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.