Linda's Delicious Detox Saffron Lemonade

Adventures in Herbalism by Linda

"After doing a juice cleanse, I am motivated to eat healthier and not emotionally. Cleansing is like my meditation. It makes me stop, focus and think about what I am putting into my body. I'm making a commitment to my health and hitting the reset button." — Salma Hayek

The fully 'brewed' lemonade is ready to enjoy.

   Recently I visited a doctor who practices holistic medicine. During my visit, she showed me a drink that she makes daily before she heads to work. At the office she sips it throughout the day. It was basically a cold-brewed saffron tea, and I was intrigued. She told me that it helps elevate mood and digestion—bringing "sunshine" into the body.

So simple to make—lemons, saffron, cayenne and stevia. 

   Back at home, embarking on my cleanse, I decided to add saffron to a lemonade that I would be making from lemon juice and stevia. To add even more detoxification properties, I added a tiny sprinkle of cayenne which is part of the Master Cleanse formula that has been popular for 50 years, especially since Beyonce Knowles became associated with the Lemon Detox Diet.

   My detox program eliminates all sugar, so I made my recipe with stevia for the sweetener, and adding saffron because it is not only adds a delicious flavor, but also because it has been used as a medicinal herb for over 3,500 years. 
   If you are not a fan of stevia, you are going to love this recipe. The saffron and cayenne mellow the lemon and cover the taste of the stevia. It is more rich tasting than regular lemonade, with just a hint of spice. I promise—you will not have a clue that this lemonade is not sweetened with sugar.
   I was surprised at just how delicious this combination is—the saffron adding an extra depth of flavor. I make it first thing in the morning and carry it along to work. I sip it during the day along with piping hot cups of jasmine green tea.



Linda's Delicious Detox Saffron Lemonade

Equipment:
1 24 ounce Mason or widemouth canning jar
citrus juicer
tweezers for saffron (optional)

Ingredients:
the juice of two fresh lemons
one tiny pinch high grade saffron such as Mehr
very small sprinkle of cayenne pepper
filtered water
10-12 drops of liquid stevia

Procedure:
Juice the two fresh lemons and pour the juice into the bottom of the glass jar. Using the tweezers, add a small pinch of the saffron to the lemon juice. Gently swirl the saffron into the juice and then fill the jar to the top of the fill line (the line just under the threads of the jar). Add stevia to taste, for me that is about a dozen drops of stevia, and add just a tiny sprinkle of cayenne powder unless you prefer more spice—then by all means add a little more. Screw the lid onto the jar and swirl until blended. Allow to sit at room temp or in the fridge until ready. Lemonade is ready to begin drinking in about 15 minutes. You will see the liquid turn a rich gold color from the saffron.