The Original Master Cleanse Recipe

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, is a time-tested detox program created by Stanley Burroughs in the 1940s and popularized again in the 2000s. Celebrities and health seekers alike have turned to this cleanse to reboot their digestion, promote weight loss, and clear out toxins.

This article covers the original Master Cleanse recipe, how to do it safely, and the tools you'll need to get started.

The Master Cleanse is a liquid-only detox that replaces solid food with a spicy lemonade drink for 3 to 10 days. It works by:

Giving your digestive system a rest

Encouraging the removal of toxins

Helping you reset cravings and eating habits

Supporting weight loss and clarity of mind

🍋 What Is the Master Cleanse?

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Ingredients

This is the exact recipe as created by Stanley Burroughs:

✨ Ingredients (per serving):

2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice about ½ a lemon
2 tablespoons organic grade A or B maple syrup
1/10 teaspoon Cayenne pepper just a pinch
10 oz filtered or spring water room temperature

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large glass or water bottle.
Shake or stir well.
Drink immediately.
💡 Pro tip: Make it fresh each time, or mix up to a day’s worth (6–12 servings) and store in the fridg

Notes

🕒 Daily Master Cleanse Routine

Here’s what a typical day on the Master Cleanse looks like:

Morning Salt Water Flush (optional but recommended)
- Mix 2 tsp non-iodized sea salt with 1 quart (32 oz) of warm water
- Drink it all at once to trigger a bowel movement within 30–60 minutes
Throughout the Day:
- Drink 6–12 glasses of the lemonade mix
- No solid food, no coffee, no alcohol
Evening Herbal Laxative Tea
- Drink a cup of smooth move tea to help eliminate waste

🛍 Amazon Products to Make the Cleanse Easier

✅ Bragg Organic Lemons or Lemon Juice – For convenience if you can’t juice fresh
✅ Maple Valley Organic Grade A Maple Syrup – Authentic, no additives
✅ Starwest Botanicals Cayenne Pepper Powder – Clean and potent
✅ Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move Tea – Gentle herbal laxative
✅ SaltWorks Pure Sea Salt – For the morning salt water flush
✅ Glass Water Bottles with Lids – Perfect for pre-mixing your lemonade

⚠️ Tips and Warnings

Duration: 3–10 days is typical. Do not exceed 14 days without supervision.
Ease in and ease out: Start and end with juices and light soups, not heavy meals.
Expect detox symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or irritability in the first few days.
Not for everyone: Avoid if pregnant, diabetic, or underweight. Always consult a doctor if unsure.

💬 Benefits People Report

Weight loss (5–15 lbs in 10 days)
Glowing skin
Reduced cravings for junk food
Mental clarity
Better digestion

🧘‍♀️ Final Thoughts

The Original Master Cleanse recipe is simple, affordable, and powerful when followed correctly. While it's not a long-term diet, it can be a helpful reset button for your body and mind. Remember: your results will depend on consistency, hydration, and how you transition in and out of the cleanse.