Our personal and global ecosystems rely heavily on fungi to thrive. However, when mold takes over, it can become a significant health threat.
Did you know that the world’s largest organism is actually a fungus? Deep within Oregon’s Malheur National Forest, you’ll find the massive Armillaria ostoyae, a honey mushroom that outweighs 200 blue whales. Mold is incredibly resilient, flourishing in dark, damp places and thriving in individuals with imbalanced microbiomes or weakened immune systems. While household bleach can eliminate mold on non-porous surfaces like tiles, Queensland Health notes that “Bleach may not be effective in killing mold on porous surfaces.”
Renowned building biologist Nicole Bijlsma suggests that the best way to eradicate mold is with a “HEPA sandwich.” This involves vacuuming the affected area with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum, wiping it down with a damp microfiber cloth, and vacuuming again.
Tackling an overgrown mold problem can be challenging, but fortunately, nature provides some potent solutions.
Consider evaluating your health and habits if you experience symptoms like:
- Athlete’s foot
- Brain fog
- Tightness in the chest
- Coughing
- Dry, scaly skin
- Irritated eyes
- Fatigue
- Flatulence
- Food sensitivities
- Headaches
- Itchy eyes
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Lung irritation
- Recurring infections
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rashes
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Thrush
- Visible mold in your environment
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing
Preventing mold is far easier than dealing with it after the fact. Keep areas dry, seal any leaks, improve drainage, and ensure good ventilation.
When handling mold or using antifungals, protection is key. Avoid inhaling or touching mold by wearing a P2 mask, protective eyewear, and rubber gloves. Dispose of cleaning materials afterward, and always spot test anti-mold solutions on your skin to check for allergies.
Individuals who are allergic, suffer from anaphylaxis, have asthma, are immune-compromised, have lung diseases, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding should avoid mold management without expert advice.
Natural Remedies for Mold Control
Clove
Clove (Syzgium aromaticum) is one of nature’s most robust antifungals and antiparasitics. Packed with eugenol, clove oil can kill mold spores and address fungal infections like Candida albicans. This essential oil also boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, cloves were used in pomanders to ward off infections and purify air. Today, clove oil can infuse chalk sticks or be used in diffusers to cleanse mold-prone areas with its spicy aroma. Diluted clove oil is particularly effective at eliminating surface mold spores, outperforming other essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender.
Horopito
Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata), also known as the “Māori painkiller,” is a peppery plant native to New Zealand’s forests. Its antifungal component, polygodial, effectively combats fungi even in diluted forms, making it ideal for conditions like athlete’s foot and thrush. Available in various forms such as creams and teas, horopito is a powerful natural adversary against fungal infections.
Neem
Dubbed the “village pharmacy” by Ayurveda, neem (Azadirachta indica) offers a myriad of health benefits including antifungal properties. Its compounds, nimbidol and edunin, combat over 19 types of molds, including Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. Neem can be applied externally to treat skin and nail fungal issues or taken internally as prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, caution is advised as internal use may impact kidney and liver health.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare), often overlooked as merely a culinary herb, possesses impressive antifungal qualities. The key components, carvacrol and thymol, provide antibacterial and antifungal effects that treat infections and fungal conditions. Topical application of diluted oregano oil can alleviate fungal infections, though pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before internal use.
By harnessing the power of these natural remedies, eco-friendly households and health-conscious individuals can effectively manage mold and fungal issues while minimizing the impact on their health and the environment.
Pau d’arco: Nature’s Healing Power from the Amazon
Deep within the Amazon rainforest lies the pau d’arco tree (Tabebuia impetiginosa), a remarkable evergreen known for its medicinal properties. With its beautiful rosy blossoms, this tree can tower up to 30 meters and reach three meters in width. The name “pau d’arco,” meaning “bow tree” in Portuguese, pays homage to the flexible wood once used in crafting bows. Locally, it’s also known as lapacho or taheebo.
The heartwood and bark of pau d’arco are rich in naphthoquinones like lapachol and beta-lapachone, which have been scientifically validated for their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Traditionally, communities in South and Central America have utilized pau d’arco to address various health issues, such as fever, fungal infections, inflammation, malaria, dysentery, and rheumatism. Recent studies indicate that pau d’arco can compromise fungal cell membranes, effectively combating conditions caused by 11 different candida species.
Today, herbalists might recommend pau d’arco in forms like capsules, tablets, teas, or extracts. Alcohol-based extracts are particularly effective at drawing out the bark’s active ingredients. When combined with lifestyle and dietary changes, pau d’arco can be applied as a skin wash for fungal infections, a mouthwash or douche for thrush, or taken internally for systemic fungal conditions like candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis. However, significant improvements might take a few weeks to manifest. For a refreshing tea, boil three teaspoons of pau d’arco bark in three cups of water until reduced to two, then steep for 30 minutes. Enjoy a cup twice daily.
Caution is advised when pairing pau d’arco with blood-thinning products, and it should be discontinued two weeks before any surgery. It’s not recommended for children, pregnant, or breastfeeding individuals. Discover the natural wonders of pau d’arco and explore how this tropical treasure can support your wellness naturally and sustainably.
