Latest news with #Betula
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Office Tote Bags: 8 Best multi-compartment designs for ultimate organisation
As someone who occasionally carries half her day in a bag, I've learnt the hard way that not all office tote bags are made equal. A stylish shape is nice, but once you've had your laptop cord tangled with a lunchbox or keys lost under files, priorities shift. That's why I'm firmly team multi-compartment tote bags. For me, the best office tote bags need to balance space, structure and common sense. I'm not talking about basic pouches stitched inside a big sack. I mean bags that genuinely help sort things out without turning into clutter carriers. If you're tired of playing lucky dip each morning, you'll want to see this list of the best tote bags that work for work. This one does structure without overthinking it. With five pockets inside and out, the Betula keeps the daily mess in check. The main zip closure keeps things secure, while the back zip pocket is just right for quick-grab essentials. It's compact but surprisingly roomy, making it one of the best office tote bags for women who like compartments that make sense. This one keeps it clean and clever. Designed with a laptop compartment and a generous interior, it's ideal for those who carry a bit of everything. While it only has one pocket, the structured shape and smart layout help prevent that usual handbag chaos. If you're after minimal fuss with maximum use, this is worth considering. A proper blend of structure and style, this office tote bag keeps things tidy without trying too hard. With four compartments including a padded laptop section and a bottle holder, it handles the daily mix with ease. The back zip pocket is a thoughtful touch for things you reach for often. One of the best office tote bags for function-first folks. This one's a quiet overachiever. With six compartments including space for a 16-inch laptop, it doesn't just carry your day, it sorts it out. The mix of zipped and open pockets means everything from cables to coffee loyalty cards has its place. Easily one of the best tote bags if you like your organisation done right, without the bulk. For those who like their space divided and sorted, this grey tote delivers exactly that. With multiple main compartments and a zip closure, it's built for someone who juggles work, errands and the odd impulse buy. The detachable sling strap adds flexibility without fuss. It's one of the best office tote bags when compartmentalising your day is non-negotiable. This one keeps it minimal but still functional. With one roomy compartment and an inner pocket, it's for those who prefer simplicity with just enough structure. The button closure adds a relaxed vibe, and the detachable sling strap makes it easy to switch things up. It's a smart pick from the best tote bags list for low-fuss organisation. This compact beige tote impresses with two main compartments and two inner pockets, making it a neat option for keeping essentials organised. The zip closure adds security, while the detachable sling strap offers styling versatility. Perfect for those who like a little detail with their organisation, it's a small yet efficient addition to the best office tote bag collection. This roomy pink tote keeps it simple with one main compartment but cleverly adds two external pockets for quick access to essentials. The zip closure keeps things secure, while the oversized design means you can carry more without feeling cramped. It's a great choice among the best office tote bags for those who like space plus handy organisation. Get vacation-ready! Up to 80% off on top picks for trolley bags Travel smarter, not harder: Your guide to affordable trolley bags under ₹2500 Duffles and backpacks at up to 60% off on Amazon; Top picks to buy now! Beyond basics: Fun and fashionable backpacks for girls; Top 8 picks They help keep your essentials organised by providing separate spaces for laptops, chargers, documents and smaller items, so you don't waste time digging around. Most of the best office tote bags include padded laptop compartments designed to fit standard sizes, typically up to 15 or 16 inches comfortably. Most bags made from faux leather or PU can be wiped with a clean, dry cloth. For fabric or jute bags, spot cleaning with mild detergent works well. Always check care labels for specifics. Definitely. Many multi-compartment tote bags combine sleek designs with smart organisation features, making them great for both professional settings and casual use. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Japan Today
17-05-2025
- Health
- Japan Today
Some plants cause more suffering than others for gardeners with pollen allergies
By JESSICA DAMIANO For many, the return of the spring garden brings with it a sneezy, itchy, foggy-headed feeling that hits the moment a warm breeze stirs up. I'm fortunate not to suffer much, but my blue car turned a chartreuse shade of yellow last week, and a $32 car wash provided results that lasted only two hours. Sigh. These seasonal allergies often go by the old-fashioned name hay fever, but it's not the hay that causes misery for so many, it's the pollen. And not just any pollen, but the nearly weightless kind that floats up our noses and engages our immune systems. Trees, weeds, grasses and even some of our favorite flowers are culprits. But pollen isn't all bad. It's essential to the reproduction of plants, the survival of insects and the entire food web. We humans could not survive without it, so we absolutely shouldn't avoid high-pollen plants as a general rule. However, if you're an allergy sufferer who has had to forgo planting a garden due to health reasons, plants that release the least pollen may enable you to smell the flowers. Allergy-inducing plants are those that rely on wind rather than bees or butterflies to spread their pollen. Ragweed, which strikes in late summer and early fall, gets the most notoriety, but its springtime counterparts can be at least as irritating. Trees most likely to cause symptoms include birch (Betula), catawba (Catalba), cypress (Cupressus), elm (Ulmus), hickory/pecan (Carya), oak (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus) and walnut (Juglans), according to the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS), created by horticulturist Thomas Ogren and published in his 2020 book, 'The Allergy-Fighting Garden." Palm trees, too — but only the males. In fact, female trees don't produce pollen at all, so seek them out when possible. Grasses can irritate eyes and sinuses, too. The scale ranks Bermuda (except sterile male varieties), Johnson, Kentucky, orchard, sweet vernal and timothy grasses among the highest for allergens. Weeds like ragweed, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel and sagebrush are also big pollen producers, Ogren found. On the other hand, plants with 'double' flowers or heavier pollen that doesn't travel far are less likely to release much pollen. Among trees, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), fig (Ficus), fir (Abies), fruiting pear (Pyrus), fruiting plum (Prunus domestica, Prunus insititia), redbud (Cerus), serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), female ash (Fraxinus), female box elder (Acer negundo), female cottonwood/poplar (Populus), female maple (Acer), female palm (Arecaceae) and female willow (Salix) are easier on the respiratory system. St. Augustine and sterile male Bermuda are safer bets in the grass department. As for flowers, you've got options: Begonia, female clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, delphinium, hibiscus, impatiens, iris, bird of paradise, pansy, petunia, phlox, poppy, snapdragon, tulip, verbena and zinnia are friends. Roses, too — especially tightly packed, dense-petaled varieties, which exude even less pollen than those with single or semi-double flowers (rose allergies are more often fragrance-related than due to pollen, according to Ogren). And if you suffer from seasonal allergies, keeping windows closed and getting someone else to mow the lawn will also help to nip your symptoms in the bud. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Euronews
14-05-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Which plants are the worst for hayfever sufferers?
For many, the return of the spring garden brings with it a sneezy, itchy, foggy-headed feeling that hits the moment a warm breeze stirs up invisible trouble. These seasonal allergies often go by the old-fashioned name hay fever, but it's not the hay that causes misery for so many, it's the pollen. And not just any pollen, but the nearly weightless kind that floats up our noses and engages our immune systems. Trees, weeds, grasses, and even some of our favorite flowers are culprits. But pollen isn't all bad. It's essential to the reproduction of plants, the survival of insects and the entire food web. We humans could not survive without it, so we absolutely shouldn't avoid high-pollen plants as a general rule. However, if you're an allergy sufferer who has had to forgo planting a garden due to health reasons, plants that release the least pollen may enable you to smell the flowers. Allergy-inducing plants are those that rely on wind rather than bees or butterflies to spread their pollen. Ragweed, which strikes in late summer and early autumn, gets the most notoriety, but its springtime counterparts can be at least as irritating. Trees most likely to cause symptoms include birch (Betula), catawba (Catalba), cypress (Cupressus), elm (Ulmus), hickory/pecan (Carya), oak (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus) and walnut (Juglans), according to the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS), created by horticulturist Thomas Ogren and published in his 2020 book, 'The Allergy-Fighting Garden'. If you live in warmer climbs, palm trees, too, can cause allergies to flare - but only the males. In fact, female trees don't produce pollen at all, so seek them out when possible. Grasses can irritate eyes and sinuses, too. The scale ranks Bermuda (except sterile male varieties), Johnson, common meadow, orchard, sweet vernal, and timothy grasses among the highest for allergens. Weeds like ragweed, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel, and sagebrush are also big pollen producers, Ogren found. On the other hand, plants with "double" flowers or heavier pollen that doesn't travel far are less likely to release much pollen. Among trees, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), fig (Ficus), fir (Abies), fruiting pear (Pyrus), fruiting plum (Prunus domestica, Prunus insititia), redbud (Cerus), serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), female ash (Fraxinus), female box elder (Acer negundo), female cottonwood/poplar (Populus), female maple (Acer), female palm (Arecaceae) and female willow (Salix) are easier on the respiratory system. St Augustine (which is best suited to tropical climates but grows well in the Mediterranean regions) and sterile male Bermuda are safer bets in the grass department. As for flowers, you've got options: begonia, female clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, delphinium, hibiscus, impatiens, iris, bird of paradise, pansy, petunia, phlox, poppy, snapdragon, tulip, verbena, and zinnia are friends. Roses, too - especially tightly packed, dense-petaled varieties, which exude even less pollen than those with single or semi-double flowers. Rose allergies are more often fragrance-related than due to pollen, according to Ogren. And if you suffer from seasonal allergies, keeping windows closed and getting someone else to mow the lawn will also help to nip your symptoms in the bud.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Prone to pollen allergies? Stay away from these plants
For many, the return of the spring garden brings with it a sneezy, itchy, foggy-headed feeling that hits the moment a warm breeze stirs up. I'm fortunate not to suffer much, but my blue car turned a chartreuse shade of yellow last week, and a $32 car wash provided results that lasted only two hours. Sigh. These seasonal allergies often go by the old-fashioned name hay fever, but it's not the hay that causes misery for so many, it's the pollen. And not just any pollen, but the nearly weightless kind that floats up our noses and engages our immune systems. Trees, weeds, grasses and even some of our favorite flowers are culprits. Also read | Pollen allergy: Runny nose to itchy throat; know symptoms of pollen allergy and ways to prevent it But pollen isn't all bad. It's essential to the reproduction of plants, the survival of insects and the entire food web. We humans could not survive without it, so we absolutely shouldn't avoid high-pollen plants as a general rule. However, if you're an allergy sufferer who has had to forgo planting a garden due to health reasons, plants that release the least pollen may enable you to smell the flowers. Allergy-inducing plants are those that rely on wind rather than bees or butterflies to spread their pollen. Ragweed, which strikes in late summer and early fall, gets the most notoriety, but its springtime counterparts can be at least as irritating. Trees most likely to cause symptoms include birch (Betula), catawba (Catalba), cypress (Cupressus), elm (Ulmus), hickory/pecan (Carya), oak (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus) and walnut (Juglans), according to the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS), created by horticulturist Thomas Ogren and published in his 2020 book, 'The Allergy-Fighting Garden." Palm trees, too — but only the males. In fact, female trees don't produce pollen at all, so seek them out when possible. Grasses can irritate eyes and sinuses, too. The scale ranks Bermuda (except sterile male varieties), Johnson, Kentucky, orchard, sweet vernal and timothy grasses among the highest for allergens. Weeds like ragweed, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel and sagebrush are also big pollen producers, Ogren found. On the other hand, plants with 'double' flowers or heavier pollen that doesn't travel far are less likely to release much pollen. Among trees, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), fig (Ficus), fir (Abies), fruiting pear (Pyrus), fruiting plum (Prunus domestica, Prunus insititia), redbud (Cerus), serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), female ash (Fraxinus), female box elder (Acer negundo), female cottonwood/poplar (Populus), female maple (Acer), female palm (Arecaceae) and female willow (Salix) are easier on the respiratory system. St. Augustine and sterile male Bermuda are safer bets in the grass department. Also read | Allergy season intensifies: Tips to manage symptoms and enjoy the outdoors As for flowers, you've got options: Begonia, female clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, delphinium, hibiscus, impatiens, iris, bird of paradise, pansy, petunia, phlox, poppy, snapdragon, tulip, verbena and zinnia are friends. Roses, too — especially tightly packed, dense-petaled varieties, which exude even less pollen than those with single or semi-double flowers (rose allergies are more often fragrance-related than due to pollen, according to Ogren). And if you suffer from seasonal allergies, keeping windows closed and getting someone else to mow the lawn will also help to nip your symptoms in the bud. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hamilton Spectator
13-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Some plants cause more suffering than others for gardeners with pollen allergies
For many, the return of the spring garden brings with it a sneezy, itchy, foggy-headed feeling that hits the moment a warm breeze stirs up invisible trouble. I'm fortunate not to suffer much, but my blue car turned a chartreuse shade of yellow last week, and a $32 car wash provided results that lasted only two hours. Sigh. These seasonal allergies often go by the old-fashioned name hay fever, but it's not the hay that causes misery for so many, it's the pollen. And not just any pollen, but the nearly weightless kind that floats up our noses and engages our immune systems. Trees, weeds, grasses and even some of our favorite flowers are culprits. But pollen isn't all bad. It's essential to the reproduction of plants, the survival of insects and the entire food web. We humans could not survive without it, so we absolutely shouldn't avoid high-pollen plants as a general rule. However, if you're an allergy sufferer who has had to forgo planting a garden due to health reasons, plants that release the least pollen may enable you to smell the flowers. Plants that might bring sneezes Allergy-inducing plants are those that rely on wind rather than bees or butterflies to spread their pollen. Ragweed, which strikes in late summer and early fall, gets the most notoriety, but its springtime counterparts can be at least as irritating. Trees most likely to cause symptoms include birch (Betula), catawba (Catalba), cypress (Cupressus), elm (Ulmus), hickory/pecan (Carya), oak (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus) and walnut (Juglans), according to the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS), created by horticulturist Thomas Ogren and published in his 2020 book, 'The Allergy-Fighting Garden.' Palm trees, too — but only the males. In fact, female trees don't produce pollen at all, so seek them out when possible. Grasses can irritate eyes and sinuses, too. The scale ranks Bermuda (except sterile male varieties), Johnson, Kentucky, orchard, sweet vernal and timothy grasses among the highest for allergens. Weeds like ragweed, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel and sagebrush are also big pollen producers, Ogren found. Not all plants are irritating to allergy sufferers On the other hand, plants with 'double' flowers or heavier pollen that doesn't travel far are less likely to release much pollen. Among trees, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), fig (Ficus), fir (Abies), fruiting pear (Pyrus), fruiting plum (Prunus domestica, Prunus insititia), redbud (Cerus), serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), female ash (Fraxinus), female box elder (Acer negundo), female cottonwood/poplar (Populus), female maple (Acer), female palm (Arecaceae) and female willow (Salix) are easier on the respiratory system. St. Augustine and sterile male Bermuda are safer bets in the grass department. As for flowers, you've got options: Begonia, female clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, delphinium, hibiscus, impatiens, iris, bird of paradise, pansy, petunia, phlox, poppy, snapdragon, tulip, verbena and zinnia are friends. Roses, too — especially tightly packed, dense-petaled varieties, which exude even less pollen than those with single or semi-double flowers (rose allergies are more often fragrance-related than due to pollen, according to Ogren). And if you suffer from seasonal allergies, keeping windows closed and getting someone else to mow the lawn will also help to nip your symptoms in the bud . ___ Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___ For more AP gardening stories, go to .
