Dear Jo,
No. The Master Cleanse is not a bowel cleanse by definition. It's actually recommended that you have good bowel function PRIOR to starting the Master Cleanse - (at least one regular - unassisted - Bowel Movement per day).
The following is taken directly from the online book "The Master Cleanse". Hopefully this will begin to answer some of your questions. If you are interested in finding out more, the book only costs (I think) $6.95. You may also look at the online pdf by googling "Master Cleanse pdf". We don't promote the use of the online pdf, as we would like to support the owners of the copyright - survivors of the late Stanley Burroughs.
The Master Cleanse is such a fantastic cleanse. I urge you to learn more about it, as it can help in so many different ways.
THE MASTER CLEANSE
Purpose:
WHEN TO USE IT?
AND HOW OFTEN?
Follow the diet for a minimum of 10 days or more— up to 40 days and beyond may be safely followed for extremely serious cases. The diet has all the nutrition needed during this time. Three to four times a year will do wonders for keeping the body in a normal healthy condition. The diet may be undertaken more frequently for serious conditions.
Roberta