29/11/2025
Traditional E***a: RE**AL PUMP
1. What Is a Traditional E***a?
A traditional e***a is a liquid preparation introduced into the re**um through the a**s with the aim of cleansing the bowel, treating certain ailments, or performing cultural/spiritual rituals.
It has been practiced for centuries in many African, Asian, and Caribbean cultures.
The liquids used vary widely and may include:
• Herbal mixtures (e.g., bitter leaf, guava leaf, “agbo,” “oyinbo leaves”)
• Salty water
• Palm oil mixtures
• Ginger, garlic, or local roots
• Soap water (in some communities – and this is very dângerous)
2. Why People Use Traditional E***as
Cultural Reasons
• Considered a method of “cleansing” or “removing toxins”
• Used as part of traditional healing practices
• Used during festivals or rites of passage in some communities
• Given to infants or children for “purging”
Perceived Health Benefits
Some claim it helps with:
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Fever or malaria
• “Worms”
• General detoxifying
However, these benefits are not scientifically proven, and some practices can be harmful.
3. How Traditional E***as Are Prepared
Preparation depends on cultural practices, but it generally involves:
1. Boiling herbs or roots to extract their active substances
2. Cooling the mixture to lukewarm temperature
3. Straining to remove particles
4. Loading the liquid into a calabash, syringe, bulb, or bamboo stem
5. Administering into the re**um
Some communities use non-boiled mixtures or raw herbs, which increases the risk of infection.
4. How Traditional E***as Work in the Body
When the liquid is inserted into the re**um:
• The colon absorbs some of the fluid directly into the bloodstream
• The liquid stimulates intestinal movement
• It causes rapid bowel emptying
• It may irritate the colon lining, leading to a strong urge to defecate
Because of this rapid effect, some people believe the e***a is “effective,” but the body may actually be reacting to irritation or chemical imbalance.
5. Risks and Dangers of Traditional E***as
A. Risks in Adults
1. Electrolyte imbalance
– Can cause low sodium or potassium, leading to weakness, seizures, or collapse.
2. Re**al burns or irritation
– Especially with hot water or harsh herbs.
3. Internal bleeding
4. Infection
– Using non-sterile tools or contaminated water.
5. Perforation of the re**um or colon
– Especially when bamboo or sharp instruments are used.
6. Dependence
– The bowel may become “lazy,” making it hard to pass stool without e***as.
7. Toxicity
– Some herbs contain compounds that are harmful when absorbed into the bloodstream.
B. Risks in Babies and Children (Very High Risk)
Sadly, e***as are still given to babies in some communities, but this is dangerous because:
• Their intestines are delicate
• They can easily absorb toxins
• They can quickly lose fluids
• They can get severe infections or burns
• Some have suffered perforation leading to death
Paediatric bodies are too fragile for these practices.
6. Safer, Evidence-Based Alternatives
For Constipation:
• Increase water intake
• Eat fibre-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, oats, beans)
• Encourage physical activity
• Use doctor-approved laxatives if needed
• Glycerin suppositories (for children, only when recommended)
For Detoxification:
The human body cleanses itself naturally through:
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Skin
• Colon (on its own)
E***as are not required for detox.
7. Why Many Doctors Discourage Traditional E***as
Because the risks outweigh the benefits, especially when:
• The preparation isn’t sterile
• The herbs used are not scientifically studied
• The mixture enters the bloodstream directly
• The re**um or colon gets injured
Health professionals recommend safer, proven treatments instead.
***as
