3 days ago
UK households told to put plants by windows and doors as June heats up
Experts have urged all hay fever suffers to do one thing with house plants ahead of summer to help alleviate the allergy symptoms in the home and combat the pollen
As the warmer weather approaches, all keen gardeners and plant lovers are urged to do one thing before the incoming predicted heatwave.
June can be peak hay fever season for those who suffer, but indoor plants may be the answer to combatting the pollen. Hay fever has different peaks throughout summer - tree pollen from March to May, followed by grass pollen until July and then weed pollen from late June to September, and if you suffer, experts recommend investing in some house plants to help ease your symptoms.
Grass pollen is the most common hay fever allergy, and certain house plants can help filter air pollutants that may enter the home, as well as trapping pollen and removing it from the air and making symptoms worse.
Some of the best house plants to put in your homes include Dracaena plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies and snake plant and by simply placings them on windowsills and by doors, they can help to trap pollen particles that enter your home.
Haldi Kranich-Wood, Wool Interiors Specialist at British Wool told The Express: "Make a pollen trap with house plants. Some house plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, or Boston ferns, act like natural air filters and can help trap airborne particles, including pollen. Try positioning a few by your windows and doors to create a leafy line of defence. Just make sure to wipe their leaves regularly, that trapped pollen still needs evicting."
This is echoed by experts at online doctor and pharmacy e-Surgery who add: "Certain plants can eliminate toxins in the air so they may be beneficial in reducing allergy symptoms. The best plants to keep in the house are ones that remove formaldehyde and benzene, both of which can be harmful to those that suffer from allergies. Plants that do not flower are best for hay fever sufferers.
"Some plants can absorb toxins through their leaves and release moisture which can reduce dust in the air. The best plant for cleaning the air is Aloe as having one of the plants in your house is equivalent to nine biological air cleaners.
"Another which is just as good is a spider plant. Spider plants are efficient at getting rid of the harmful compounds' formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and benzene. The plants are also super adaptable to living inside as they can photosynthesis under very little lighting.
"The snake plant, or also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue is almost indestructible, so this is a particularly good one if you're not the best at caring for your plants. It's also good at cleaning the air around itself so is perfect for allergy sufferers."
