The 5 Powerful Herbs for Mold Exposure
Feeling cooped up and worried about mold exposure? Hi, I’m Dr. Jill Crista, naturopathic doctor, mold expert, author of Break the Mold.
Today I’m sharing five powerful herbs that may already be sitting in your kitchen, ready to protect your body from mold and support your immune system. These plants figured out how to defend themselves, and they’re ready to help you do the same. Let’s dive in.
Why Kitchen Herbs Are Mold-Fighting Heroes
Plants can’t move, flee, or distance themselves from threats like fungus. Instead, they developed their own defense systems. They pack their leaves with antimicrobial compounds that protect them against invading microbes and molds.
These protective compounds are often the same ones that give herbs their aroma and flavor — the ones we know as kitchen staples. When we eat them, we benefit from those plant powers too.
Here’s what makes them effective:
- Antimicrobial Power: These herbs naturally combat mold, bacteria, and viruses.
- Aromatic Compounds:The smells and flavors we love also signal immune-supporting properties.
- Accessible Defense: These herbs are in most kitchens and are easy to use daily.
The 5 Herbs You Need in Your Kitchen
These five herbs offer mold-fighting and immune-boosting benefits backed by research. You likely already have them on hand:
- Sage: Supports the immune system and protects against inflammation, infection, and oxidative stress (PMID: 24860730).
- Thyme: Is rich in thymol, a potent antimicrobial that helps the body fight off mold and viruses (PMID: 29785774).
- Garlic: Stimulates immune cells and has been shown to reduce the severity of respiratory illnesses (PMID: 22280901).
- Oregano: Contains powerful essential oils that are antimicrobial. (PMID: 28613267).
- Basil: Has natural antiviral and antifungal properties, supporting the body’s defense mechanisms (PMID: 16173941).
These five herbs are your “armament against mold”. Together, they offer daily support to strengthen your immune system.
How to Use These Herbs for Mold Protection
Here are a few easy ways to start using them today:
- Cook with Them: Add sage, thyme, garlic, oregano, or basil to meals for daily protection.
- Make Infusions: Steep fresh or dried herbs in hot water for herbal tea that boosts immunity.
- Use Topically: Use herb-infused water or essential oils (properly diluted) on mold-prone surfaces.
These are small steps, but powerful ones, especially when done daily.
Tips to Combat Mold with Kitchen Herbs
Ready to bring these into your daily wellness plan? Here’s how to maximize these herbs:
- Incorporate Daily: Add them to soups, stews, sauces, dressings, and teas.
- Clean Naturally: Natural cleaning helps reduce mold exposure inside your home. Try this DIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray.
- Learn More: My book Break the Mold includes guidance on how to protect and heal your body from mold
These humble herbs can do more than just flavor your food… they help defend your body.
You’re Ready to Break the Mold and Thrive!
Sage, thyme, garlic, oregano, and basil may seem like everyday seasonings, but they are powerful allies in mold recovery. They support your body’s natural defenses and offer daily protection in a gentle, accessible way.
For more tools, research, and recovery strategies, join my newsletter and grab my book Break the Mold for deeper insights on how to fight mold and reclaim your health.
Your kitchen is more powerful than you think.
Let’s break the mold and stay healthy, one herb at a time.
Disclaimer This content is health information and not intended as personal medical advice. Viewing will not establish a doctor-patient relationship. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information discussed is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Reliance on information provided by Dr. Jill Crista, employees, or others appearing at the invitation of Dr. Crista is solely at your own risk.