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Mould exposure, your health and what you can do - McDowell's Herbal Treatments

If the current viral impacts of Covid-19 around the globe wasn’t enough, we now have a rise in mould issues due to recent climate change affecting humidity and rainfall. There are more than 150 different types of mould that can be found in your home! Exposure to mould is rising and having an impact on our immune systems...

stock mould walls SMLL

What is mould and what does it look like?

Mould is recognised as black or green and most familiar to us in our bathrooms and other wet rooms exposed to water and high temperatures. Black mould is usually slimy and wet, but the early stages can be powdery, whilst green mould has a fuzzy, light texture.

Mildew is a common surface fungus and typically grey or whitish in colour, it can become mould over time go black as it grows. 

Mould is a microbe, an organism that is opportunistic, meaning it is always looking for growth opportunities to replicate. Mould tends to thrive in damp areas and where there is water damage to a home that may be lacking in ventilation.

Mould is a type of fungus with spores and toxins which can be released when it grows. Mould can be found indoors, outdoors, within our homes, our schools and our workplace, so we are exposed regularly to mould at varying levels over a period of time. Recently, however, the exposure has been high and people are noticing an increase in growth of mould in their home which can be attributed to the heavy rainfall and humidity.

Like all pathogens, when the presence of it grows and overtakes the good within the environment – e.g. similar to when we have a parasite in our gut, it takes over our good microbes and we may begin to experience a range of symptoms.

Mould toxins and our Immune System

We cannot avoid mould in everyday life, however, we can support our immune system to effectively mount a response. Our immune system needs to be working well to effectively fight mould toxins and help to reduce the weaking effects that this may cause.

In healthy individuals with a good functioning immune system a response is usually mounted quickly to help reduce further complications. In an immune compromised or a poor functioning immune system, the body is weakened by the mould and the innate and adaptive response is lowered.

Just as our immune system helps to fight viral infection it will use this same method to fight mould toxins from invading our cells. Supporting and strengthening immune function will assist to reduce harmful effects of mould toxin ingestion and allow improved recovery time should symptoms arise.

An example of symptoms that may arise can be related to someone who suffers from hayfever with watery eyes, sneezing, dry cough, nasal congestion. A person with hayfever may be showing a rise in their symptoms which is out of their seasonal pattern, which can indicate checking if mould may be the culprit!

Begin to take notice of effects to your body during these times as mould is capable of releasing toxins and high exposure to mould for extended periods of time may lead to a rise in a weakened immune system, a rise in your allergic tendencies, worsening of asthma symptoms and increased levels of inflammation.

Some symptoms of mold exposure include:

  • Constant chronic cough
  • Postnasal drip
  • Sneezing for no reason
  • Skin irritation or dry, scaly skin
  • Itchy eyes, nose, or throat.
  • Nasal congestion and sinus infections
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Chronic fatigue and brain fog
  • New rashes and skin conditions

Recommendations

Investigate companies that inspect your home for mould and report on levels. Early detection and removal is the best way to creating a healthy home. The longer the mould is left, the more difficult it is to remove and the more damage it does.

We also suggest you find natural cleaning methods like tea tree oil, baking soda and vinegar to clean the mould. Always wear breathing protection and wash afterwards.

McDowells Products

Immune System Package
The immunity support package consists of 4 products to be used together, in small or large sizes. 

Anti-fungal formula
A special mix would be created containing thuja, garlic, thyme, pelargonium. 

Spirulina capsules
Spirulina is one of nature's richest and most complete source of nutrition. This green superfood containing over 100 synergistic nutrients comes from a microscopic freshwater plant, organically grown.

Mushroom powder - 10 blend
Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, and lion’s mane help to the immune system and 

If you believe you have been exposed to mould, we offer individual support via our free consultation link online.

RELATED ARTICLE: A RECIPE FOR CHEMICAL-FREE CLEANING!

Have a question? Contact McDowell's Herbal Treatments

McDowell's staff Herbalists can not diagnose your disease or illness. What they can do is offer a herbal program to assist with healing, after you have had advice from your doctor or specialist. If you have unexplained pain or symptoms, seek medical advice.

EMAIL info@mcdowellsherbal.com  |  PHONE 02 6331 3937  |  INTERNATIONAL +61 2 6331 3937