Molds are large fungi, and grow in the form of filaments (known as hyphae). They reproduce and multiply themselves via spores, and can cause allergy. The mold spores travel through the air, and enter the nose. As they can be found both indoors and outdoors (in damp, humid, and moist places), can cause an allergy anytime, anywhere. The allergic reaction, hence triggered, has symptoms, including runny nose, itching, sneezing, congestion, cough, asthma, and others. Prolonged exposure to the air that is contaminated by mold spores, can cause lung infections and diseases, and can also suppress the immune activity of the body.
The best way of preventing an allergic disease, is to stay away from the circumstances, organism, or things, which trigger the allergy symptoms. But as molds are quite common, you may get affected by them adversely, even after exercising caution. While a mold allergy can effect anytime, it is more common during the rainy season. A weak immune system, genetic composition, and a poorly ventilated living space, are some conditions that further make it easy for the mold to affect your health adversely. There are a number of natural substances that you can use, to treat (and prevent) mold allergy. These home remedies only cost a fraction, and offer efficient results.
Here Are Home Remedies For Mold Allergies
1. Ginger
The rhizome Ginger has antihistaminic properties, and hence can suppress allergic symptoms. Ginger is also used as a home remedy for treating cough, runny nose, and/or a headache. To treat allergy, you can chew small pieces of clean and fresh ginger, 3 times, every day. Alternatively, you can also drink ginger tea, 3 times during the day, till the symptoms are over.[1]
2. Vitamin C Rich Foods
Vitamin C boosts the immune system (is an antioxidant), and helps you fight the allergic symptoms better. It also acts as a kind of antihistamine. Foods like papayas, kiwis, oranges, lemons, and tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C.
3. Garlic
Garlic contains a substance by the name Quercetin. This substance is an antihistamine, found naturally. You can prevent mold allergies by consuming optimum amounts of garlic, on a regular basis. To treat mold allergy, chew 3 raw cloves of garlic every day, till the symptoms are subsidized. Or, you can also make a garlic juice, by chopping 5 garlic cloves, and boiling them in 1 cup of water. Next, strain the mixture, mix some pure honey, and drink the mixture, 2 times every day.[3]
4. Vitamin D
One of the most common of all fungus, causing mold allergies is Aspergillus Fumigatus. The fungus causes severe symptoms in those affected by Cystic Fibrosis, and asthma. Vitamin D intake decreases the activity of certain cells of the immune system, which are responsible for an allergic response. Hence, if your body is not receiving the right amount of the Vitamin D regularly, mold allergy can affect sooner than you anticipate. You can go out in the sun for around 15 minutes in the morning (avoid overexposure). This will help your body synthesize the vitamin inside it. Foods including, beef liver, fish (tuna, mackerel, and salmon), cereals fortified with the vitamin, egg yolks etc. are some important and easily available sources of Vitamin D. Increased intake of the vitamin will help in the suppression of symptoms.[4]
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has both antihistaminic and antioxidant properties. It can regulate the immune response of the body, and treat symptoms including sneezing, headache, and congestion in the nose or chest. To treat mold allergy, add 1 spoon of organic and pure ACV to 1 glass of lukewarm water. Next, add 1 spoon of raw honey/lemon juice, so that the mixture becomes palatable. Drink the mixture 3 times during the day, until the symptoms reduce, or are fully treated.[5]
6. Echinacea
Echinacea, a herb, stimulates the immune system, and treats many kinds of respiratory tract infections. It helps in faster recovery, and reduces the allergic symptoms. To treat mold allergy, add 4 to 5 drops of the Echinacea tincture (can be found at a pharmacy store) in a glass of clean and drinkable water. Drink the mixture 3 times in a day, for 1 week. The herb may have serious side effects, hence dosage and duration are important, and should not be altered. You can also use the herbal supplements containing Echinacea, after consulting your physician.[6]
7. Stinging Nettle
The herb Stinging Nettle improves and conditions the immune system, has good amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, and lowers inflammation. Its antihistaminic action helps in suppressing the symptoms, which are caused by the mold allergy. To treat symptoms including sneezing, coughing and nasal congestion, mix a spoon of dried powder of the plant, in 1 cup of water. Steep the mixture for around 5 minutes, and then strain it. Now add a little honey, so that its taste improves. Drink the tea 3 times each day, till the symptoms are treated.[7]
