowers.

A detailed description of the effects of them will take up too much space, so in this case it is better to use special literature.

The enema place should be comfortable, the best place for it is a bed covered with oilcloth.

To gently insert Esmarch’s mug into the anus, its tip should be lubricated with Vaseline or nourishing cream. Air is released from the tube.

After injection, the amount of incoming water must be monitored, it should not be more than two liters. At the end of the klyster, for strengthening

flushing effect, it is recommended to perform certain gymnastic exercises. For example, the “candle” exercise or throwing back legs behind the head.

A comfortable position for self-administration of the enema is on all fours, head down. The tip of the tube must be inserted into anus approximately

by 7.5 centimeters, the tap must be opened, and follow its flow from the mug into intestine .