In his book, A Cancer Therapy, Dr. Gerson stated:

“In former periods when there was not enough detoxication in my treatment, after the tumor was killed, the patient did not die of cancer but of a serious intoxication with “coma hepaticum” caused by absorption of necrotic cancer tissue, as several autopsies have shown.  The solution is that all these former failures can no longer occur if there is an intensive detoxication maintained long enough...the liver is the most important organ for elimination and restoration.  Only a detoxified body has both power of resistance and healing.”  (A Cancer Therapy, Max Gerson, M.D., 5th Edition, 1990, pp.197-198.)

From his patients, Dr. Gerson learned that, the best way to stimulate liver function and restore its detoxifying capability was through coffee enemas.  Caffeine was found to dilate the bile ducts of the liver and stimulate discharge of accumulated toxins.  He also found coffee enemas to be effective against chest pain, depression, nausea, nervousness, spasms, and withdrawal from sedating medications.

Patients quickly note the relief obtained through the use of coffee enemas.  Experiments have shown that after 10 to 12 minutes almost all caffeine is absorbed from the fluid.  It goes through the hemorrhoidal veins directly into the portal veins and into the liver.

In Dr. Gerson’s detox program, 2-3 coffee enemas daily was deemed appropriate.  According to Dr. Gerson, the only danger to the patient can arise from insufficient detoxification--not enough enemas--and the possible poisoning of the liver.  Eventually, Dr. Gerson concluded that cancer was the ultimate result of a poisoned liver, which was no longer able to efficiently perform its function of detoxification:

“Cancer is not a single cellular problem; it is an accumulation of numerous damaging factors combined in deteriorating the whole metabolism, after the liver has been progressively impaired in its functions.”  (A Cancer Therapy, Max Gerson, M.D., 5th Edition, 1990, p.35.)

In short, it is believed that, as long as the liver is healthy, the body has a functioning healing apparatus.  However, when the liver becomes poisoned, clinical symptoms of environmental intoxication may not be noticeable for many years.  Nevertheless, if the liver metabolism can be restored, and the body can be sufficiently detoxified, the healing apparatus can be reactivated.

General Instructions

1.                  Use 3 tablespoonfuls of coffee grounds per each (1) quart of water.

2.                  Bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes.

3.                  Steep for at least 15 minutes.

4.                  Strain and dilute concentrate with distilled water to make 1-2 quarts.

5.                  With the solution at body temperature (98 F), infuse slowly while lying on the left side.  If cramping occurs, slow or stop infusion and take slow, deep breaths before continuing.   

6.                  After infusion, move to a knee-chest position (or lie on your back) then the right side and back again.¹

7.                  Retain for 5-8 minutes.

BENEFITS: (A) Removes fecal debris and excess mucus; (B) Allows normal bowel flora to regenerate; (C) Stimulates the liver to detoxify; (D) Stimulates gallbladder secretion of bile into the small intestine to maintain the alkaline environment of the lower gut.

NOTE: If elimination is not felt to be complete then follow the above with a lukewarm water enema (1-2 quarts).  If you want alternatives to coffee, consider one of the following (per quart):

1 tsp. baking soda or base powder
1-2 Tbsp. molasses

1-2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1-2 Tbsp. clay water (bentonite)

1 garlic clove (liquefy in 1 cup water and strain)

Juice of 3 lemons

1-2 Cups Chamomile Tea