The Master Cleanse is a very rigorous plan that is used primarily for detoxification purposes, although it is also used for rapid weight loss. According to a report on The Master Cleanse in "American Chronicle," it is often referred to as the "Lemonade Diet" due to the high amount of lemon juice in it. Four ingredients are necessary for the lemonade that is the core of the Master Cleanse, and two other ingredients are necessary for effectively following the diet.
Organic Maple Syrup
One of the main purposes of the Master Cleanse is to rid the body of toxins, so when you are purchasing maple syrup, be sure to look for "organic" on the label. Some maple syrup producers put formaldehyde pellets in the sap lines, which affect the syrup. There are three grades of maple syrup: A, B and C. Grade B is recommended for the Master Cleanse as it has more minerals than Grade A, yet it is not as strong in maple flavor as Grade C. According to Stanley Burroughs, originator of the Master Cleanse, the minerals in the maple syrup that are necessary to health on the diet are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, vitamins A, B1, 2 and 6, C, nicotinic acid and pantothenic acid.
Pure Lemon Juice
As with the maple syrup, the lemon juice should be fresh squeezed, by you, from organic lemons. When juicing the lemons, Mr. Burroughs recommends that you put a piece of the cleansed, organic, lemon skin and pulp in the blender before adding it to your maple syrup drink, as it will give additional cleansing and laxative benefits. Limes can be used in place of lemons, if preferred.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is used in the drink to aid in the detoxification of the body. The cayenne loosens mucus so it can be expelled more easily. The pepper also contains additional B and C vitamins.
Water
The ingredients are mixed with a water base. For the purpose of cleansing, the water should be pure, filtered or distilled water, but not tap water.
Sea Salt
Pure sea salt is used in the mornings. Referred to as the "salt water flush," it is added to a quart of warm water and then drunk quickly to aid in bowel elimination. Mr. Burroughs believes it to be a more effective cleanser of the entire colon than enemas or colonics.
Laxative Tea
A laxative tea is recommended in the evenings to help the elimination process, as well as for general relaxation. Laxative teas are available from most health food stores and pharmacies. In a pharmacy, they are often found in the laxative section.
Putting It All Together
To make the Master Cleanse drink, mix 2 tbsp. lemon or lime juice, 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup, 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper in 1 cup of pure water. Mix well and drink. Repeat 6 to 10 times daily. The salt water flush should be done each morning upon waking, but when you can lie back down for a few minutes and go to the bathroom quickly. Laxative tea should be consumed each evening before bedtime.
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