Condition

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) — acute inflammation of the conjunctiva (the transparent mucous membrane lining the inner eyelid and scleral surface) — is the most common eye condition in children, divided into viral, bacterial, and allergic forms with distinct clinical patterns. Viral conjunctivitis accounts for 80% of cases in adults but a smaller proportion in young children; adenovirus (serotypes 8, 19, 37 cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis with corneal involvement; serotypes 3, 4, 7 cause pharyngoconjunctival fever) causes the majority, with enterovirus, herpes simplex, and varicella contributing. Watery discharge, marked redness, and highly contagious transmission via hand-to-eye contact characterise viral cases — which are self-limiting in 7–14 days without specific treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis in children most commonly involves Haemophilus influenzae (associated with concurrent otitis media), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis; Staphylococcus aureus predominates in older children. The hallmark is purulent or mucopurulent discharge causing eyelid crusting on waking — the 'stuck eyelids' of morning. Neonatal conjunctivitis within the first 28 days requires urgent evaluation: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (onset 2–4 days post-birth) causes hyperacute copious purulent discharge with corneal ulceration risk; Chlamydia trachomatis (onset 5–14 days) causes less dramatic but persistent mucopurulent discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis produces bilateral itching, watery discharge, papillary reaction, and chemosis. Holistic support: chamomile warm compresses (anti-inflammatory, soothing, promotes discharge drainage); eyebright (Euphrasia) herbal eye wash (astringent, anti-inflammatory for mild bacterial/allergic forms); honey dilute saline eye drops (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory); meticulous hand hygiene to prevent spread.

Safety notice — LOW

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.

Eyebright (Euphrasia)

Euphrasia officinalis

The most specific herb for eye inflammation in the Western herbal tradition — its very name reflects its centuries of use for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and irritated eyes. Contains tannins and iridoid glycosides with direct anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial action.

Preparation:

STERILE EYE WASH ONLY: Boil 1 tsp dried eyebright in 500 ml water for 10 min.
Strain through MULTIPLE layers of cheesecloth.
Cool completely.
Use immediately — do not store.
Apply with a sterile eyecup or sterile cotton pads (separate pad for each eye to prevent cross-contamination).

Dosage:

Rinse affected eye(s) 3–4× daily.
CRITICAL: Each batch must be made fresh.
Use within 2 hours.
Always use a separate clean cloth/pad for each eye and each application.

Avoid if:

MUST be sterile — contaminated eye washes cause serious eye infections
Make fresh every time
Use separate cotton pads for each eye

European Herbalism

Chamomile Flowers

Matricaria chamomilla

Gentle anti-inflammatory eye wash used for millennia for pink eye in babies and young children — the warm infusion also provides a warm compress effect.

Preparation:

Prepare as sterile wash — same protocol as eyebright.
BOIL, STRAIN THOROUGHLY through 4 layers of cheesecloth, cool, use immediately.
Apply warm (not hot) compress of chamomile tea to closed eyelid for additional benefit.

Dosage:

Warm chamomile compress 3–4× daily + sterile chamomile rinse 3× daily.
Never put any liquid into the eye of a neonate without medical guidance.

Avoid if:

MUST BE STERILE — see eyebright note
Avoid if Asteraceae allergy
Seek medical evaluation for eye discharge in neonates under 4 weeks (may be gonorrhoeal or chlamydial)

European Folk Medicine

Colloidal Silver (topical 10–20 ppm)

N/A

Pre-antibiotic era standard eye treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis — silver ions have broad-spectrum bactericidal activity including against antibiotic-resistant strains. Used in dilute form as an eye drop.

Preparation:

Use pharmaceutical-grade colloidal silver 10–20 ppm ONLY.
1–2 drops in the affected eye, 3× daily.
Store in a dark glass bottle, refrigerate after opening.

Dosage:

1–2 drops in affected eye(s) 3× daily for 5–7 days.
Not for prolonged use.

Avoid if:

Use pharmaceutical grade 10–20 ppm only
Do not use homemade or high-concentration colloidal silver
Seek medical evaluation if no improvement in 48h or if symptoms worsen

Western Folk Medicine / Silver Medicine

Eyebright (Ochanka)

Euphrasia officinalis

Traditionally used in Slavic & Eastern European Folk Medicine for eye health, allergy, respiratory issues.

Preparation:

Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.

Dosage:

1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule

⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Avoid if:

Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established

Slavic & Eastern European Folk Medicine

Full profile

Eyebright (Øjentrøst)

Euphrasia officinalis

Traditionally used in Scandinavian Folk Medicine for eye health, allergy, respiratory issues.

Preparation:

Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.

Dosage:

1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule

⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Avoid if:

Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established

Scandinavian Folk Medicine

Full profile

Paediatric Conjunctivitis Natural Recovery Protocol

Western Herbalism / Integrative

Most childhood conjunctivitis is viral (adenovirus, enterovirus) and resolves without antibiotics in 7–14 days — antibiotic eye drops reduce bacterial conjunctivitis duration by 1 day but are overused significantly in viral cases.
Natural management focuses on sterile herbal eye washes, hygiene to prevent spread, and nutritional support.
ALWAYS seek medical evaluation if: neonate under 4 weeks (possible gonorrhoeal/chlamydial), severe pain, vision changes, significant photophobia, or no improvement after 5 days.

Foods:

Sterile eyebright & chamomile eye wash 3–4× daily (primary treatment)
Breast milk drops in eye for breastfed infants (3–4× daily)
Vitamin A-rich foods daily (carrots, sweet potato, eggs)
Zinc-rich foods daily (pumpkin seeds, beef)
Frequent handwashing — pink eye spreads via hand-to-eye contact
Separate towels and pillowcases (wash daily on hot cycle)
Do not share eye drops, towels, or goggles during infection

Timing:

Morning: Scrambled eggs (vitamin A + zinc) + carrot juice + eyebright wash + fresh herbal eye compress
Throughout day: Sterile eyebright chamomile rinse every 3–4 hours using separate sterile cotton pad for each eye; hand hygiene after every eye contact
Evening: Sweet potato soup + elderberry syrup (immune support) + chamomile eye compress before bed + separate clean pillowcase

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

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.
Scramble eggs slowly in butter on low heat until creamy.
Sauté spinach in olive oil 1–2 minutes. Plate everything with sliced avocado.
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

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

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

Light Fish Dinner with Green Vegetables

Pan-sear fish in olive oil 3–4 minutes per side over medium heat.
Steam or roast asparagus and courgette alongside. Wilt spinach in the pan.
Plate and squeeze lemon over everything. Keep the meal light — you want digestion complete before sleep for better overnight autophagy.
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

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

Fasting Day — Dinner (~400 kcal)

Fasting Day White Fish Plate

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

Non-Fasting Day — Dinner (unrestricted)

Mediterranean Salmon with Legumes

Roast vegetables with 2 tbsp olive oil at 200°C for 20 minutes.
Pan-sear salmon in remaining olive oil 3–4 minutes per side.
Toss chickpeas or lentils through the roasted vegetables.
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

The night before: place almonds in a bowl, cover with water, soak overnight at room temperature.
In the morning: drain almonds and peel the skins off (they slide off easily after soaking — peel is astringent).
Eat almonds slowly and chew thoroughly. Digestive enzyme activity is still low at 8 am.
Drink ginger tea alongside — ginger gently awakens Agni without overstimulating digestion.
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

Rinse mung dal and rice until water runs clear.
Heat ghee in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ginger, turmeric, and coriander. Stir 30 seconds.
Add dal and rice, stir to coat in ghee and spices. Pour in water or broth.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook 25–30 minutes until dal breaks down into a thick, porridge-like consistency.
Stir in cooked vegetables 5 minutes before end. Season with sea salt.
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

Simmer vegetables in broth with spices 15–20 minutes until very soft.
Blend half or all for a smooth soup if desired. Stir in ghee at the end.
Eat before 6 pm. This should be light and easy to digest — the digestive system is slowing down.
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

This meal should be substantial but not overly large. Eat until satisfied, not stuffed.
Roast salmon and vegetables at 200°C for 20 minutes with olive oil.
Scramble eggs in remaining olive oil. Serve everything together.
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

Mix electrolyte water each morning. Drink at least 2.5–3L of fluid daily during the fast.
Sip throughout the day rather than drinking large volumes at once.
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.
If feeling weak, dizzy, or experiencing heart palpitations: increase sea salt immediately — this is low sodium, not low blood sugar.
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

CRITICAL: Do not break an extended fast with a large meal. Refeeding syndrome is a medical risk with electrolyte imbalance.
Start with 200ml warm bone broth. Sip slowly over 20 minutes.
Wait at least 2 hours before eating anything else. Let the digestive system re-activate gently.
First solid meal: 2 scrambled eggs + ¼ avocado + a little cooked spinach. Small portion.
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.
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

Warm broth gently. Do not boil.
Drink 10–15 minutes before the main OMAD meal.
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

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

Post-Meal (30 minutes after eating)

Dark Chocolate & Chamomile Digestive Close

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

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.

Related conditions may also be relevant — browse all conditions or search again.

Conjunctivitis

Eyebright (Euphrasia)

Chamomile Flowers

Colloidal Silver (topical 10–20 ppm)

Eyebright (Ochanka)

Eyebright (Øjentrøst)

Vitamin A Foods (carrots, sweet potato, eggs)

Zinc-Rich Foods (pumpkin seeds, eggs, beef)

Breast Milk (for infants — topical)

Eyebright & Chamomile Sterile Eye Wash Tea

Eyebright (Ochanka)

Eyebright (Øjentrøst)

Eyebright (Ochanka)

Eyebright (Øjentrøst)

Carrot & Orange Vitamin A and C Immunity Juice

Frankincense & Rose Hip Regenerating Serum