We keep our blog going for the benefit of our amazing readers and – often – we’ll get comments on a particular subject – sometimes even questions. We’d be doing a disservice if we failed to respond in full and so, this week’s blog is dedicated to one such reader who asked about the best plant-based and holistic sprays to eliminate mold spores to help her daughter who has been diagnosed with biotoxin illness. Being the thorough mold-warriors that we are, here we delve into biotoxin illness in its entirety – warts and all.
What is Biotoxin Illness?
First thing’s first: What is biotoxin illness? The initial thing to clear up is that biotoxins come from a whole range of things, not just mold (mycotoxins), for, example, insect bites and are usually created as a defence mechanism by their source. Biological in nature and toxic to humans (hence their name), they cause widespread chronic inflammation which, in turn, wreak havoc on the body’s internal systems, creating issues such as:
- Chronic fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Vertigo
- Headaches
- Respiratory problems
- Allergies
- Skin issues, such as eczema or psoriasis
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
- Muscle cramps and aches
- Weakness
- Disorientation
- Gastrointestinal issues
Dr Amanda Ferris, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in helping those with Autoimmune disease and anxiety through her Relief From Grief online program, tells MoldBlogger that as well as the physical symptoms associated with biotoxin illness, some people may also feel “a sense of disgust that they haven’t been clean enough … and now are paying the price”, whilst, at the same time, being “overwhelmed at the thought of eliminating every last ounce of the problem.” In other words, biotoxin illness can cause a huge amount of stress which, in turn, “can also increase the underlying problem that also accompanies biotoxin illness, which is a poor or overly burdened detoxification system in your body.”
Vitally, whilst anyone can be affected by – and recover quickly from – biotoxin illness, those who have Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) built into their DNA (an estimated 25% of Americans) may suffer from a cocktail of these symptoms for years to come once triggered.
Furthermore, the fact that it can so often mimic other conditions (mold disease and Lyme disease share 70% of symptoms, whilst Autoimmune disease, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are also closely related) means it can go misdiagnosed for a long time in what is being increasingly referred to as an ongoing silent crisis.
Why are Biotoxins and Mold an Issue?
Biotoxin illnesses are said to be on the rise – largely, in part, to the fact that so many houses in America are now made from wood – a perfect breeding ground for mold – especially once they are water damaged, which is also a startlingly high statistic. It may be no wonder, therefore, that an estimated 50% of American homes contain toxic mold. Read how to prevent mold after flooding here.
What Do I Do?
If you’ve been suffering with mysterious symptoms which have as yet gone undiagnosed, your first visit should be to your doctor. There are, however, other avenues you can take if you suspect you are a victim of biotoxin disease:
- Call in a mold remediation specialist immediately.
- Visit a nutritionist, who will be able to help make diet and lifestyle changes required to help regulate the immune system.
- Take natural supplements.
- “Lowering stress and maintaining a positive mental attitude should be a priority”, Dr Ferris says.
The following are plant-based, holistic remedies/sprays to eliminate mold spores in the fight against biotoxin illness: (Read why this is so important here!)
- Water and baking soda
- Vinegar and tea-tree oil
- Other essential oils include:
- Cinnamon oil – highly effective at controlling mold growth
- Clove oil – particularly helpful against black mold
- Thyme oil
- A nebulizing diffuser – functioning both as an aromatherapy diffuser and humidifier – is a great choice as it doesn’t use water, which can contribute to mold spores, whilst its use of essential oils works fast to combat mold.
- Naturally It’s Clean Mildew plant-based Stain Eraser Spray
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