Condition

Childbirth

Childbirth is the physiological process by which the uterus expels the fetus and placenta, driven by rhythmic uterine contractions initiated by rising oxytocin and prostaglandin activity as pregnancy reaches term. Labour progresses through three stages: cervical effacement and dilation to 10cm, the expulsive stage in which coordinated contractions and maternal pushing move the baby through the birth canal, and delivery of the placenta. Contraction intensity is generated by the myometrium's spiral muscle fibres, which shorten progressively to draw the cervix open and descend the fetal head. Holistic support through pregnancy and labour: raspberry leaf tea in the third trimester (traditionally used as a uterine tonic to support efficient contractions), perineal massage with olive or almond oil to improve tissue elasticity, continuous labour support from a doula or known companion, upright and mobile birthing positions to use gravity and pelvic mobility, and breathing and relaxation techniques to manage pain and reduce catecholamine-driven labour slowdown.

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Sunaras provides educational wellness content only. This is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual responses to herbs vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalised guidance.

Ayurvedic Seasonal Diet

Ayurveda

  • Ayurveda teaches that aligning your diet with the seasons and your individual constitution (dosha) is the foundation of vibrant health and disease prevention.

Foods:

  • Seasonal vegetables
  • Ghee
  • Mung beans
  • Basmati rice
  • Ginger
  • Fresh herbs
  • Amla
  • Turmeric
  • Triphala
  • Warm water
  • Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
  • Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu)
  • Pippali (Long Pepper)
  • Cardamom
  • Bitter Melon

Timing:

  • Breakfast: Warm spiced porridge with ghee, seasonal fruit, and a cup of spiced herbal tea
  • Lunch: The largest meal of the day — dal with rice, ghee, cooked seasonal vegetables, and fresh herbs
  • Dinner: Light soup or kitchari — easy to digest as metabolic fire is lower in the evening

Mediterranean Whole Foods Diet

Mediterranean

  • The most researched dietary pattern for longevity, disease prevention, and overall wellbeing, centred on minimally processed whole foods, olive oil, and plant diversity.

Foods:

  • Olive oil
  • Vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Fish
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Fresh herbs
  • Garlic
  • Tomatoes
  • Pomegranate
  • Olive Leaf
  • Fennel
  • Lemon Balm
  • Saffron

Timing:

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey, walnuts, and seasonal fruit
  • Lunch: A Mediterranean mezze plate with hummus, tabbouleh, olives, feta, and whole grain pita
  • Dinner: Baked fish with roasted seasonal vegetables, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and a small glass of wine

Traditional Chinese Medicine Balanced Diet

Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • TCM dietary therapy balances the five flavours, thermal natures of foods, and the five organ systems to create lasting harmony in the body.

Foods:

  • Congee
  • Fermented foods
  • Seasonal vegetables
  • Lean meats
  • Ginger
  • Goji berries
  • Green tea
  • Black sesame
  • Jujube dates
  • Shiitake mushroom
  • Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi)
  • Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
  • Licorice (Gan Cao)
  • Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)
  • Lotus Seed (Lian Zi)
  • Mulberry Leaf (Sang Ye)

Timing:

  • Breakfast: Warm congee with goji berries, sesame seeds, and a small amount of pickled vegetables
  • Lunch: Stir-fry of seasonal vegetables with lean meat or tofu, ginger, garlic, and light soy sauce on rice
  • Dinner: Clear soup with vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and warming herbs — served with steamed rice

Jamu Daily Wellness Diet

Jamu

  • Indonesian Jamu tradition integrates healing spices, fermented foods, tropical fruits, and fresh herbs into every meal as a way of life, not just medicine.

Foods:

  • Turmeric
  • Galangal
  • Tempeh
  • Papaya
  • Coconut
  • Lemongrass
  • Pandan leaf
  • Moringa
  • Dragon fruit
  • Mangosteen
  • Turmeric (Kunyit)
  • Ginger (Jahe)
  • Lemongrass (Sereh)
  • Nutmeg (Pala)
  • Cinnamon (Kayu Manis)
  • Javanese Turmeric (Temulawak)

Timing:

  • Breakfast: Jamu tonic (turmeric, ginger, honey, tamarind) with rice porridge and tempeh
  • Lunch: Nasi campur (mixed rice) with tempeh, tofu, vegetables, and a variety of sambals
  • Dinner: Soto ayam (turmeric chicken soup) with lemongrass, galangal, bean sprouts, and rice noodles

Andean Ancestral Whole-Foods Diet

Andean & Incan Medicine

  • The ancestral Andean diet is one of the most nutritionally complete in the world, built on ancient superfoods that have nourished high-altitude civilisations for thousands of years.

Foods:

  • Quinoa
  • Kiwicha
  • Cañihua
  • Maca
  • Purple corn
  • Potato varieties
  • Olluco
  • Oca
  • Cacao
  • Camu camu
  • Corn Silk (Cabello de Maíz)
  • Mortiño (Andean Blueberry)
  • Quinoa Leaf
  • Kiwicha (Amaranth)
  • Aguaymanto (Cape Gooseberry)
  • Granadilla (Passion Fruit)

Timing:

  • Breakfast: Quinoa porridge with cacao, maca, and camu camu berry — complete protein breakfast
  • Lunch: Quinoa and potato soup with Andean herbs, olluco, and fresh vegetables
  • Dinner: Cañihua grain bowl with roasted Andean root vegetables, avocado, and aji amarillo sauce

16:8 Intermittent Fasting Protocol

Western Integrative Medicine

  • The most researched fasting protocol — eating within an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours daily.
  • During the fasting window, the body depletes glycogen and switches to fat oxidation, increasing AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and autophagy.
  • Benefits include reduced fasting insulin, improved metabolic flexibility, reduced inflammation markers (CRP, IL-6), and weight management.
  • The eating window is typically 10 am–6 pm or 12 pm–8 pm depending on lifestyle.

Foods:

  • Fasting window (16 hours): water only, black coffee, plain herbal tea, sparkling water
  • Breaking the fast: start with protein and fat — not carbohydrates (blunts the insulin spike after fasting)
  • Eating window (8 hours): normal anti-inflammatory whole foods
  • Avoid: fruit juice, BCAA supplements, bone broth with calories during fasting window — these partially break the fast
  • Electrolytes during fasting window: pinch of sea salt + a few drops of lemon juice if hunger is severe

Timing:

  • 12 pm (break fast): Wild salmon + 2 eggs + spinach + avocado — protein-fat first meal
  • 3 pm: Main nourishing meal — baked chicken + sweet potato + roasted vegetables
  • 6 pm (final meal): Light protein dinner — fish or chicken + non-starchy vegetables only

12 pm — Breaking the Fast

Salmon & Egg Break-Fast Plate

  1. Break your fast with protein and fat — not carbohydrates. This prevents the sharp insulin spike from carbohydrates after a 16-hour fast, maintaining the metabolic benefits.
  2. Scramble eggs slowly in butter on low heat until creamy.
  3. Sauté spinach in olive oil 1–2 minutes. Plate everything with sliced avocado.
  4. Eat slowly. After 16 hours of fasting, the digestive system needs gentle reintroduction — avoid large portions immediately.

3 pm — Main Meal

Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato & Vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Toss sweet potato and vegetables with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
  2. Rub chicken with remaining olive oil and herbs. Place on tray with vegetables.
  3. Roast 22–25 minutes until chicken is cooked and vegetables have caramelised edges.
  4. Squeeze lemon over everything before serving.

6 pm — Final Meal (fasting window begins after this)

Light Fish Dinner with Green Vegetables

  1. Pan-sear fish in olive oil 3–4 minutes per side over medium heat.
  2. Steam or roast asparagus and courgette alongside. Wilt spinach in the pan.
  3. Plate and squeeze lemon over everything. Keep the meal light — you want digestion complete before sleep for better overnight autophagy.
  4. Drink herbal tea 30 minutes after. After this, fasting window begins — water, black tea, and herbal tea only until 12 pm tomorrow.

5:2 Modified Fasting Protocol

Western Integrative Medicine

  • Five days of normal eating and two non-consecutive restricted days (500 kcal for women, 600 kcal for men) per week.
  • The calorie-restricted days trigger the same metabolic benefits as full fasting — AMPK activation, reduced IGF-1, increased autophagy — but are more sustainable for most people.
  • The two fasting days should not be consecutive (e.g.
  • Monday and Thursday).
  • On fasting days, the goal is maximum nutrient density within the calorie limit.

Foods:

  • Fasting days: 500–600 total calories divided between 2 small meals
  • Fasting day proteins: eggs (70 kcal each), white fish (120 kcal per 150g), tofu (80 kcal per 100g)
  • Fasting day vegetables: unlimited non-starchy — broccoli, spinach, courgette, cucumber, celery
  • Non-fasting days: normal anti-inflammatory Mediterranean eating — no restriction
  • All days: minimum 2L water, black coffee and herbal tea allowed without breaking fast
  • Avoid: fasting on consecutive days, exercising strenuously on fasting days

Timing:

  • Fasting day breakfast (~150 kcal): 2 eggs any style (140 kcal) + unlimited herbal tea
  • Fasting day dinner (~350–450 kcal): white fish + steamed broccoli + leafy salad with lemon dressing
  • Normal day template: full Mediterranean anti-inflammatory meals without calorie restriction

Fasting Day — Breakfast (~150 kcal)

Two-Egg Fasting Breakfast

  1. Boil, poach, or scramble eggs without added oil or butter on a fasting day.
  2. Season lightly with sea salt. Drink plenty of water.
  3. Black coffee can be taken before this meal — it extends the fasting window's metabolic benefit.
  4. Total: approximately 140–150 kcal. Remaining 350–450 kcal budget is for dinner.

Fasting Day — Dinner (~400 kcal)

Fasting Day White Fish Plate

  1. Steam or bake fish in foil with lemon, herbs, and a tiny amount of olive oil. 15 minutes at 180°C.
  2. Steam broccoli and courgette 5–7 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  3. Dress salad with lemon juice only (no oil) to keep calories low.
  4. Total plate: approximately 335–370 kcal. Well within the 500 kcal fasting day budget.

Non-Fasting Day — Dinner (unrestricted)

Mediterranean Salmon with Legumes

  1. Roast vegetables with 2 tbsp olive oil at 200°C for 20 minutes.
  2. Pan-sear salmon in remaining olive oil 3–4 minutes per side.
  3. Toss chickpeas or lentils through the roasted vegetables.
  4. Plate and squeeze lemon over. Normal day — eat to comfortable fullness.

Circadian Rhythm Eating (Solar Fasting Protocol)

Ayurveda

  • Aligned with Ayurvedic principles of Agni (digestive fire) and modern circadian biology — the digestive system is strongest between 10 am and 2 pm (peak sun, peak metabolic enzyme activity) and weakest after sunset.
  • Eating after dark suppresses melatonin, increases insulin resistance by 20–30%, and disrupts circadian-regulated metabolic processes.
  • This protocol concentrates the largest meal at midday, uses a light early breakfast (or skips it), and ends all eating by 6–7 pm for a 14–16 hour overnight fast.

Foods:

  • Morning (optional, light): small amount of soaked nuts or fruit — never a heavy meal before 9 am when Agni is still awakening
  • Midday (main meal, 11 am–2 pm): largest meal of the day — all food groups, full nutrition
  • Evening (before 6 pm, very light): easily digestible — soup, cooked vegetables, small amount of protein
  • After 6–7 pm: only herbal tea, water — fasting window begins with sunset
  • Avoid: eating after 7 pm (reverses circadian metabolic benefits), heavy breakfast
  • Turmeric
  • Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
  • Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu)
  • Pippali (Long Pepper)
  • Cardamom
  • Bitter Melon

Timing:

  • Morning 8 am (optional, very light): 30g soaked almonds + 1 small banana + ginger herbal tea
  • Midday 12–1 pm (main meal): Substantial kitchari or grilled fish + rice + roasted vegetables + ghee
  • Evening before 6 pm (light): Clear vegetable soup or congee — never a heavy meal

Morning (8 am) — Optional Light Breakfast

Soaked Almond & Ginger Awakening

  1. The night before: place almonds in a bowl, cover with water, soak overnight at room temperature.
  2. In the morning: drain almonds and peel the skins off (they slide off easily after soaking — peel is astringent).
  3. Eat almonds slowly and chew thoroughly. Digestive enzyme activity is still low at 8 am.
  4. Drink ginger tea alongside — ginger gently awakens Agni without overstimulating digestion.
  5. Keep this meal very small — the purpose is to gently start digestion, not to fully feed.

Midday (12–1 pm) — Main Meal at Peak Agni

Golden Kitchari — Ayurvedic Complete Meal

  1. Rinse mung dal and rice until water runs clear.
  2. Heat ghee in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ginger, turmeric, and coriander. Stir 30 seconds.
  4. Add dal and rice, stir to coat in ghee and spices. Pour in water or broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook 25–30 minutes until dal breaks down into a thick, porridge-like consistency.
  6. Stir in cooked vegetables 5 minutes before end. Season with sea salt.
  7. Eat this as the main meal of the day, mindfully, sitting down, without screens. Agni is strongest now.

Evening (before 6 pm) — Light Closing Meal

Light Vegetable Broth Soup

  1. Simmer vegetables in broth with spices 15–20 minutes until very soft.
  2. Blend half or all for a smooth soup if desired. Stir in ghee at the end.
  3. Eat before 6 pm. This should be light and easy to digest — the digestive system is slowing down.
  4. After this meal: only herbal tea and water. The 14–16 hour overnight fast begins here.

72-Hour Autophagy Reset Fast

Western Integrative Medicine

  • An extended 72-hour fast activates deep cellular autophagy (cellular self-cleaning) — the process in which cells break down and recycle damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and dysfunctional mitochondria.
  • The first 16–24 hours triggers glycogen depletion and ketogenesis; hours 24–72 see peak autophagy and a significant reduction in circulating IGF-1 and inflammatory cytokines.
  • After 72 hours, the immune system undergoes partial renewal (Valter Longo stem cell research).
  • This is an intensive protocol — not for weekly use.
  • Once per month or per quarter for immune reset is appropriate.

Foods:

  • During fast (72 hours): water only, electrolytes (sea salt + potassium from lemon), plain black coffee, plain herbal tea
  • No calories during the fast — bone broth, BCAA supplements, and sweetened teas partially break autophagy
  • Electrolyte maintenance: ½ tsp sea salt + squeeze of lemon in 1L water each day prevents low sodium, headache, and heart palpitation
  • Breaking the fast correctly is critical — refeeding syndrome is a risk after extended fasting. Start with bone broth, not a large meal
  • Not appropriate for: pregnant women, diabetics on insulin, anyone underweight, or anyone with a history of eating disorders

Timing:

  • Evening before Day 1 (pre-fast final meal): high-fat, high-protein — sustains energy into the fast
  • During fast (Days 1–3): water + herbal teas + black coffee + sea salt electrolyte water
  • Breaking the fast (end of Day 3): bone broth first, then 2 hours later soft scrambled eggs and avocado

Evening Before the Fast — Final Pre-Fast Meal

High-Fat, High-Protein Pre-Fast Plate

  1. This meal should be substantial but not overly large. Eat until satisfied, not stuffed.
  2. Roast salmon and vegetables at 200°C for 20 minutes with olive oil.
  3. Scramble eggs in remaining olive oil. Serve everything together.
  4. After this meal: stop eating. The fast begins now. Last coffee or herbal tea allowed until bedtime.

During the Fast (Days 1–3) — Fasting Drink Protocol

Electrolyte Fasting Water

  1. Mix electrolyte water each morning. Drink at least 2.5–3L of fluid daily during the fast.
  2. Sip throughout the day rather than drinking large volumes at once.
  3. Hunger peaks at hours 16–20 and again at hour 36 — these are temporary. After hour 48, many people experience a significant reduction in hunger.
  4. If feeling weak, dizzy, or experiencing heart palpitations: increase sea salt immediately — this is low sodium, not low blood sugar.
  5. Do not exercise intensely during hours 24–48 — light walking only. Light exercise is fine after hour 48.

Breaking the Fast (End of Hour 72) — Refeeding Protocol

Bone Broth Refeeding Sequence

  1. CRITICAL: Do not break an extended fast with a large meal. Refeeding syndrome is a medical risk with electrolyte imbalance.
  2. Start with 200ml warm bone broth. Sip slowly over 20 minutes.
  3. Wait at least 2 hours before eating anything else. Let the digestive system re-activate gently.
  4. First solid meal: 2 scrambled eggs + ¼ avocado + a little cooked spinach. Small portion.
  5. Wait 4 hours before eating a fuller meal. Eat only until moderately satisfied — do not eat a large meal to 'make up' for the fast.
  6. Day after the fast: normal eating resumes. The cells have completed their autophagy cycle.

OMAD — One Meal A Day Protocol

Western Integrative Medicine

  • The most condensed fasting protocol — all daily nutrition consumed within a single 1–2 hour eating window.
  • The 22–23 hour fasting window maximises autophagy, ketogenesis, and AMPK activation.
  • Requires careful nutritional planning to deliver complete macro and micronutrients in a single meal.
  • Best suited to people who have already adapted to 16:8 or 5:2 fasting.
  • Not recommended as a starting point — build up to it over several weeks.
  • Ideal eating window: 5–7 pm (dinner) to preserve social eating and performance throughout the day.

Foods:

  • The single meal must contain: 1.6–2g protein per kg bodyweight, 50–80g healthy fat, adequate fibre (25g minimum), all major micronutrients
  • Start with bone broth (10–15 minutes before the main meal) — re-engages digestive enzymes, provides collagen and electrolytes
  • Main protein: 250–350g salmon, chicken thighs, beef, or eggs
  • Healthy fat: 2–3 tbsp olive oil, ½ avocado, nuts/seeds
  • Complex carbohydrates (optional, especially for active people): 150–200g sweet potato, 1 cup legumes
  • Vegetables: minimum 400g — 4+ different colours
  • Finish: 20–30g dark chocolate + herbal tea

Timing:

  • Pre-meal (10–15 min before): 200ml bone broth — re-activates digestive enzymes, begins appetite signal
  • Main OMAD meal (5–7 pm): complete nutrient-dense plate — protein + fat + vegetables + optional complex carb
  • Post-meal: 20g dark chocolate + herbal tea — antioxidants + gentle digestive support

Pre-Meal (10 minutes before eating)

Digestive Activation Bone Broth

  1. Warm broth gently. Do not boil.
  2. Drink 10–15 minutes before the main OMAD meal.
  3. This re-activates the digestive enzyme cascade that has been dormant for 22+ hours, preventing the digestive distress that can come from eating a large meal after a long fast.

Main OMAD Meal (5–7 pm) — Complete Nutrition in One Plate

Complete OMAD Nourishment Plate

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake sweet potato whole 40 minutes (or use pre-cooked from the day before).
  2. Toss broccoli and capsicum with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, herbs. Roast 20 minutes alongside the potato.
  3. Pan-sear salmon or chicken in remaining oil, 4 minutes per side for salmon, 6 minutes for chicken. Finish chicken in oven if needed.
  4. Wilt spinach/kale in the hot pan 1 minute.
  5. Assemble the full plate: protein, roasted vegetables, leafy greens, avocado, pumpkin seeds. Squeeze lemon over everything.
  6. Eat slowly over 45–60 minutes. Chew thoroughly — digestive enzyme activity needs this time after a 22-hour fast.
  7. Serve yoghurt or kefir alongside for probiotics.

Post-Meal (30 minutes after eating)

Dark Chocolate & Chamomile Digestive Close

  1. Wait 20–30 minutes after the main meal before eating chocolate — this is a digestive rest period, not an extended eating window.
  2. Eat chocolate slowly, letting it melt.
  3. Sip chamomile tea. The eating window closes after this.
  4. The 22–23 hour fasting window now begins again.
How to Make This

Chamomile & Peppermint General Wellness Tea

Gentle, versatile blend suitable for most conditions.

Preparation:

  • Steep 1 tsp chamomile + 1 tsp peppermint in just-boiled water for 5–7 min.
  • Strain.

Dosage:

  • 2–3 cups daily

Western Herbalism

Ginger, Lemon & Honey Daily Tonic

Universal daily health tonic used across cultures for prevention and wellness.

Preparation:

  • Steep 1 tsp grated fresh ginger in hot water for 5 min.
  • Add fresh lemon juice and raw honey.

Dosage:

  • 1–2 cups daily

Ayurveda

Green Tea with Jasmine & Mint

Antioxidant-rich daily beverage with calming aromatic compounds.

Preparation:

  • Brew 1 tsp green tea with jasmine at 80°C for 3 min.
  • Add a sprig of fresh mint.

Dosage:

  • 2–3 cups daily

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Partridgeberry

Mitchella repens

Traditionally used in Indigenous / Native American for fertility, menopause, uti.

Preparation:

  • Infusion: Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Partridgeberry in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes, covered.
  • Strain and drink.

Dosage:

  • 1–3 cups daily

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Avoid if:

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible

Indigenous / Native American

Full profile
How to Make This

Partridgeberry

Mitchella repens

Traditionally used in Indigenous / Native American for fertility, menopause, uti.

Preparation:

  • Fill a jar with dried Partridgeberry and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.

Dosage:

  • 20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Avoid if:

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible

Indigenous / Native American

Trillium (Beth Root)

Trillium erectum

Traditionally used in Appalachian Folk Medicine for menstrual issues, childbirth, wound healing.

Preparation:

  • Fill a jar with dried Trillium (Beth Root) and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.

Dosage:

  • 20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Avoid if:

  • Pregnancy — may stimulate uterine contractions (avoid entirely)
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established

Appalachian Folk Medicine

How to Make This

Morning Green Juice

Nutrient-dense daily green juice for overall health and vitality.

Preparation:

  • Juice: 2 cups spinach, 1 cucumber, 3 stalks celery, 1 green apple, ½ lemon, 1 inch ginger.

Dosage:

  • 200–300 ml daily

Western Herbalism

Carrot, Apple & Ginger Daily Tonic

Warming, antioxidant-rich tonic suitable for general wellness.

Preparation:

  • Juice: 4 carrots + 2 apples + 1 inch ginger + ½ lemon.

Dosage:

  • 200 ml daily

Ayurveda

Beet, Berry & Lemon Vitality Juice

Vibrant, antioxidant-dense juice for daily energy and longevity.

Preparation:

  • Juice: 1 beet + 1 cup mixed berries + 1 orange + ½ lemon + 1 apple.

Dosage:

  • 200 ml daily

Mediterranean

How to Make This

Calendula Baby & Child Healing Lotion

The gentlest and safest healing lotion for children of all ages — from newborn nappy rash to school-age eczema and dry skin. Calendula is the most researched herb for infant skin, with multiple clinical trials showing it outperforms aloe vera for nappy dermatitis. This lotion contains no essential oils, fragrances, or preservatives that could irritate sensitive developing skin.

How to make:

  1. Melt beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil together in a double boiler on low heat.
  2. Add calendula-infused olive oil and stir until combined.
  3. Remove from heat and cool to 40°C — mixture begins to thicken.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil.
  5. Slowly pour the oil mixture into the aloe while blending with a hand mixer.
  6. Blend until a smooth, creamy lotion forms.
  7. Pour into sterilised glass jars immediately — do not add essential oils.
  8. Allow to cool completely before sealing.

Apply: Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin with gentle strokes. No need to rub in vigorously — the lotion absorbs readily. For nappy rash: apply generously at each nappy change to clean, dry skin. For eczema: apply 2–3× daily and immediately after bathing.As needed — safe for daily full-body use from birth

Western Herbalism

Lavender & Chamomile Sleep & Calm Chest Rub

A gentle sleep and calming chest rub for children aged 2 and above — lavender's linalool and chamomile's apigenin act synergistically on GABA and serotonin receptors when inhaled through the skin. Applied to the chest and soles of the feet before bed, this balm supports sleep onset, reduces bedtime anxiety, and calms over-stimulated children. Safe alternative to stronger mentholated rubs.

How to make:

  1. Melt beeswax in a double boiler until liquid.
  2. Add coconut oil and shea butter, stirring until fully combined.
  3. Remove from heat and cool to 45°C.
  4. Add essential oils at this point — adding to very hot oil destroys the therapeutic compounds.
  5. Pour into tins or wide-mouth jars and allow to set.

Apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to chest, upper back, and soles of feet 15–30 minutes before bed. Gently massage in with slow, circular strokes — the massage itself has a calming effect. Can also apply a small amount to the wrists for daytime anxiety.Nightly as part of the bedtime routine, or as needed for acute anxiety

Western Herbalism

Oat & Calendula Soothing Eczema Bath

A therapeutic bath for children with eczema, chicken pox, heat rash, or any itchy inflammatory skin condition — colloidal oatmeal has been used for centuries and is now FDA-approved as a skin protectant. Calendula adds additional anti-inflammatory benefit. The bath reduces itch intensity, calms skin inflammation, and restores the pH-dependent skin barrier that keeps moisture in and pathogens out.

How to make:

  1. Blend rolled oats in a food processor or blender until a fine flour-like powder forms.
  2. Test colloidal consistency: add 1 tsp to a glass of warm water — it should turn the water milky white and feel silky.
  3. Grind dried calendula flowers to a fine powder.
  4. Brew 2 chamomile tea bags in 500ml boiling water for 10 min. Cool.
  5. Run a lukewarm bath (NOT hot — heat worsens eczema and itch).
  6. Pour chamomile tea directly into bath.
  7. Sprinkle oat powder and calendula powder into water while swirling.
  8. Add baking soda if using.
  9. Swirl bath water to distribute evenly.

Apply: Bathe child in the lukewarm oat bath for 10–20 minutes. Gently pat (do not rub) dry with a soft cotton towel. Immediately apply a thick layer of calendula lotion or plain emollient to seal in moisture — the 3-minute window after bathing is critical for eczema management as the skin is maximally hydrated.Daily during flares; 2–3× per week for maintenance

Western Herbalism

Elderberry & Thyme Throat Spray

A targeted throat spray for children with sore throats, tonsillitis, or upper respiratory infections — applying antimicrobial herbs directly to the affected mucous membrane where they can act locally without needing systemic absorption. Elderberry's antiviral activity combined with thyme's thymol (the strongest natural antimicrobial essential oil compound) provides direct pathogen inhibition at the infection site.

How to make:

  1. Make the elderberry decoction and thyme infusion separately. Strain both very thoroughly — no plant particles.
  2. Cool completely to room temperature.
  3. Combine both teas in a clean bottle.
  4. Add honey and stir until completely dissolved.
  5. Add lemon juice and mix.
  6. Transfer to a small spray bottle.
  7. Refrigerate and use within 5 days.

Apply: Shake well before each use. Spray 2–3 times directly to the back of the throat, aiming for the tonsil area. Ask child to open mouth wide and say 'ahh'. For babies and toddlers who won't cooperate with a spray, use as a liquid sipping tonic instead.Every 2–4 hours during acute throat infection, reducing to 3× daily as symptoms improve

Western Herbalism

  • Age-appropriate sleep: the single most important health intervention for children — Babies (0–3m): 14–17 hrs total; Infants (4–11m): 12–15 hrs; Toddlers (1–2y): 11–14 hrs; Preschool (3–5y): 10–13 hrs; School-age (6–12y): 9–11 hrs; Teens (13–18y): 8–10 hrs. Consistent bedtime within a 30-min window is more important than the exact time
  • Screen time limits by age (WHO guidelines): Under 2 years: zero screen time except video calls with family; 2–5 years: maximum 1 hour per day of high-quality content with a parent; 6–12 years: consistent limits with content awareness; Teens: balance with sleep — screens off minimum 1 hour before bed to allow melatonin rise
  • Daily outdoor time and unstructured play: minimum 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for ages 5+; even 20 min outdoors for toddlers and babies — outdoor natural light anchors circadian rhythms, provides vitamin D synthesis, reduces myopia risk, and reduces cortisol in ways indoor play cannot replicate
  • Reduce ultra-processed food and artificial food dyes: the Southampton study confirmed that artificial colours (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, and sodium benzoate) significantly increase hyperactivity in children — European foods require warning labels; the US and Australia do not; read ingredient labels carefully
  • Consistent daily routine and predictability: children's nervous systems are calibrated by predictability — regular mealtimes, bedtimes, school routines, and transition rituals (e.g., 5-minute warning before changing activities) measurably reduce cortisol and improve behaviour and emotional regulation
  • Sugar reduction: the average child consumes 3–4× the WHO recommended daily limit of free sugars — excess sugar impairs the gut microbiome (particularly Bifidobacterium in infants), suppresses immune function for up to 5 hours after consumption, destabilises blood sugar causing behavioural and mood fluctuations, and is the primary driver of childhood dental disease
  • Age-appropriate mindfulness and breathing: Babies: skin-to-skin contact and gentle rocking activate the parasympathetic system; Toddlers: blowing bubbles (natural belly breathing); School-age children: 3–5 min of slow belly breathing before school, tests, or bed; Teens: 4-7-8 breathing, guided meditation apps — proven to reduce anxiety by 30% in school-aged children
  • Physical activity by age: Babies: supervised tummy time 3× daily; Toddlers: active play 3+ hours spread throughout the day; Children 5–12y: 60 min moderate-vigorous activity daily (running, swimming, sport, dancing); Teens: 60 min daily plus bone-strengthening activities (jumping, running) 3×/week — physical activity is the strongest predictor of academic performance and mental health in children
  • Nature exposure and green space: children who spend time in natural environments show measurably lower cortisol, better attention, higher creativity, and reduced ADHD symptoms — Attention Restoration Theory explains that natural environments require soft involuntary attention (different from the directed attention demanded by screens and structured learning), allowing the prefrontal cortex to rest and restore
  • Reduce environmental toxin exposure: choose fragrance-free household cleaning products, avoid non-stick cookware (PFAS), filter drinking water (lead, chlorine), choose organic for the 'dirty dozen' produce items, avoid plastics with BPA and phthalates, ventilate rooms daily — children absorb proportionally more environmental toxins than adults per unit body weight
  • Social connection and emotional vocabulary: children need face-to-face social play for language development, empathy, and emotional regulation — structured opportunities for cooperative play, family mealtimes without screens, and teaching emotional vocabulary ('I notice you seem frustrated — can you tell me what your body feels like?') build the prefrontal cortex circuits for lifelong emotional health
  • Gut-brain support: limit unnecessary antibiotic courses (the microbiome of a 2-year-old is not fully established and a single broad-spectrum antibiotic course reduces diversity for 1–2 years); give a probiotic during and for 4+ weeks after any antibiotic; prioritise prebiotic foods (oats, garlic, banana, onion) to feed beneficial bacteria throughout childhood
  • Vitamin D optimisation: 80% of children living above 35° latitude are vitamin D deficient by end of winter — vitamin D regulates 2,000+ genes, 10% of the immune system, and is the top predictor of respiratory infection severity in children; supplement October–April: under 1 year: 400 IU daily; 1–12 years: 600–1000 IU daily; teens: 1000–2000 IU daily
  • Reading aloud and cognitive stimulation: reading aloud to children from birth builds vocabulary 4× faster than conversation alone, activates Broca's area and the left temporal lobe (language centres), and correlates more strongly with academic achievement than any other single activity — 15–20 minutes of shared reading daily is the highest-leverage cognitive intervention available
  • Limit chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): toxic stress (defined as prolonged activation of the stress response without buffering from a caring adult) physically alters the amygdala and hippocampus — consistent, warm, responsive caregiving is the primary protective factor; access therapy or family support services when ACEs are present

Indigenous / Native American

Sacred plant knowledge passed across generations by hundreds of tribes, honoring the deep relationship between land and healing.

Indigenous / Native American addresses childbirth using traditional herbs, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle practices specific to its healing philosophy.

Appalachian Folk Medicine

A mountain tradition passed down by Scots-Irish settlers and Cherokee people, rich in goldenseal, black cohosh, ginseng, and generations of botanical wisdom.

Appalachian Folk Medicine addresses childbirth using traditional herbs, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle practices specific to its healing philosophy.

When to see a doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or before starting any herbal protocol.

Sunaras provides holistic health education. Always work with a qualified healthcare practitioner.

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