5 HERBS TO FIGHT FUNGI

Our personal and planetary ecosystems depend on fungi to flourish. However, when the mould monster takes over, it can pose a serious health hazard.

- Caroline Robertson

Did you know that the Earth's largest organism is a fungus? Oregon's Malheur National Forest is home to a humongous honey mushroom, Armillaria ostoyae, which is heavier than 200 blue whales. Moulds are amazingly resilient and persistent, thriving in dark, damp places and in people with microbiome imbalances or compromised immunity. Though household cleaning bleach kills mould on hard surfaces such as tiles, Queensland Health clarifies, "Bleach may not be effective in killing mould on porous surfaces."

According to Nicole Bijlsma, renowned building biologist, "The best way to remove mould is a 'HEPA sandwich', which involves vacuuming the affected surface with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter, then wiping with a damp microfibre cloth and then vacuuming."

An overgrown fungal foe can be tricky to evict, but fortunately, nature offers some powerful mould managers.

Consider checking your health and habitat if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• athletes foot 

• brain fog

• chest tightness

• coughing

• dry, scaly skin

• eye irritation

• fatigue

• flatulence

• food sensitivities

• headache

• itchy eyes

• irritable bowel syndrome

• lung irritation

• recurring infections

• runny nose

• shortness of breath

• skin rash

• sneezing • sore throat

• thrush

• visible mould in your environment

• watery eyes

• wheezing 

Preventing mould is easier than addressing it. Ensure areas stay dry, seal leaks, optimise drainage and promote ventilation.