The Master Cleanse if a fasting method that uses cayenne pepper, lemons, molasses and water to help your liver and whole body detoxify. According to Dr. Ben Kim in his article “Fasting for Health,” fasting can also aid your body in recovering from digestive illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as skin rashes including psoriasis and eczema. The Master Cleanse can last from 10 to 14 days with an additional four days intended to lead your body in and out of the cleanse. Always consult with your primary health practitioner before performing a fast or engaging in the Master Cleanse if you are under medical treatment.
Begin to eliminate solid food from your diet two days before you begin your Master Cleanse. One day before your cleanse you should only be drinking broths and juices as your source of calories and energy.
Combine 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice with 2 tbsp of maple syrup and 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper powder in 8 oz. of filtered water to make a drink that you will have throughout the day, whenever you feel hungry. The molasses contains enough carbohydrates to ease your hunger and the cayenne pepper and lemons trigger a strong detoxification of your liver, according to the book "The Master Cleanser," by Stanley Burroughs. Drink at least eight glasses of this mixture each day.
Take a laxative tea made with senna leaves every night before bed. This will help your body eliminate any fecal matter remaining in your intestines from the food you ate before starting your cleansing program. In the mornings combine 30 oz. of water at room temperature with 1 to 2 tsp. of salt to make a solution that you drink before drinking your lemonade. This salt water flush that will also work as a laxative on your gastrointestinal tract.
Ease yourself into eating solid foods again after at least 10 days of being on the Master Cleanse. As with the initial first two days, you can juice fruits and vegetables and make broths before you consume something solid, to give your stomach a chance to begin its digestion process with ease.
Tip
Choose organic ingredients for your Master Cleanse regime. Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables contain a higher trace of pesticides and chemicals that may be harmful to your cleanse and will defeat the purpose of performing a detoxification program. Organic produce can be found at your local health food store or tailgate markets. Some regular supermarkets are also incorporating organic produce sections as the demand increases. Ask the manager of your supermarket to stock organic produce if you don't find it available.
Warning
Terminate the Master Cleanse if you begin to feel weak or dehydrated and consult your doctor.
References
- "The Master Cleanser"; Stanley Burroughs; 1993
- Dr. Ben Kim: Fasting
Writer Bio
Ana Cassis began writing professionally in 1995. She has been published in the magazines "Cancunissimo," "Mesa Visions" and in online heath publications. Cassis is a nutrition counselor and herbalist with experience in fitness, nutrition and yoga. She holds an Associate of Arts in architecture from San Diego Mesa College.