Just when you thought TikTok couldn’t come up with anything stranger, here comes the coffee enema.
Yes, that’s right – people are brewing up a fresh pot, and inserting it into their colon through their rectum to stimulate bowel movements. The trend claims to “detox” your body, boost energy and improve digestion.
The concept isn’t new: coffee enemas were part of the now-debunked Gerson therapy, a 1950s diet-and-enema based cancer treatment.
Despite the TikTok revival, there’s no good evidence that it works, but we do have plenty of reports of some unpleasant and potentially harmful side effects.
For one, your rectum isn’t designed to handle coffee. The caffeine and acids can irritate the delicate tissue, leading to inflammation, pain and even burns if the coffee isn’t cool enough. Over time, repeated enemas could damage the mucosal lining, increasing the risk of chronic problems.
And while the trend promises "detoxification," your liver and kidneys are already well-designed to clear out toxins, so you don't need to try something so risky yourself.
Then there’s the DIY risk factor. By doing something so invasive, you’re inviting infections or even injuries such as rectal tears. Serious infections could lead to sepsis and even be life-threatening.
So, if you’re looking to feel lighter or healthier, stick to the basics: eat more fibre, drink water and move your body. And if digestion’s a struggle, chat with a healthcare professional, not an influencer.
Despite its newfound popularity, there’s no reliable evidence supporting coffee enema benefits, and the risks are far from trivial. The ‘bottom’ line? Keep your coffee in your mug, not in your colon.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Sara Solomon, via email) 'Should I give myself a coffee enema?'
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