Lemon & Maple Syrup Cleanses

The lemon cleanse has existed for over 40 years, but it has become more popular in recent years. Cleansing is important to eliminate excess toxins from our bodies and to improve our health by minimizing headaches, fatigue and other ailments. While cleansing is not a diet, some people do lose weight while participating in the cleanse.

The Founder

• Stanley Burroughs developed the lemon cleanse in his 1976 book, "Healing for the Age of Enlightenment," in which he discussed several aspects of unconventional healthcare. He also wrote a later book, just pertaining to this cleanse, titled "The Master Cleanser." You should read one of his books before beginning a cleanse to avoid any errors (see Resources below).

The Ingredients

• While on the lemon cleanse, you will drink 6 to 12 glasses of "lemonade" prepared with ½ of a lemon, 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup, 1/10 tsp. of cayenne pepper and 8 oz. of water. Lemons offer vitamins and minerals, and maple syrup is considered one of the rare good, unprocessed sugars that offers micronutrients.

The Process

• Drink 6 to 12 glasses of lemonade a day and make sure you have ingredients with you wherever you are. You are not to eat or drink anything else, just drink a glass of lemonade whenever hungry. It is recommended to do the cleanse for 10 days, but it can be done safely for up to 40 days.

Purpose

• You should use the cleanse when you want to get rid of toxins from your body, or to remove waste from your joints, or if you want to get a more youthful look and feeling. You may also administer a cleanse after you have been ill and want to rid your body of germs.

Not a Starvation Diet

• The lemon cleanse is gentler on the body because you are still receiving vitamins and minerals through the lemon juice and maple syrup. The maple syrup provides for the body's calorie needs, while cayenne pepper, lemon juice and water filter out toxins.