What Is a Milk and Molasses Enema?

A milk and molasses enema is sometimes used to treat severe cases of constipation, especially if an impaction has developed. Liquid milk can be used, although some prefer to use powdered milk and water in combination with equal parts of molasses. Blackstrap molasses is generally used because it is the strongest form of molasses available. Extreme caution should be employed when using this type of enema, as it tends to create severe cramping. This treatment method should not be used for anyone who has a dairy allergy or is lactose intolerant.

In order to make the enema, equal parts of milk and molasses are mixed together and then slightly heated so that the molasses mixes easily with the milk. Care should be taken so that the mixture is not hot enough to damage skin tissue. The mixture is then placed into an enema bag. Just before using the enema, the bag should be shaken gently to make sure the contents are completely mixed together.

The end of the enema tubing should be properly lubricated and then gently inserted just a few inches (or centimeters) into the rectum. The bag should be held high until all of the fluid has entered the rectum. The patient should try to hold the fluid inside the rectum for as long as possible before defecating. This process may be repeated every six hours until the bowels have been sufficiently emptied.

The enema usually produces results almost immediately. A retention nozzle can be used when delivering the fluid into the rectum so that the liquid does not begin to leak out before the desired amount has been used. Some people may also want to use a retention plug to hold the mixture in long enough to produce the desired results.

Many people have reported extreme cramping and abdominal pain when using a milk and molasses enema due to the large amount of intestinal gases formed by the use of this constipation remedy. Anyone with dairy allergies or sensitivities will need to choose a different type of constipation remedy. Although relatively rare, there have been some serious complications reported among those using this type of remedy. For this reason, any questions or concerns about the safety of the enema mixture should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

There are several recipes out there for milk and molasses enemas, but the most standard one seems to be:

Place the powdered milk and water in a sealed container that does not leak. Then, proceed to shake the container until the powdered milk and water are evenly distributed and you no longer see any milk powder floating around in the mixture. Next, while the water is still warm, add the molasses, seal the lid, and shake again until the mixture appears to have a uniform color. Now you know that the contents are mixed well and you are ready to move on to the next step.

Pour the contents of the container into an enema bag, which is a small pouch with a nozzle on one end that can be purchased from most pharmacies. Then follow the directions on how to administer the enema into your system. This particular type of enema requires insertion of the nozzle as high in your colon as it can comfortably go. It is often recommended to hold the liquid in your body for around 20 minutes.

Warm liquid milk may also be used in replacement of the powdered milk and warm water. If you choose to use this, proceed with the steps directly after the step to shake the powdered milk and water.

Milk and molasses enemas are one of the oldest types of enemas around. This is partly because the ingredients are inexpensive and can be easily sourced from most grocery stores. Milk and molasses enemas are potent yet well-tolerated by most people. Always contact a medical professional if you have a pre-existing condition that you believe may make taking an enema unsafe for you.

Milk and molasses contain a lot of sugars, which cause hard, impacted stools to soften and be released from the system. The sugars also slightly irritate the lining of the intestines, allowing for the easier evacuation of impacted fecal matter. This irritation may also produce gas, which can be an uncomfortable side effect of the enema but is a sign that material in the colon is beginning to move along as pressure builds in the body. Molasses is a well-known treatment for constipation, both when taken orally and via an enema.

Warm liquids also work to stimulate movements in the bowel. This is why the recipe recommends water that is warm, but not so hot that it could damage the lining of the intestines.

Milk and molasses enemas have been used by constipated people, and those needing to cleanse their bowels prior to surgery, for many years. Literature from thousands of years ago mentions the use of enemas. Some sources state that the milk and molasses enema specifically was first used by patients in India. The enema as patients know it today, using a disposable bag that can be squeezed into your system, was developed by Charles Browne Fleet.