Lately I’ve been starting out every morning with a big mason jar filled with water, lemon juice and cayenne pepper. It’s kind of like the master cleanse lemonade, but with no sweetener. When I drink it, I feel like I start my day with a clearing dose of detoxifying goodness.
Lemon cayenne water is a great way to cleanse your body regularly even when you’re not “on a cleanse.”
Drinking spicy water may sound gross to you, but with the lemon, you’ll actually start loving it. I’ll admit, the first time I did it, I put way too much cayenne in there – it wasn’t pleasant! Now, I just add a pinch, and I love it.
I’ve never actually done a Master Cleanse nor do I necessarily recommend it (it seems like it would be so hard!) but there’s a reason they include the lemon and cayenne in there.
Here’s why:
Lemon juice and cayenne pepper both have anti-fungal, immune boosting, and detoxification properties.
Lemon juice is great for digestion, destroying bacteria and cleansing the system – it supports the liver and kidneys to get rid of toxins.
Cayenne pepper increases metabolism, stimulates the circulatory system, aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar and more.
Put them together and you have a very powerful cleansing drink!
My usual:
- About 24 oz of water
- Juice from 1/2 lemon (sometimes a whole lemon)
- Pinch of cayenne (enough to feel the heat but not so spicy that it’s hard to get down)
So give it a try! It may become part of your new morning routine.
Do you have a favorite cleansing morning beverage?
Other posts you may like:
Elysia says
Hi! Love your blog and recipes! Just wanted to comment that if you can do a 10 juice cleanse you can do the master cleanse. You don’t have to but you could. It’s usually my go to cleanse mostly because it’s simplicity, cheapest, and really just easy to make. I however get bored on it too so I like to vary it up my own ways just as I would if I did a juice cleanse. And Yes I love lemon water and cayenne pepper!
jenny sansouci says
Thanks, Elysia! I love Master Cleanse lemonade but have never been able to bring myself to do the full cleanse.
Erica @ In and Around Town says
This sounds so crazy, but enough so I must give it a go – especially since I generally like spice!
jenny sansouci says
yes, give it a try!
Elisa says
My everday morning drink is hot water with fresh lemon juice. I’m gonna try spicing it up with cayenne tomorrow ;)
Thanks a lot!
xo
jenny sansouci says
spice it up! it’s yummy.
Erin Dailey says
Ok So I have done the master cleanse and lost a .lot of weight and was not hungry. However.. I got really spacy.. so this time I am trying just lemon and cayenne and water withOUT maple surup and then i eat healthy and minimal as well.. ie salad and tofu and or egg or a little checken or beans and rice. Some fruit too. My question is When doing the master cleasn they emphasize how important it is to do the salt water so you have bowel movements and get out the toxins coming out of your muscles. I am not doing that. I figured with the rufage of the salad and food i would have bowel movements and not need the salt water. i am mostly doing this to loose weight and am exercising which i can’t do ion Master cleanse necessarily. I get worried becasue diests usually have a complicated ratio for a reason ie certain amount of maple syrup for glucose etc. Tonight I think I didn’t have enough protien or sugar and got really nausious for an hour after yoga. Help.?
HM says
I don’t think you should do the cleanse without the maple syrup. I would say that the spaciness would mean that you need even more of the drink, i.e. more glucose. Carbohydrate is the only thing your brain will use for energy. hypoglycemia can cause unresponsiveness, confusion, coma, even death. blood sugar is very carefully regulated in your body and its important that you intake enough carbohydrates.
Tiara says
You can try agave nectar vs maple (diabetics use agave n cinnamon vs maple n cayenne)
Rameen says
To get the benefits of cayenne pepper add a full teaspoon to the morning preparation. Pain is only temporary but the benefits of the cayenne pepper are more noticeable if you take more. A pinch is for pussies.
TheKillingWords says
Teaspoon? THAT’S for pus$ies. Do a full tablespoon. Put some hair on your c0ck with that one.
Nadia says
A pinch is just fine Rameen. I would appreciate if you would curb your filthy writing. Thanks!
Karyn says
I drink lemon, hot water and cayenne every morning too but I put in a tsp of organic maple syrup to sweeten it up a bit! Love it!
Ang says
I usually add some cinnamon to my coffee (not really much of a cleanse if I am drinking coffee I admit) it has a lot of similar properties to Cayenne. I wonder how cinnamon lemon water would taste, probably delicious :)
deb says
Love lemon slice, lime slice, with a.pinch ofburn
cayenne shaken up over ice. burn baby burn
amy says
i have been drinking this and ♥ it! I started adding cinnamon and it’s way better!
Sthembile Shabangu says
Hi my name is Sthembile Shabangu. I like your morning start beverage as I want to loose some kg. But my problem is I can’t find cayenne pepper I want to know that I can use Peri Peri instead its cayenne.
I will be glad if u can assist me regard my question.
Kindly Regard Sthembile Shabangu
Franklee says
Hi, Did you eventually find Cayenne Pepper? If you did how has it gone?
JustAguest says
Hey – I used to start my mornings with luke warm water and lemon juice or green tea – depending on my mood – I bought a bottle lemon juice that I now placed on my desk at work and add a squirt or two to my water bottle everytime I fill it…
Do you use warm or cold water for the morning drink?
I have never done the cayenne pepper with it as nowhere I can find the correct amount – I would probably put in a teaspoon meanwhile it should be the amount of a needle head (please advise)
Is a normal coffee cup (250ml) enough of this drink in the morning?
Only one cup per day – in the morning?
Lydia says
I’m not a big fan of using Maple Syrup but have found the Agave Nectar works wonderfully and helps to detract a little from the heat of the cayenne pepper.
Lori says
Lydia, If you research how Agave is made you might reconsider. I use Maple Syrup fresh from a farm in PA. NO HFCS ever, it is a natural sugar that even hypoglycemic people like myself can use with no problems :)
Mar says
i use the agave but not much. I have to say since I started this I can see a difference in my case. For me I feel that my circulation seems be improving.
joe guz says
Every morning before eating i drink the lemon cleanser. I prefer a cup of water cold or warm water a tablespoon of lemon juice or half a lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce tabasco. Do not over do it you wanna get used to it.
Patty says
I could not believe that these little ingredients would actually help someone loss weight. My sister tried it along with a healthy diet and regular excercises OMG. She looks great, she lost weight and I’m now I am going to try it. Wish me luck everyone ;)
Stephanie says
Hi Patty. I would love to hear how you sister lost weight incorporating the lemon drink. I love the taste. I just do not think I can do the 10 day cleanse.
Thanks!
BeeBee says
Hi Patty
just saw your comment now, m checking how did it go with the diet, i want to try it myself
christie says
Try adding a dash of cinnammon to the lemon and cayenne for inflammation as well! It tastes good too.
Cat says
Just started this and it actually helps wake me up a bit as opposed to coffee or tea first thing. It tastes just fine without any additives. The Master Cleanse can be bad for you, I believe. I have a friend who does it and every time he is done, he gains more weight. And his thyroid is a mess though it may not be from the cleanse, but still….Not enough calories, too much sugar every day despite the regulating properties of cayenne and the darker maple syrup. I tried it and got extremely hypoglycemic on it and don’t need to lose weight or run the risk of losing muscle mass either. I did read an article by a nutritionist that said she has had a few clients with thyroid problems who were regular Master Cleanse fasters.
Angie says
I drink all kinds of flavored waters some of my favorite combos are..
Lemon basil
Orange Cucumber
Cucumber Mint
Lemon Ginger
Lime Mint
Cilantro Lemon
Fresh mint leaves in your water when you work out is the best.
Mel says
I start every day with the hot water, lemon, cayenne and manuka honey. Great way for your digestive system to break the fast. Also doing the wildrose cleanse soon – have to rid the house of the final Christmas snacks, etc soon. Love hot yoga – the mint leaves in my water is a great idea!
Karen says
I’ve been doing this every morning for a couple of months now. I use a few drops of hot sauce vs. the cayenne pepper. I wonder if this makes a huge difference?
yaseera Cassim says
I have been feeling very fatigue, n wen I started drinking cayenne pepper with lemon juice , it made a difference in my life . I would recommend anybody to use cayenne pepper , it is a natural healer to all your organs.
Frederick Price says
Yaseera, I drink organic lemon juice with cayenne pepper every
morning….do you think this is a good thing I’m doing? What has
been some of your benefits?
Ameika says
Day 3 for me on the Master Cleanse, LOVE the Lemon Juice and Cayenne pepper water, I too add a drop of Organic Dark Maple Syrup to lightly sweeten, I’m curious however…am I the only one tried the salt water flush prior and experienced vomiting? I’m actually doing this cleanse to jump start weight loss, and I hate that after dranking the horrible tasting salt water (has tried for past 3 days, before I could lay on my right side for the 30 mins it all comes up, the wrong end! Ugh!) I’m not getting to expel toxins and built up fecal matter hence I vomit versus having a bowel movement…any suggestions or ideas why?!
CeCe says
I just started a day ago with cayenne water, with the hope that I will lose some weight! I loved it, my appetite just disappeared same time and as a result I ate less. I’m hoping for the best… Can I take the mixture three times a day? Is that too much?
David says
Love t! Here’s another twist you should try, I just tried it today and I love it:
3 Qts purified water
2 (organic if possible) lemons
1/2 cucumber
1/2 ~ 1 tsp cayenne pepper powder
Put the water in a container that will fit in your fridge.
Slice the lemons and the 1/2 cucumber into discs and add them to the water (don’t squeeze the lemons, just slice them.)
Add cayenne pepper. I think I used a little more than half a teaspoon but I didn’t really measure, might take some experimentation!
Give it a good stir and let it sit in the refrigerator at least 12 hours (24 might be better.)
I strained mine out and put it in three one-quart bottles. It is great and contains no sweetener or artificial materials at all! :)
irma says
i really want to try this. lemon, cayenne and water. but im wondering if i need to stay close to a bathroom the first day. what if i add the agave? how did your body react to this initially?
naiefa says
Ok!So i stopped smoking last November 2012
and i’ve been packing on the kilos.Am now doin
the cayenne n lemon drink with honey and its
working for me.Green tea in between feeling awesome.
melineh says
Most of the time i dont have time to do this in the morning but i do once i get to work (9 am) and a couple of times through out the day. Are the benefits just as good if i drink it before and after lunch?
Blair says
I am not loving lemon cayenne water. I’m not one to go on a lengthy cleanse, so I like to include detoxifying things into my everyday diet. Great post!
Kah says
Ive been doing this for the past 5 days ive tweeked it abit though:
1 x lemon
1 x tea spoon of Cayenne
1 x tea spoon Agave (clear)
900ml of alkaline water
I have started to eat 50g of Sea Moss – for 2 days
Now im waking up a good 1.5 hours earlier even when i go to be at midnight but full of energy.
Ive got a fresh organic Sea Moss so email me for a Amazon link.
Love this…. also check out Dr Robert Cassar.
Frances says
Hi, I am just curious going to start this morning the lemon,water and cayenne pepper. Do I need to stay home for bathroom needs or can I go and do errands. I have a fetish about using public restrooms. Also do I eat my regular healthy foods along with the beverage? Please let me know
Quin says
Does the lemon water with cayenne pepper in it make you lose weight?? And is it okay to drink this without having to the Cleansing?? Because I would like to drink this but still eat.
yoyo says
hi Sithembile, you can get Cayenne pepper at Pick n Pay, checkers hyper, woolies and Spar
jackie says
I just started the sambazon cleanse, and the first drink of the day is the lemon and cayenne pepper. I HATE spicy, so I was nervous. But oh my gosh. Its amazing. I will probably be getting lemon and cayenne pepper at the market today so I can continue drinking this every morning. Its so refreshing, and the bit of spice just wakes you up. (:
Temujin says
This really does work as a diet aid, and it quickly replaces coffee as the go-to drink in the morning. I actually like it better and get an almost immediate lift from it.
Cleansing and fasting are on the far side of INSANE though, and any of you who are doing that are kidding yourselves about either the consequences or the benefits. Your body (if it is close to normally functional) does not need any help cleansing itself – and fasting is starvation (which, by the way, is not a good thing).
Love the hot lemon/cayenne/honey water, though. Doing this with a sensible, low calorie/low carb diet is working great for me.
chan lew says
Hi, i just want to make sure i’m understanding this corrrectly this can be used more as a daily meaning i don’t have to stay by the toilet and i can eat like i normally would
Amanda says
I plan to begin this cleanse tomorrow! Would you recommend I have the drink before breakfast or after I eat breakfast?
Thanks in advance :)
Brenda says
A friend of mine recently told me about drinking water with the juice of one whole lemon and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The only difference that she said that I have not read above is that she told me to use distilled water and to chill the water. I want to know if there is a benefit to using warm water? Also, she told me to drink an 8oz glass of chilled pink grapefruit juice after every meal. She said that she lost 10lbs in one week doing this diet. I would like some input before I start this diet. Thanks in advance. ~B~
Latifa says
Hi, I have been drinking lemon water every morning . Question I have is ill start adding cayenne pepper as I have read so many blogs & articles stating its good properties. However instead of real lemons is lemon substitute that you find in supermarkets any good? Also does it make any difference if the water is cold or warm? Thanks in advance ?
Carol says
Well just started the warm lemon drink every morning and evening as I suffer from menopausal acne. For those ladies out there that may be having the same problem its supposed to be a good way to break down the sebum that causes acne. tonight I added a touch of fresh cayenne pepper that I bought at a health food store for a deeper internal cleanse. I’m thinking positive and will keep you all up-to-date.
Stephanie says
After you drink it do you eat breakfast ?
Can you only drink that for like a whole week ?
Ray says
You should drink the lemon/cayenne water within 15 minutes, then wait 30-45 minutes and eat breakfast. I found that this works very well for me. I can literally tell that my metabolism is faster!
Carol says
In response to your question Latifa about the lemon substitute, I have read that you must use FRESH squeezed lemons as Real lemon substitute has Preservatives that are NOT good for cleansing your body.
MrsK says
To all you beautiful ladies on here, especially the ones seeking a quick fix! Lemon water variations are just not for dieting! This is a morning routine to help flush your liver and kidneys, which gives great health benefits. It pains me to see women who go to the extreme and do master cleanses and deprive their bodies of nourishment. There are no quick fixes or miracle pills – the BEST thing you can ever do is make lemon water (with or without cayenne) a morning routine, or even every other morning, and EAT! :) Portion your meals, eat healthy and organic, and be active! It’s a lifestyle, way better than any fad diet that will ever exist. You are all beautiful and should adapt to this way of life and kick the bad promises put out there by these insane diets – they are feeding off of your insecurities and not actually doing your health any justice ❤
Juliet says
Hi
I have been on the lemon, cayenne and honey juice diet for 6days. Its amazing, I dont feel hungry at all and the cayenne gives the juice a delicious flavour…drinking the juice isnt boring at all. A cousin of mine is on day 7 and has lost 5kg already!
Instead of drinking salt, l prefer a herbal tea…seems to do the trick.
Stephanie_X3 says
Hi , I was just wondering that do I just drink Lemon Cayenne Water for ten days straight or do I just drink it in the morning and have my regular meals ? Please answer back. I’ll be waiting.
Kelly says
Try cayenne oil instead of the powdered cayenne you buy in the spice section. You can find it at Whole Foods or most health food stores. It can be incorporated into liquid much more easily – you just squeeze a few drops from the included medicine dropper. I use 2-3 drops in a 20 ounce mug of warm water.
jessica says
do you only drink this in the morning?
Warren says
I squeeze a whole lime or lemon into a glass, add 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, and a quarter cup of water. Mix and shoot it! Then follow with a glass of water.
Kelly says
Hello I just want to add, I’ve bn doing this for cleansing benefits due to weight gain n pain meds. I’ve had failed back surgery n have bn bedridden %60 of time. I use meyer lemons(extra sweet) from my backyard. They r sweeter n all I did was juice them n add to ice cube trays. I added cayenne cuz had read about cleanse. I also do not know exact amount but at least 1/2 tspn. And 2 cubes. I guess I’d add syrup if it was my sole calories. My son has immunity issues w chronic sinusitis w strep pnuemonia in his last 2 blood tests. I wish I can get him to drink. I know manuka honey would be great benefits also.
mary says
I started the cleansing the other day. I use the lemon juice,cayenne and of course water. But havent been able to have the “cleanse” happen. Any pointer’s on what I maybe doing wrong??
charity lusungu Gondwe says
I took my first drink of Cayenne pepper yesterday. I did not add lemon but I also took it in my soups. Today I made the drink and added one lelon to 75ml water. I am feeling much better today I had a peaceful sleep with no heart pulptations. My BP reading is also stable its amazing how spices and herbs can work. Thank you to all the readers who have inspired me.
charity lusungu Gondwe says
I took my first drink of Cayenne pepper yesterday. I did not add lemon and took it again this morning with lemon. I also added the pepper to my (nishima) palp and relish which included fish and vegetables and soups. I am feeling much better today I had a peaceful sleep with no heart pulptations. My BP reading is also stable its amazing how spices and herbs can work. Today I made the drink and added one lemon to 75ml water. Thank you to all the readers who have inspired me.
Tina says
Is it a bad idea to drink the cayenne pepper and lemon water fort thing in the morning… If I work at a busy office… And don’t have access to the ladies room all the time. I keep reading it helps w yours digestive system but I don’t want to be running to the bathroom at work. Thanks!
Melissa says
Hi how long do you drink this? I know just in the morning, but for how long…?
amanda says
You drink it forever
Michelle says
I’ve modified it to 24 oz. water, a full tablespoon cayenne pepper (because I’m crazy and LOVE spicy), 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 tsp. agave nectar and 1/2 a lemon. It tastes SO good, and it will give you a wicked energy boost!
Christle says
Do you have to drink the lemon pepper water in the morning or is it okay to drink it in the afternoon? I have a crazy schedule and it’s not something I can always do first thing so I was hoping that it might be beneficial no matter what time of the day you drink it. Thank you to anyone that can answer this for me!
amanda says
The idea is to do it first thing before anything else hits you system to get the maximum benefits
Juliette says
1. The cleansing properties of this drink are to your entire system. It is an amount of liquid and if you process liquid quickly then you will need a washroom, but many readers appear to have misunderstood the term “cleanse” in this context. It is washing toxins out of your blood, organs and tissues, NOT giving you a need to pass waist!
2, As another poster already stated this is a drink that can be drunk daily, for your life. If you drink it first thing in the morning the lemon and water will do much more for your liver. You can drink it during the day it is good for you, but it will not have quite the same effects or benefits as drinking it before eating first thing in the morning.
I cannot agree enough with the two ladies who posted such beautifully expressed messages on the subject of fasting, particularly if you have a blood sugar disorder. If you do there is simply NO safe way to fast, and no matter what condition your system is in there really isn’t a healthy way either. This drink is excellent for everyone, with any diet. However, cayenne is an herb/spice, it has medicinal properties and anyone who really thinks that more is better has no true knowledge of their nature. A little cayenne taken regularly is healthy, a large amount could do damage. Approach it with caution and care! Start small and increase slightly while you enjoy it and it is comfortable. Your body knows what is best for it, in all things listening to your body is the very best way you can handle anything concerning it.
To anyone out there looking not to crash diet but for a true solution I recommend the book Thin With In, … eat what you love, and live in the body you desire.
Shelley says
I just started drinking this, I have a ninja kitchen system (better than a blender) I put half if a peeled lemon I get all the nutritional Valu of the lemon not just the juice, 4 ice cubes, a cup of water and and couple good shakes of cayenne pepper and u blend it and it’s delicious. I am doing this for health benefits and as part of healthy eating, u drink hot lemon and cayenne first thing In the morning and, the I drink the recipe I described 2-3 times a day an at night I have hot water lemon juice and cayenne. It’s a delicious drink to me and has many health benefits I have just started and will let you know how I feel in a few days. I’m not doing the cleanse just a healthy diet and the lemon and cayenne hot and cold, no maple or agave syrup either.
Rachel says
For about a week, I’ve been drinking lime and cayenne pepper water over ice throughout the day and I’m feeling great. The main thing is I’ve noticed is less bloating! I don’t add any sweetener. I also add a couple of pinches of cayenne pepper to my vegie smoothies. With your post, I’m glad to see I’m on the right path!
Shelley says
I too have noticed a huge difference in bloating and energy level, no bloating and way more energy. At the end of my shift at work I use to be exhausted and just wanna die now I still feel great. I have changed my water a little, I put 500mls of water, a few ice cubes, half of a lemon everything but the peel, 1 tsp of tumeric, 3-4 shakes of cayenne and a few shakes of cinnamon. I drink 3 a day plus 3-5 glasses of plain water, a couple fruit and veggie smoothies and usually a balanced supper. I feel so much better, I’ve lost aboutv10 pounds, my skin is no longer dry and itchy it’s amazing how much of a difference putting real while foods in your body makes instead if processed crap!! I do slip up and have some fries once in a while but that is nothing compared to the crap I was putting into my body. Once a week I have a smoothie with frozen strawberries almond milk and dark chocolate chips(it’s still good for you just not everyday) I love the new me and it’s only been a few weeks
Miranda says
Does anyone ever add the lime zest to the drink????
Daniel Cianci says
I dranked almost one fourth bottle of lime hot sauce and red cayeene sauce on my mexican food and really felt a more internal detoxification like fat really came out of liver and colon.I was on john for 20 minutes in some discomfort and then afterwards really could feel like my face was more skin clear and toned and moisturized naturally asbefore my face was so dry all the time.I also really dont have stomach bloating or having to constantly wipe and wipe so much after using the john the toilet.Food also I notice will not blow up my stomach and lots fat came out in my stool after the hot sauce cleansing.This happed by accident actually when the lid came off and I was pouring the hot sauce on my food.Great feeling and I am 52 yars old and was having lots bloating for years and years.Still take the spirin daily half whole tablet every other day too.
Daniel Cianci says
Feel lots energy after the hot sauce cleansing too from my comment above this message.
Charles Boyd says
Let me add a big reason to use this wonderful drink that I have not seen mentioned. This drink will go along way to get your bodies ph levels allkinized! This will help prevent colds,flu and many more benefits.
Jennifer says
i just started the Paleo Detox – and trying the lemon water with cayenne pepper this morning. I am NOT a hot spicy fan so couldn’t drink it – just did the lemon water. Was wondering if i put little less pepper in lemon water – do you just gulp in down or do you sip it throughout the morning while getting dressed
zaween says
Can i drink this during lunch time instead of breakfast?…
Haley says
I usually drink three cups a day
Pat says
Hi, everyone, I read Burroughs Master cleanse pamphlet, but doubted I could do without coffee, and I kept drinking it. But I did the cleanse for eleven days and had a burst of energy. The idea of using just the lemon and cayenne pepper is intriguing. I use a tablespoon or so of maple syrup every morning in my coffee.
Good post
Royce Porath says
My wife and I both do the juice of a qtr of lemon wedge in cup and 5 dashes of Johnnys Red Hot sauce every morning , my wifes done it religiously and her last lab draws were awesome, her cloresteral dropped significantly, like 100 point drop. Made a believer out of me and I’m on it religiously too getting ready for some labs in two weeks and hoping for some great numbers for myself.
Roz says
My question is. . Does it matter if the water is cold or warm .. hot ?
frank says
One thing I like to do is to add some pure maple syrup or raw honey to the mix. It takes away some of the bitterness of the lemon and makes it enjoyable to drink. Plus, if you can get REAL manukah honey (most of the stuff sold in the US and on Amazon is FAKE), you get additional benefits. NOTE: Since quite a bit of the fake manukah is from China and has dangerous chemicals and even poisons, if you don’t want to risk buying counterfeit, just use raw honey from somewhere close to you, farmers market, etc..
Haley says
Is there a bigger benefit if you don’t use maple syrup? I wanted to do ginger, cayenne, and lemon but I’m not too hot about the ginger. Would the detox work better or worst wit maple syrup or even cinnamon?
zi says
I use cayenne, GINGER, maple, fresh lime juice, green tea instead of plain water
frederick price says
Still suffering from stroke conditions…I need all the advise you can give…
Thank You!
Yolanda Mayaba says
hi, I want to try the mixture but I want to know, should I use cold or hot water? or it doesn’t make any difference?
jnagy says
I do the same thing only I add a little apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and local honey. it tastes great and I am having good results.
Thabo says
Hi, I want to leave healthy using natural herbs. It’s good to be healthy at all times.
Karina says
I have a question.. if I want to detox my body is often do I have to drink the water with lemon and pepper? Can I eat some food or just drink water the whole day?