According to WRIC Health, we may not be using enough glycerin in our enemas. A glycerin enema contains the active ingredient Glycerol, which is indicated for the treatment of constipation, some radiological examinations and for bowel cleansing. Glycerin is hyperosmotic meaning it retains water in the intestine, stimulating peristalsis. The glycerin enema is not absorbed into the body so side effects are uncommon.
The recommended minimum dose (emphasis added) is 250 ml of glycerin added to 1,750 ml of water making two-quarts. This results in a 12.5% glycerin enema. The equivalent mixture in ounces is 8.5 ounces of glycerin added to 59 ounces of water for a two-quart 12.5% glycerin enema. If this concentration is not adequate, it is recommended to use 500 ml of glycerin added to 1,500 ml of water making a two-quart 25% glycerin enema. The equivalent mixture in ounces is 17 ounces of glycerin added to 51 ounces of water for a two-quart 25% glycerin enema. It is noted that this is more glycerin than in Susie’s Rough Ride Enema which calls for 16 ounces of glycerin. If this concentration is not adequate, it is recommended to use 1,000 ml of glycerin added to 1,000 ml of water for a two-quart 50% glycerin enema. The equivalent mixture in ounces is 34 ounces of glycerin added to 34 ounces of water for a two-quart 50% glycerin enema. WRIC Health indicates that you can take daily glycerin enemas but treatment should not exceed one week.
Glycerin is readily available in one-gallon (3,785 ml or 128 ounces) containers on the internet costing about $30.00. For enema purposes, only USP (United States Pharmacopia) glycerin should be used. The use of glycerin contaminated with diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol is a serious health hazard as these are considered to be unacceptable toxic substances. The USP designation on glycerin indicates the absence of these toxins.
I prepared a 12.5% two-quart glycerin enema and using a double balloon rectal catheter, infused the enema over about 9-10 minutes. The first five minutes were uneventful. From five to ten minutes, there was gurgling sounds but no cramps. At ten to fifteen minutes, there were rapid and continuous cramps but these were at a low and tolerable level. Up to twenty minutes, the cramping was not as fast but the cramps were quite intense.
I next prepared a 25% two-quart glycerin enema but before taking it, I wanted to see how a 25% enema felt. So I mixed three ounces of glycerin added to nine ounces of water and directly infused the solution. I didn’t feel anything as I think this volume is simply not sufficient. I then took the two-quart 25% glycerin enema and using a double balloon rectal catheter, infused the solution over about five-six minutes. The first five minutes were uneventful but from five to fifteen minutes, I felt occasional but very intense cramps. Up to twenty minutes, the cramping became quite intense although spread out over time.
I have not taken the two-quart 50% glycerin enema yet but will do so soon using a double balloon rectal catheter (recommended for all of these glycerin enemas). I recommend taking a soapsuds enema following a glycerin enema as the hyperosmotic nature of glycerin drawing water into the intestines can keep you near a toilet for quite some time
The information provided herein is from WRIC Health (https://wric-health.com/eng/package-and-remedies/what-is-the-glycerin-enema-for-and-how-to-do-it/). The article has been translated to English from Portugese. The translator confused the Fleets 7.5 ml liquid glycerin suppository with the glycerin enema but it is easily separated when reading the article.