Mold allergies can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, causing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and congestion. Many people turn to over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage their symptoms, but there are also natural remedies that can be effective in reducing or eliminating mold allergy symptoms.
10 Natural Remedies for Mold Allergies
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and can help reduce inflammation and histamine production, which are key players in mold allergy symptoms. It can be taken in supplement form or found in foods such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwi.
- Quercetin: Quercetin is a plant pigment and natural antihistamine that can help reduce inflammation and histamine production. It can be taken in supplement form or found in foods such as onions, apples, and green tea.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve immune function and reduce allergy symptoms. They can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut or taken in supplement form.
- Butterbur: Butterbur is a plant extract that has been shown to be effective in reducing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itching. It can be taken in supplement form.
- Nasal irrigation: Nasal irrigation, also known as a saline rinse, can help remove mold and other allergens from the nasal passages and improve breathing. It can be done with a neti pot or saline spray.
- Humidifiers: Increasing the humidity in your home can help reduce mold growth and improve breathing. Humidifiers can increase the air’s humidity, but it is important not to overdo it, as high humidity can also encourage mold growth.
- Air purifiers: Air purifiers can help remove mold and other allergens from the air, improving breathing and reducing allergy symptoms. Choosing a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter is important to effectively remove mold spores.
- Essential oils: Certain essential oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint can help kill mold and improve breathing. They can be used in a diffuser or applied topically with a carrier oil.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been shown to be effective in reducing allergy symptoms and improving immune function.
- Chiropractic care: Chiropractic care involves the use of spinal manipulations to improve overall health and well-being. It has been shown to be effective in reducing allergy symptoms and improving immune function.
It is important to note that natural remedies may not work for everyone, and it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. In addition to using natural remedies, it is also important to address the source of the mold allergy by removing or reducing exposure to mold and taking steps to prevent mold growth in the home.
Resources
- “Vitamin C.” National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
- “Quercetin.” National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Quercetin-HealthProfessional/
- “Probiotics: In Depth.” National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services