Stanley Burroughs, controversial doctor and author of "The Master Cleanse" was thrust into the national zeitgeist long after his death in 1991 when his cleansing program became a much-discussed favorite of celebrities like Beyonce Knowles. The simple program has spawned a cottage industry of books, websites and workshops, but the ingredients and details of the cleanse are available to anyone, anywhere without the need for specialized instruction. The recommended duration of the Master Cleanse is 10 to 40 days.
Water
Burroughs' original list of ingredients mentions no particular type of water, except that it should be room temperature. Cold water is still okay, according to Burroughs, but room temperature water is less of a shock to the body. Newer publications and websites often place undue emphasis on the kind of water used, sometimes calling for ionized or "pure" water. Any tap water run through an average, faucet-mounted charcoal filter will do.
Grade B Maple Syrup
Certain emphasis is placed on the grade of maple syrup used in the diet in both the original text and current wisdom. Grade A syrups come from the first run of the refining process. They are lighter in color, sweeter and they don't contain the concentration of trace minerals present in subsequent runs. Grade B syrups, available at health food stores or chains like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, are rich in natural minerals, vitamins and acids.
Lemons
You must use fresh lemons and buy organic if they are available. Burroughs specifically mentions that concentrates or bottled lemon juices are insufficient. If you haven't squeezed fresh lemon before, you'll learn quickly that the juice yield is fairly slight, so buy a big bag.
Cayenne Pepper
Modern proponents sometimes say the cayenne pepper is an optional ingredient that may be eliminated if you are sensitive to spicy foods. Burroughs contends that it is essential to "break up mucus" and "warm the blood."
Proportions
A simple glass of master cleanser includes 8 oz. of water, 2 tbsp. of lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper and 2 tbsp. of grade B maple syrup. Burroughs recommends drinking 6 to 12 glasses of cleanse per day, but you may drink some whenever you feel hungry. You may mix a day's worth of cleanser at a time, but it is not recommended to make especially large batches because the ingredients (particularly the lemon juice) will not be as fresh.
Salt Water Flush
In one quart of water, dissolve 2 level tsp. of sea salt. Drink the entire quart in the morning on an empty stomach. The saltwater acts as an oral laxative so be prepared for several eliminations. Burroughs recommends the flush only as needed, not every day.
Laxative Tea
Laxative teas are available in several varieties and use herbal stimulants rather than caffeine, which is used in over-the-counter brands or oral laxatives. Burroughs recommends a cup of laxative tea each evening for the duration of the cleanse, but most such teas warn against use for more than seven consecutive days.
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