Mold Allergy (Vataj Kaphaja Pratishyaya)

प्रतिलोमंसिरागच्छन्नुदीर्यपवन: कफम् l
परिग्रह्यशिरोग्रीवमुर: पार्श्वेचपीडयन् l l

Mold Allergy - Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Treatment

Molds are certain fungi that live in moist and damp places both inside and outside the house. Molds reproduce through very small structures called spores. Some people develop allergy to the spores of molds and it is called Mold Allergy. The spores are light weighed and so spread easily through the air. There are different colors of molds like green, black, white, orange etc. Mold Allergy may cause in various symptoms related to respiratory system.

In Ayurveda, Vataj Kaphaja Pratishyaya and Tamaka swasa is explained, that has symptoms similar to that of Mold Allergy. It is caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha and Kapha dosha.

Ayurveda assures a complete cure in the treatment of Mold allergy. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is having unique herbal remedies mentioned in Ayurveda classics for treating Mold allergy effectively.

Causes of Mold Allergy

There are different types of molds. Some common molds that may cause allergy are Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Alternaria. When the air containing mold spores is inhaled, the body’s immune system recognizes spores as foreign substances and tries to expel them. As a result, antibodies are produced which cause the secretion of chemicals called histamines. Histamines are the major particles responsible for various symptoms of allergy. Ayurveda says one of the reasons of swasa (dyspnea) as exposure to dust, smoke and wind.

Ayurvedic Reference of Vataj Kaphaja pratishyaya (Mold allergy)

Symptoms of Mold Allergy

Mold Allergy is manifested mainly as symptoms affecting the respiratory system. It will be expressed in different ways in different people. Allergic Rhinitis is the most obvious manifestation. Symptoms of mold allergy include:

Cough
Sneezing
Itching of eyes, throat and nose
Post nasal drip
Dry, scaly skin
Running nose

In the severe stage shortness of breath, chest tightness, etc. may be felt leading to an Asthmatic condition. Also, mold allergy may result in complications like pneumonia, sinusitis, etc. Sometimes it causes skin abnormalities and rarely systemic illness may be initiated.

Ayurveda explains the symptoms of Tamaka Swasa as cough, hoarseness of voice, running nose, difficulty in breathing, dryness of the mouth. These symptoms will be exacerbated by an increase of Kapha in the body, cloudy weather, presence of water, cold climate, etc. The growth and spread of molds will be increased in these conditions that make the symptoms worse.

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Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet in Mold Allergy

Do’s (Pathya)

Warm water
Steam inhalation
Hot & light food
Wheat, old rice
Honey
Snake gourd or bitter vegetables
Use of ginger, garlic
Keeping the house clean & hygienic

Don’ts (Apathya)

Deep-fried food
Cold food & drinks
Suppression of natural urges
Exposure to humid atmosphere

Yoga and Pranayama for Mold Allergy

Practice of Yoga is very effective in increasing the functionality of the body as well as the mind. It strengthens the immune system. Following asanas (postures) can be practiced:

Savasana
Bhujangasana
Urdhwa mukha Swanasana
Phalankasana
Trikonasana

Pranayama is also very important & effective in the management of mold allergy. It clears channels through which air passes and helps to overcome the obstructions. Thus, it enhances the performance of the respiratory system.

Treatment of Mold Allergy

Vata and Kapha doshas are directly involved in the manifestation of Mold Allergy. So Ayurveda focuses treatment on normalizing Vata dosha and Kapha dosha. It also aims in improving the digestive system along with the respiratory system. This is because the occurrence of Swasaroga is related to the dysfunction of both these systems. Ayurveda combines internal medicines, purification therapy, and other treatment procedures to treat mold allergy.

Internal Medicines

Amrutotharam Kashaya
Elakanadi Kashaya
Nayyopaya Kashaya
Indukantham Kashaya
Kusmanda Rasayana
Vyoshadi Vatakom

Avipathi Churna
Swasanandam Gulika
Kanakasava

Single Drugs

Following drugs can be given along with proper anupana

Pippali (Piper longum)
Maricha (Piper nigrum)

Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)

Purification therapies or Panchakarma procedures are advised after analysing strength of disease as well as patient. This will help to expel vitiated doshas from body. It includes:

Vamana (vomiting)
Virechana (purgation)

Vasti (enema)
Nasya (administering nasal drop)

Various treatment procedures are performed based on degree of vitiation and condition of patient. Following treatment procedures can be adopted:

Dhoomapana (Inhalation of medicated smoke)
Swedana (Local steaming)

References

Shloka No. 6, Svasahaidhma Nidanam, Ashtangahrudayam by Acharya Vaghbhata, Nidanasthana.
Anonymous. Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India Part – II (Formulation) 1st ed. Volume I, Department of AYUSH; New Delhi, India: 2007.
Sushruta, Uttartantra 24/67, Sushruta Samhita Dalhana Commentary Nibandh Sangraha, Ed. by Vd. Jadavaji Trikamji Acharaya & Narayana Ram Acharya, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2008.
Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Mold Allergy Chapter No. 6, Page No. 39-43.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is Mold?

Answer: Mold is a type of fungi that lives in moist and humid areas.

Question: How does Mold Cause Allergy?

Answer: Molds reproduce through tiny particles called spores that travel through the air. These spores enter the respiratory system through breathing air and activate the immune system to cause allergic reactions.

Question: Is Ayurveda Effective in the Management of Mold Allergy?

Answer: Yes, Ayurveda is very effective to get rid of mold allergies. Ayurveda advocates a combined therapy of internal medicines and medical procedures to cure allergies.

Question: What is the Ayurvedic view point on mold allergy?

Answer: According to Ayurveda, allergies such as mold allergy are caused due to the toxins that clog the channels of the body. When the channels of the body are blocked, nutrients are not delivered properly to the cells and body’s immune system for resisting the allergens become overwhelmed.

Question: What is the cause of mold allergy according to Ayurveda?

Answer: In respiratory allergies, a sub-dosha of Kapha known as Shleshak Kapha is responsible for maintaining moisture in the upper respiratory tract. The Ama (impurities) in the body combine with Shleshaka Kapha to form a sticky toxin known as Shleshma which starts to fill the sinus cavities and respiratory tract.

Question: How Ayurveda can help in mold allergy?

Answer: According to Ayurveda, just quelling the symptoms is not enough. The long-term solution is to delve into the root cause of allergen levels and building up the body’s immune system to effectively withstand the allergens like mould.

Question: What is the Ayurvedic treatment of mold allergy?

Answer: Ayurvedic approach to mold allergy involves detoxification i.e., removing toxins from the body and strengthening the body’s immunity. The Ayurvedic treatment helps in blocking the toxic reactions in the body, improving digestion and decreasing sensitivity to allergens by nourishing and purifying the digestive system.

Question: What is the role of diet in mold allergy?

Answer: Regular intake of spices with anti-allergy effect can reduce the vulnerability to mould allergy as these spices contain allergy-fighting phytochemicals, flavonoids, phenols etc. So, including herbs and spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander etc. useful.