On the other hand, raw organic honey is certainly used in other detox cleanses. For example, if you are doing a raw food detox, you would be able to add raw honey to your diet without any problem. So honey has plenty of advocates for its health benefits. Like maple syrup, honey is basically sugar, but it contains many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to our health, such as B6, calcium, niacin, iron and various others.
In my opinion, the main purpose of the maple syrup in the Master Cleanse is to provide calories. That seems to me the only reason to really use it if you are going to be fasting for 10 days. So since honey seems to provide the same thing, it seems fair enough that you could substitute it. Ultimately, I think you should probably just experiment and see what you think is best. Certainly, a honey cayenne pepper cleanse probably tastes better than the one with maple syrup. That’s what I think anyway, but then I prefer the taste of raw honey to maple syrup anyway. If you do decide to substitute, you may consider using a dark honey instead of a light one, as the dark honeys supposedly have a better nutritional profile and make a better antioxidant.
I might as well share what Mr. Burroughs thought about honey though. You may find his take on the matter rather interesting.
What About the Use of Honey?
Honey must not be used at any time internally. It is manufactured from the nectar picked up from the flowers by the bees – good enough in itself, perhaps – then predigested, vomited and stored for their own future use with a preservative added. It is deficient in calcium and has many detrimental effects for the human being.
Of course, other natural health advocates feel quite differently and there has been a lot of research lately that honey is actually quite beneficial, especially for its anti-oxidant properties. You can find a significant rundown of the various health benefits of honey at WHFoods. Some of the benefits include increased good bacteria; better blood sugar and insulin control; and an immunity boost.
How many ounces of water should be used with the cleanse?
Rhonda, it depends. Are you mixing up a day’s batch or just one serving? For a single serve, you can use between 8 to 10 ounces. Dilute to the level that you prefer for taste. For larger batches, 48 ounces should make six servings.
what if you use the agave syrup? It is similar to honey, I use it in my tea sometimes. Is that similar to maple syrup?
Sam, I’m not really familiar with agave syrup so I’m not certain. Generally, Dr Burroughs recommended not substituting at all, but I don’t see the harm in experimenting with it.
What kind of foods can I eat with during the cleansing?
Robin, you don’t eat during the cleanse. It is basically a fast. Just drink the lemonade mixture and drink lots of plain water as well.
can you use the cayenne pepper diet with maple syrup or honey if you are diabetic and have hypertension
I doubt very much that the Master Cleanse would be recommended for anyone with diabetes… which I’m sure you well know.