Common Side Effects of Mineral Oil Enema

Regular bowel movement is an important part of a healthy living. Bowel disorders such as constipation, colitis, hemorrhoids, etc. are common in people whose daily diet comprises mainly of processed and junk food items. Enema helps with detoxifying the body by getting rid of the accumulated waste material which is a result of an unhealthy diet. An enema is not only a great fix for colon cleansing but it also helps with weight loss.

Mineral oil enemas slow down the rate at which the moisture is absorbed by the colon. Since the moisture content retained by the feces is increased, it becomes easier to evacuate the bowels. But with the amazing benefits, there are some side effects to it as well. 

Instructions to perform a mineral oil enema

The first thing that you need to perform a mineral oil enema is mineral oil. To perform mineral oil enema, you need a cup of castor oil and 5-6 cups of filtered water. Pour the oil and the water into a pot and stir for a minute. Put the pot on a stove and start heating the water and oil mixture gently. Keep the flame on low and heat until the temperature reaches 102-103 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the mixture has acquired the desired temperature, transfer the prepared enema solution to a 2-quart complete rubber enema bag kit or stainless steel enema kit and administer the enema as you normally would. 

Common Side Effects

The common side effects which may occur after performing a mineral oil enema are gas, bloating and diarrhea. Some people may also experience nausea and stomach cramps. Other not so common but severe side effects are allergic reactions which may include a rash or hives and difficulty in breathing. Swelling of lips, tongue or mouth and tightness in the chest are also signs of serious allergic reactions caused by mineral enema. Other side effects may include disturbed bowel movement for a few hours to follow after the enema procedure and dizziness. You may also feel weak with muscle cramps and pain in the muscles. Swelling, fainting and irritation are also some other possible side effects of mineral oil enema. Enemas if not performed properly may lead to severe complications such as damage to the rectal tissue or rectal tearing. This may sometimes cause internal bleeding which may worsen the situation even more by causing bacterial infections. 

To conclude it, mineral oil enema is a great way to detoxify the colon. However, an unsystematic use of mineral oil enema may cause more harm to your body than benefit. Thus it is a better option to consult your healthcare practitioner before performing the procedure.