Condition

Liver Disease

Liver disease encompasses a spectrum of conditions damaging hepatocyte function and structure, ranging from reversible fatty infiltration (steatosis) through inflammation (hepatitis, whether viral, autoimmune, or alcohol/toxin-induced) to progressive fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by non-functional scar tissue that disrupts both the liver's blood flow architecture and its hundreds of metabolic, detoxification, and synthetic functions. Because the liver has substantial regenerative capacity, early-stage damage (fatty liver, mild hepatitis) is often reversible if the underlying cause — excess alcohol, viral infection, obesity-driven metabolic dysfunction (now the most common cause globally), or toxin exposure — is removed; but once fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis, scar tissue formation becomes largely irreversible, impairing bile production, protein synthesis (including clotting factors), toxin clearance, and blood pressure regulation within the portal venous system. Holistic support: milk thistle (silymarin has demonstrated hepatoprotective and mild regenerative effects on hepatocytes); complete alcohol avoidance, essential regardless of the cause of liver disease; weight management and reduced refined sugar/fructose intake, directly targeting fatty liver disease; NAC (N-acetylcysteine) for glutathione support, the liver's primary detoxification cofactor; and a diet emphasising vegetables, adequate protein, and reduced processed food to lighten the liver's metabolic burden.

Safety notice — HIGH

This condition carries elevated risk. Consult your doctor or licensed healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal protocol — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic illness, or are taking prescription medications.

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.

Echinacea stimulates the immune system and may counteract immunosuppressant medications used after organ transplants or for autoimmune conditions (corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate). Not recommended for autoimmune diseases without specialist supervision.

High-dose curcumin (above 1g/day) has antiplatelet properties. Use with caution alongside blood thinners. Also lowers blood sugar — monitor closely if on diabetes medications.

Goldenseal inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 liver enzymes, potentially elevating blood concentrations of blood pressure medications, statins, cyclosporine, and other drugs.

Beets

Supports bile flow and liver enzyme activity for detoxification.

Preparation:

  • Eat roasted, juiced, or as a salad.
  • Start with small amounts.

Dosage:

  • ½ cup daily

Eastern European Folk Medicine

Full profile

Dandelion Greens

Bitter liver tonic that stimulates bile and supports kidney elimination.

Preparation:

  • Eat fresh in salads, sauté, or steep leaves as a tea.

Dosage:

  • 1 cup greens or 2 cups tea daily

Western Herbalism

Full profile

Cruciferous Vegetables

Sulforaphane activates the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and phase II detox enzymes.

Preparation:

  • Steam broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
  • Let sit 5 min after chopping before cooking.

Dosage:

  • 1–2 cups daily

Mediterranean

Lemon Water

Alkalising morning ritual that stimulates liver and kidney function.

Preparation:

  • Squeeze half a lemon into warm water first thing in the morning.

Dosage:

  • 1 glass on waking

Ayurveda

Artichoke

Cynarin stimulates bile production and supports liver regeneration.

Preparation:

  • Steam and eat the heart, or use as an artichoke heart in salads.

Dosage:

  • 1 artichoke or ½ cup hearts daily

North African & Amazigh Medicine

Full profile

Garlic

Sulphur compounds support glutathione synthesis — the master antioxidant.

Preparation:

  • Eat 2–3 raw or lightly cooked cloves daily.

Dosage:

  • 2–3 cloves daily

Unani/Islamic Medicine

Full profile

Raw Garlic & Manuka Honey

The most potent natural antimicrobial food combination — allicin from garlic has demonstrated direct inhibitory activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia in laboratory studies, while Manuka honey's methylglyoxal content provides broad-spectrum antibacterial support.

Preparation:

  • Crush 2–3 raw garlic cloves, let sit 10 minutes to maximise allicin formation, then mix with 1 tsp Manuka honey (UMF 10+ or higher).
  • Eat daily.
  • Do not heat.

Dosage:

  • 2–3 raw crushed cloves daily with Manuka honey

Mediterranean

Probiotic Fermented Foods (Kefir, Yogurt, Sauerkraut)

Antibiotic treatment for gonorrhoea and chlamydia devastates the gut and vaginal microbiomes — restoring beneficial bacteria is essential to prevent secondary yeast infections, restore immune function, and rebuild the urogenital microbiome barrier that resists reinfection.

Preparation:

  • Start probiotics 2 hours after each antibiotic dose (not simultaneously).
  • Include kefir, live-culture yogurt, sauerkraut, or kimchi at every meal.
  • Continue for at least 4 weeks after finishing antibiotics.

Dosage:

  • ½ cup with each meal during and after antibiotic treatment

Korean Traditional Medicine (Hanbang)

Zinc-Rich Foods (Pumpkin Seeds, Oysters, Lentils)

Zinc is the most critical mineral for immune function during bacterial STI recovery — it is required for neutrophil activity, T cell development, and wound healing of inflamed mucous membranes.

Preparation:

  • Eat a small handful of raw pumpkin seeds daily.
  • Include oysters or shellfish 2–3 times per week if not vegan.
  • Add lentils and chickpeas to daily meals.

Dosage:

  • 2–3 tbsp pumpkin seeds daily, plus zinc-rich meals

Mediterranean

Vitamin C-Rich Foods (Guava, Bell Peppers, Kiwi, Citrus)

High-dose vitamin C supports collagen synthesis for healing inflamed and damaged mucous membranes, enhances neutrophil and lymphocyte function, and is anti-inflammatory — particularly important during and after pelvic inflammatory disease.

Preparation:

  • Eat fresh guava, bell peppers (highest food source of vitamin C), kiwis, and citrus fruits raw.
  • Avoid cooking vitamin C-rich foods as heat destroys up to 50% of the content.

Dosage:

  • 3–5 servings of vitamin C-rich foods daily

Mediterranean

7-Day Liver Cleanse Protocol

Western Herbalism

  • This evidence-informed cleanse supports phase I and II liver detoxification through cruciferous vegetables, bitter greens, beets, and specific herbs that increase glutathione and bile flow.

Foods:

  • Beets
  • Broccoli sprouts
  • Artichoke
  • Dandelion greens
  • Garlic
  • Lemon
  • Cilantro
  • Milk thistle
  • Turmeric
  • Parsley
  • Elderberry
  • Peppermint
  • Lemon Balm
  • Hawthorn
  • Oregon Grape
  • Linden (Lime Blossom)

Timing:

  • Breakfast: Lemon water on waking + green smoothie with cilantro, spinach, cucumber, and ginger
  • Lunch: Large mixed salad with beets, broccoli sprouts, artichoke hearts, walnuts, and lemon-olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Light vegetable soup with dandelion greens, garlic, onion, and beets — with artichoke hearts

Ayurvedic Panchakarma-Style Kitchari Cleanse

Ayurveda

  • The kitchari mono-diet is Ayurveda's gentle cleansing approach — easily digestible mung bean and rice porridge with spices gives the digestive system rest while eliminating Ama (toxins).

Foods:

  • Mung beans
  • Basmati rice
  • Ghee
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Cumin
  • Coriander
  • Triphala
  • Neem
  • Fennel seeds
  • Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
  • Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu)
  • Pippali (Long Pepper)
  • Cardamom
  • Bitter Melon

Timing:

  • Breakfast: Warm kitchari (mung bean and rice) with ghee, fresh ginger, and a cup of ginger tea
  • Lunch: Kitchari with turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel and lightly steamed seasonal greens
  • Dinner: Light mung soup with ginger, garlic, coriander, and a small amount of steamed bitter greens

TCM Liver & Gallbladder Cleanse Diet

Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • TCM treats 'Liver Qi Stagnation' and 'Damp-Heat in the Liver' (causes of toxic buildup) with sour, bitter, and cooling foods that move stagnation and clear heat from the Liver meridian.

Foods:

  • Chrysanthemum
  • Dandelion greens
  • Mung beans
  • White wood ear mushroom
  • Lotus root
  • Lemon
  • Green tea
  • Plums
  • Barley
  • Wolfberry (goji)
  • 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: Mung bean congee with chrysanthemum flowers, goji berries, and a few plum slices
  • Lunch: Stir-fried lotus root with dandelion greens, light soy sauce, and ginger
  • Dinner: Barley and vegetable soup with mung beans, white mushroom, and lemon broth

Aboriginal Australian Cleansing Diet

Aboriginal Australian Medicine

  • Aboriginal Australian healing uses native bush foods and cleansing plants that have evolved over 60,000 years to support detoxification, liver function, and whole-body renewal.

Foods:

  • Bush tomato (Solanum centrale)
  • Quandong (desert peach)
  • Kakadu plum (highest vitamin C fruit)
  • Wattleseed
  • Lemon myrtle
  • Finger lime
  • Mountain pepper
  • Samphire
  • Warrigal greens
  • Riberry
  • Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)
  • Quandong (Native Peach)
  • Wattleseed (Acacia)
  • Bush Tomato (Kutjera)

Timing:

  • Breakfast: Wattleseed porridge with kakadu plum paste and quandong jam — antioxidant-dense
  • Lunch: Warrigal greens salad with finger lime, riberry dressing, and lemon myrtle vinaigrette
  • Dinner: Baked fish with mountain pepper, bush tomato sauce, samphire, and wattleseed flatbread

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

Milk Thistle & Dandelion Liver Detox Tea

The world's best-studied liver-protective herbal combination.

Preparation:

  • Decoct 1 tsp milk thistle seeds (crushed) + 1 tsp dandelion root in 2 cups water for 20 min.
  • Strain.

Dosage:

  • 2–3 cups daily

Western Herbalism

Nettle & Cleavers Kidney Cleanse Tea

Traditional kidney tonic and lymphatic cleanser.

Preparation:

  • Steep 1 tsp nettle leaf + 1 tsp cleavers herb in just-boiled water for 8 min.
  • Strain.
  • Drink cool or warm.

Dosage:

  • 2–3 cups daily

Celtic & Norse Herbalism

Schisandra Berry & Green Tea Antioxidant Blend

Adaptogen and antioxidant blend that supports all five phase II liver detox pathways.

Preparation:

  • Simmer 1 tbsp schisandra berries in 2 cups water for 10 min.
  • Remove from heat, add 1 tsp green tea, steep 3 min.
  • Strain.

Dosage:

  • 2 cups daily

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Turmeric, Black Pepper & Lemon Detox Tea

Daily liver-protective and anti-inflammatory morning ritual.

Preparation:

  • Mix ½ tsp turmeric + pinch black pepper + juice of ½ lemon in warm (not boiling) water.
  • Add honey.

Dosage:

  • 1 cup every morning

Ayurveda

Goldenseal, Uva Ursi & Echinacea Antimicrobial STI Tea

The most targeted herbal antimicrobial tea for urogenital bacterial infections including gonorrhoea and chlamydia — berberine from Goldenseal has demonstrated direct inhibitory activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, while Echinacea activates the immune response and Uva Ursi targets the urinary tract.

Preparation:

  • Decoct ½ tsp dried goldenseal root in 2 cups water for 15 min.
  • Remove from heat, add 1 tsp echinacea root and 1 tsp uva ursi leaf.
  • Steep 10 min.
  • Strain well.
  • Add lemon and honey.
  • Do not use for more than 2 weeks continuously.

Dosage:

  • 2–3 cups daily.
  • Not for use in pregnancy.
  • Consult healthcare provider if taking medications.

Appalachian Folk Medicine

Cat's Claw, Andrographis & Olive Leaf Intracellular Infection Tea

Specifically formulated for intracellular pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis — all three herbs have demonstrated activity against bacteria that hide inside cells, where standard antibiotics have reduced effectiveness.

Preparation:

  • Decoct 1 tsp cat's claw bark in 2 cups water for 15 min.
  • Remove from heat, add ½ tsp andrographis leaf and 1 tsp olive leaf.
  • Steep 8 min.
  • Strain.
  • Add honey to offset bitterness.

Dosage:

  • 2 cups daily during treatment.
  • Not for use in pregnancy or with immunosuppressant medications.

Amazonian Plant Medicine

Probiotic-Support Gut Restoration Tea

Essential during and after antibiotic treatment for STIs — marshmallow root and slippery elm repair the gut lining damaged by antibiotics, while chamomile reduces intestinal inflammation and supports the re-establishment of beneficial gut flora.

Preparation:

  • Cold-steep 1 tbsp marshmallow root in 2 cups cold water for 4 hours (do not boil — heat destroys mucilage).
  • Strain.
  • Add 1 tbsp slippery elm powder and 1 tsp chamomile, warm gently.
  • Stir well.

Dosage:

  • 2 cups daily, taken 2 hours after each antibiotic dose during treatment, and for 4 weeks after

Western Herbalism

How to Make This

Master Cleanse Lemon Cayenne Tonic

Classic detox tonic that stimulates liver and supports elimination.

Preparation:

  • Mix: juice of 2 lemons + 2 tbsp grade B maple syrup + pinch cayenne pepper + 500 ml water.
  • Drink throughout the morning.

Dosage:

  • 500 ml in the morning

Western Herbalism

Green Chlorophyll Detox Juice

Chlorophyll-dense blend for heavy metal chelation and liver support.

Preparation:

  • Juice: 2 cups spinach + 1 cup parsley + 1 cup cilantro + 2 cucumbers + 1 lemon + 1 inch ginger.

Dosage:

  • 250–300 ml daily on an empty stomach

Ayurveda

Beet & Grapefruit Liver Flush Juice

Traditional liver-stimulating blend from Russian naturopathic tradition.

Preparation:

  • Juice: 2 beets + 1 grapefruit (peeled) + 2 carrots + 1 inch ginger + ½ lemon.
  • Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar.

Dosage:

  • 200 ml in the morning

Russian & Siberian Folk Medicine

Antimicrobial Immune Fortress Juice

A high-dose vitamin C and antimicrobial compound juice specifically designed to support the immune system during bacterial STI treatment — combining the most potent natural antimicrobial foods with immune-activating nutrients.

Preparation:

  • Juice: 2 whole guavas + 2 large red bell peppers + 1 lemon + 1 inch fresh ginger + 1 inch fresh turmeric + 2 raw garlic cloves (press and let sit 10 min before adding) + pinch black pepper.
  • Drink immediately.

Dosage:

  • 250 ml daily, ideally in the morning

Mediterranean

Gut-Microbiome Restoration Smoothie

A prebiotic and probiotic-rich smoothie designed to rebuild the gut and urogenital microbiome after antibiotic treatment for STIs — feeding beneficial bacteria and providing the substrates needed for Lactobacillus re-colonisation.

Preparation:

  • Blend: 1 cup live-culture kefir (or coconut kefir for dairy-free) + 1 banana + ½ cup frozen blueberries + 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 1 tbsp raw honey + ½ tsp cinnamon.
  • Blend until smooth.

Dosage:

  • 300 ml daily, taken 2 hours after antibiotic doses during treatment and for 4 weeks after finishing

Korean Traditional Medicine (Hanbang)

How to Make This

Castor Oil Liver Pack

A traditional naturopathic castor oil liver pack — one of the most thoroughly documented alternative therapies for supporting liver and lymphatic function. Castor oil's ricinoleic acid penetrates deeply to increase local prostaglandin E2, stimulate lymphatic drainage in the hepatic region, and reduce liver inflammation. Used by naturopaths for over 100 years.

How to make:

  1. Mix essential oils into castor oil and stir well.
  2. Lay flannel flat and pour oil blend onto it until well saturated.
  3. Fold flannel in half to contain the oil.

Apply: Lie on your back. Place the oil-saturated flannel over the right side of the abdomen (liver region — just below the right ribcage). Cover with clingfilm or an old towel to protect bedding. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top. Rest in this position for 45–60 minutes. The flannel can be stored in a glass container and reused up to 20 times — add more oil each use. — 3–4× weekly for liver support; nightly during active detox protocols

Naturopathy / Edgar Cayce Tradition

Frankincense & Rose Hip Regenerating Serum

A luxurious regenerating serum drawing on ancient Persian healing wisdom, combining frankincense resin's boswellic acids with rose hip's trans-retinoic acid to reduce inflammation, promote cellular renewal, and improve skin tone.

How to make:

  1. Combine rose hip and jojoba oils in a small dark glass bottle.
  2. Add vitamin E oil and swirl to mix.
  3. Add all essential oils.
  4. Cap tightly and shake well.
  5. Allow to rest for 24 hours before first use.

Apply: Apply 3–4 drops to clean, slightly damp skin. Press gently into skin using fingertips — do not drag. Allow to absorb for 2 minutes before applying moisturiser. — Morning and/or evening

Persian Medicine

  • Lymphatic drainage massage: gentle manual technique targeting neck, armpit, and groin lymph nodes to support immune clearance and detoxification — 20–30 min session, 2–3x/week or monthly with a trained therapist
  • Acupuncture: TCM needle therapy at condition-specific meridian points to restore Qi flow and reduce systemic inflammation — 6–12 weekly sessions recommended initially
  • Sauna therapy: infrared sauna at 50–60°C for 20–30 min, 3–4x/week — promotes detoxification through sweat, reduces inflammatory markers, and supports immune function
  • Cold plunge / contrast hydrotherapy: 30–60 seconds cold shower or cold plunge after sauna — activates the vagus nerve, reduces inflammation, and boosts circulation
  • Yoga: 30–45 min daily practice of poses suited to your condition — combines breathwork, stretching, and mindfulness to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress hormones
  • Meditation: 20 min daily — body scan, breath awareness, or loving-kindness practice to lower cortisol and support the mind-body healing response
  • Breathwork: diaphragmatic breathing or pranayama (e.g. alternate nostril, 4-7-8) for 10–15 min daily — regulates the autonomic nervous system and reduces systemic inflammation
  • Grounding / earthing: 20–30 min of barefoot contact with grass, soil, or sand daily — shown to reduce cortisol, normalise circadian rhythm, and lower inflammatory markers
  • Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku): 60–90 min slow, mindful walk in a forested or green environment weekly — clinically shown to reduce stress hormones and blood pressure
  • Sleep hygiene: maintain a consistent sleep/wake time, keep bedroom dark and cool (18–20°C), avoid screens 1 hour before bed — 7–9 hours of quality sleep is foundational to all healing
  • Morning sunlight: 10–20 min of direct sunlight exposure before 10am daily — anchors circadian rhythm, boosts vitamin D synthesis, and regulates serotonin
  • Journaling: 10–15 min daily reflective writing — symptom tracking, emotional processing, and gratitude practice to reduce psychological stress load

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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