It’s that time of year again when households begin to stock up on antihistamines and take precautions for high pollen counts.
There are several remedies reported to help those who suffer from hay fever including wearing sunglasses to stop the pollen getting into your eyes and washing your clothes after being outdoors.
While dabbing Vaseline around your nostrils to catch the pollen might not be useful for everyone, what many don’t know, is that there are also indoor plants that can help reduce symptoms of hay fever.
Professional gardening and plants expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has come up with a list of the best indoor plants that can help reduce the symptoms ahead of spring and summer in the UK.
When do hay fever symptoms start?
Depending on where you live in the UK, hay fever season will start at different times of the year, reports the Met Office.
However, the forecasters explained that typically, tree pollen occurs first from late March to mid-May, and "affects around 25% of people".
The Met Office added: "Most people are allergic to grass pollen (which actually has two peaks) and the season lasts from mid-May until July.
"Weed pollen can be released at any time but the season typically covers the end of June to September."
@bbcnewsround BBC weather man Simon King gives us the facts about hay fever 🌥️ #hayfever #pollencount #ukweather #newsround ♬ original sound - BBC Newsround
Indoor plants that can reduce symptoms of hay fever
From Aloe Vera to Devil’s Ivy, here are some plants you might want to consider when adding some greenery to your home.
Eucalyptus Sprigs
Eucalyptus has been long used as a remedy to relieve respiratory problems, and eucalyptus oil is a popular ingredient in medicines to help open up nasal passages.
Sprigs of eucalyptus work great when placed in the bathroom to help reduce the symptoms of hay fever. When you run hot water for showers or baths, the steam enables to release of eucalyptus oils into the air, helping to relieve blocked sinuses.
Areca Palm
Areca Palm plants have generously sized leaves that are used for trapping allergens, helping to reduce hay fever symptoms.
The plants are also good at increasing the natural humidity of the air inside your home.
Dracaena
Dracaena plants are one of the most effective plants for removing allergens from the air.
The plant helps to remove benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, while also absorbing carbon monoxide. This plant is commonly known for trapping allergens in the air within its leaves.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera produces oxygen during the night time rather than during the day.
This attractive plant helps to improve the overall air quality in your home. For this reason, Aloe Vera plants are ideal for hay fever sufferers who struggle with sleeping due to their allergies.
Devil’s Ivy
Devil’s Ivy is often displayed as an accent plant for shelves or walls in any room of the home. They’re very low maintenance and help to remove harmful toxins and allergens from the air, making it the perfect choice for allergy sufferers who are looking to add a trailing plant for decoration.
How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Home
Recommended reading:
- I'm a GP: 16 'unique' tips to combat your hay fever before 'early pollen bomb'
- I'm a pharmacist and this is the best way to ease hay fever symptoms
- GP says hay fever sufferers need to do 1 thing to reduce symptoms before spring
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are low-maintenance blooms that can effectively filter formaldehyde and trichloroethylene in the air. This can help to ease the symptoms of hay fever in sufferers.
These plants work very well when placed in kitchens or bathrooms as they can also absorb and feed on mould.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the most common houseplants in the UK. These plants are very effective in tackling pollutants such as benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Plus, they are easy to maintain and only need to be watered once per week.
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