Originally introduced more than 30 years ago by the naturopath Stanley Burroughs, and later developed in Switzerland, it is now practised in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia and America, the Lemon Detox is a holistic approach to long-term health.

The body has miraculous powers to cleanse itself. Unfortunately much of what we eat today in the western world is useless. Numerous chemicals and toxins that have been introduced into the natural environment can find their way into our bodies through the air we breathe and the water we drink. The Lemon Detox lets the body cleanse itself naturally while you take a break from solid food.

Nationwide audiences watched Channel 4’s stunning diet programme on January 19th 2011. It really underlined the principles behind the Lemon Detox.

Dr Anu Bhatia, better known as the ‘TV Diet Doctor’, showed just how civil servant Jacqui from London lost nearly a stone after her controlled Lemon Detox diet AND kept as cheery and active as a lamb on a sunny spring morning.
Jacqui – a keen dancer – weighed over 15 stones at the beginning of her diet and shed 15 lbs after 10 gentle days with the Lemon Detox.

Dr Bahtia pointed out at the beginning of the programme that keen fans of the Lemon Detox – including superstar singer Beyonce – say it not only makes them thinner but happier, healthier and more full of energy. She said: “The Maple Syrup diet [aka Lemon Detox diet], if you keep sipping it through the day, will keep your sugar levels topped up just enough to keep you going. You feel hungry but your energy level will get you through the day. The belief that the mixture is detoxifying your body is a strong psychological motivation.”

Two other diets, the Cambridge Weight and the Cabbage diet were also tested but with less effective results.

After watching and analysing Jacqui’s cheerful journey through the Lemon Detox diet, Dr Bhatia said: “Jacqui is delighted her willpower has delivered results.”
And after the big final weigh-in, a trim and cheerful Jacqui said: “I’m very pleased and happy to be back in my favourite dress!”

People who have completed the Lemon Detox programme frequently report a wide variety of benefits including:

Cleansing the body of toxins 
Weight loss if overweight 
Greater resistance to illness
Stronger willpower and determination
Improved concentration and clarity of thought
Increased energy and vitality
Clearer skin and eyes
Shinier hair and stronger nails
Happier, more positive outlook
Greater sense of inner peace

The Lemon Detox Diet is a drink consisting of pure water, fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper or ground ginger and Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup. Whenever you get hungry simply mix a glass of the drink. 

Directions for Use

To make one glass of Natural Tree Syrup and Lemon Drink take

Two small tablespoons (or 20 ml) of Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup.

Two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon). Use fresh lemons, not lemon drink or concentrate.

Half a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger (adjust to taste).  

Mix the ingredients and dilute with half a pint of hot or cold water. 

Drink as much as you like, ideally 6 to 9 glasses a day.

If you prefer you can prepare one batch of Natural Tree Syrup and Lemon Drink to last for the whole day. For 1½ litre of water (approx. 7 glasses) you will need 140ml of Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup and 3½ lemons as well as the cayenne pepper or ginger.

The 4 Variation of the Diet

1. The Full Detox:This is the classic version that has been used by thousands of people throughout the world. Some people, when thinking about fasting for the first time imagine that they won’t be able to make it through seven days but what you’ll probably find is that after the second day it just gets easier and easier. The 5-7 day version is also convenient because one 1-litre tin of the Madal Bal Syrup lasts most people 5-7 days. 

For the beginner, a shorter period is recommended – 5 to 7 days. For those more experienced at detoxing, 10 days is the optimum time. It can be extended up to 14 days but should only be done so with the consent of a healthcare professional.  

During the total detox programme, drink only the recommended liquids.

Do not eat any solid foods.

If you are on any medication do not go off your medication without consulting your doctor.

2. The Relaxed Version : If you are looking for a more relaxed version of the detox, try substituting either breakfast or dinner (or even better, both) with 2-3 glasses of the Natural Tree Syrup & Lemon Drink.  Have a healthy meal at lunchtime but abstain from sweets, processed foods, red meat, fried foods, white bread, refined flour, dairy products, coffee and alcohol. These are all food products that tax our natural digestive/cleansing system and inhibit the body's ability to deal with previously stored toxins and wastes. The relaxed programme works by lengthening the time each night that the body can cleanse. It does however take longer to detox this way, which is why the relaxed version should be done for at least one to two weeks and up to a month. The relaxed programme can also be used as an introduction to the total detox, or as a way of extending it.

3. The "Once a Week" Version:Most people never give their digestive and eliminative organs a break. Day in and day out they place a continuous load on their system. Taking a break "Once a Week" gives our system a chance to rest and cleanse for a day. Going without solid food for a day isn't that difficult and people who have practiced this programme have had good long-term weight-normalization results.

4. The Master Plan: Many people who have tried the Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup have liked the results so much that they wish to make cleansing and the Lemon Detox Diet a regular part of their lives. The total detox incorporates the benefits of cleansing “Once a Week” plus a twice-yearly multi-day cleanse. Performing a twice yearly multi-day cleanse gives the body a chance to detox and heal itself from the stresses put upon it. You gain the maximum results of the lemon detox, cleansing your bodies of accumulated wastes and toxins and losing excess weight. Performing the “Once a Week” version of the lemon detox after a multi-day version helps the body to maintain its toxic free condition and is a great on-going cleansing routine.