The Master Cleanse is a detox program with a homemade spicy lemonade mix. The blend of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, water and maple syrup is believed to remove toxins from the body and to increase energy levels, while helping participants to lose weight at the same time.
The blend is made with 10 fluid ounces of purified or distilled water or spring water, 1/10 teaspoons of cayenne powder, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed juice from lemons or limes, and 2 tablespoons of grade B maple syrup (organic if possible). This recipe makes one portion of the blend, and at least four to six portions should be drunk every day. 10 days is the general length of the program although anything between 4 to 14 days has been recommended. A first-timer could try a shorter diet at first and if s/he wants to repeat the program, try a longer diet.
No solid foods should be eaten during the diet. Some people take a “salt water flush” with 2 teaspoons of salt in a quart of water in the morning, and drink laxative herbal teas in the evening. Break the fast with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice on the last day of the program, and return to solid foods slowly over a few days. It is also important to drink a lot of purified water during the program to help the flushing out of toxins from the body and to relieve any side effects. These can include mood swings, headaches, tiredness and lethargy, but they will usually pass after the first few days.
The cleanse was developed by Stanley Burroughs (who died in 1991) and was introduced in his book The Master Cleanser in the 1950’s. In the recent years celebrities including Beyonce have promoted the program and it has become one of the most popular detox diets around.