2025-10-11T06:45:06Z

---

Imagine a world where your home isn't just a place of comfort, but potentially a lurking danger. That's the reality Rachael Finch faced when her daughter, Violet, began experiencing a persistent cough after moving into their new beachside home in Coogee, Sydney.

In a heartfelt Instagram video, Rachael, a wellness influencer and mother of two, opened up about the rigorous detox regimen she put Violet through to combat what they suspected was mould-induced sickness. The revelation has sparked a heated debate online, especially given the unconventional nature of the treatment.

As Violet shared her experience, it became clear that this wasn't just a simple cough. "I was coughing non-stop. It started randomly when we moved to Coogee a couple of weeks in," Violet explained, making it evident that the issue was persistent and concerning. Rachael echoed her daughter's worries, detailing how Violet would cough at all times—during tennis practice, in the morning, and even while showering.

After some investigation, Rachael discovered mould growing in their home, which could be releasing tiny spores that irritate the respiratory system. "We noticed it growing through the garage. The previous tenants had painted over it to hide it," Rachael explained, visibly distressed. For Violet, the signs were alarming; her bedroom fan had started turning black and green, and even Rachael's dresses were showing signs of mould. "It was disgusting," she said.

Determined to address this situation, Rachael consulted a clinical nutritionist, who conducted a mycotoxin test on Violet. These tests measure toxins produced by mould, yet they are controversial in Australia due to their questionable reliability and variability across different labs. Despite the mixed reviews, Violet tested positive for gliotoxin, a harmful mycotoxin.

In response, Rachael initiated an intense 12-week detox program for her daughter, which included various supplements, bentonite clay, and oregano oil. For the first three weeks, Violet consumed antioxidant-rich supplements to aid her body's detoxification pathways. Then came the bentonite clay, a remedy derived from volcanic ash, which Violet was instructed to take daily. However, most doctors advise against this method for removing mycotoxins, citing limited evidence of its effectiveness.

The final weeks introduced oregano oil into Violet’s diet, another alternative remedy known for its antifungal properties but not medically approved for such treatments. By the end of this grueling regimen, Rachael claimed that Violet's toxin levels had decreased, and her symptoms had improved significantly. But the journey wasn’t easy; Rachael described it as "torturous" since Violet struggled with taking the supplements.

In light of this story, the Therapeutic Goods Administration recommended anyone experiencing symptoms related to mould exposure should consult their healthcare provider. As the conversation around health and wellness continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Rachael's approach will inspire more parents to explore similar detox strategies or raise more questions about the safety and efficacy of such unconventional methods.