• What house flowers cause allergies? What flowers to give to allergy sufferers There are no allergies to flowers

    28.10.2023

    If you want to refresh the interior of your home, then the best choice is indoor plants. This is the easiest and fastest way to bring innovation to an already boring room, to breathe life into the space. But, attention - what to do if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies? Do you really have to always admire artificial flower arrangements that are constantly covered in dust? Of course not. Try decorating your home with indoor plants whose pollen is low in allergenicity. With them, your home will not only be beautiful, but also comfortable to live in.

    It should be remembered that the causes of allergies are different for everyone. Those that are suitable for some are absolutely contraindicated for others. Therefore, listen to your feelings and select indoor plants individually. But there are still some plants that are low allergenic. These are the best places to start creating your home greenhouse.

    Home greenhouse for allergy sufferers

    Nasturtium

    One of the most unpretentious plants, however, if it grows in open ground, for example, in a personal plot or in a flowerbed at the entrance. However, this plant will also grow in your home if you choose a place with good lighting for it, for example on a balcony, or as an external decoration of a private house. In the room, due to lack of light, this plant stretches out and blooms poorly.

    Croton

    This is a very beautiful plant with colorful leaves. It requires proper care. The soil should be moist, but not too wet, there should be enough light, but direct sunlight should be avoided in the spring and summer. The appearance of its leaves, shape and color will tell you whether you are caring for it correctly. If the color of the leaves is dim or even monochromatic, it means there is not enough light, the ends of the leaves have turned brown - water more. Croton is very capricious, but with enough attention it will be a real decoration for an apartment or office. Moreover, it can be grown in a floor vase in the form of a tree, as well as in pots in the form of a bush. In the latter case, pinch off the top and the plant will stop growing upward. Next you can watch a video about the features of this plant.

    Peperomia. This is a small compact plant. There are more than 50 types of peperomia, the main difference being the shape and color of the leaves. They grow well in bright but diffused light. They should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch.

    Noble laurel

    This is a plant with shiny green leaves. Laurel grows well indoors, but in summer it is better to move it to the balcony; on hot days it requires more watering. Bay leaves can be used as a spice in preparing various dishes.

    Spathiphyllum (Peace lily)

    This is a beautiful plant with showy white flowers. Grows well in a warm room. The soil should be moist but not wet, lighting should be moderate.

    And finally

    Do not forget that the source of allergens can be not only the plants themselves, but also the dust on their leaves and the soil in the pots. That is why it is worth picking off dry and yellow flowers and leaves in a timely manner, wiping the plant from dust, and do not over-moisten the soil because of the possibility of mold appearing in the pot.

    If, even with proper care, indoor plants cause any allergic reactions in household members, it is better to replace them. Among the huge variety of plants, you will definitely find your own, the proximity of which will bring only pleasure, aesthetic and physical.

    Safe indoor plants for allergy sufferers Photo and Video

    Video on this topic. For all flower lovers))

    You'll like it!


    Indoor plants in your home Powdery mildew and indoor plants

    You can sit at home all summer, but it’s difficult to call it a full life. Especially if your soul longs to go to your favorite dacha, where every bush is planted and grown with your own hands.

    Most often, an allergic reaction occurs to plant pollen. Pollen is the sex cells of plants collected in small lumps, necessary for pollination. They are extremely volatile, thanks to air cavities and outgrowths, which allows pollen to be carried by the wind over vast distances.

    Pollen is rich in proteins, which makes it so highly allergenic. Fortunately, the structure of each type is unique, so a reaction to all plants at once is extremely rare. There is a way out - to grow a garden for allergy sufferers...

    Very dangerous:

    The most volatile, and therefore dangerous, pollen is the pollen of evolutionarily advanced representatives of the plant world. These are Asteraceae, Poaceae, Sedges, etc. Of the trees, the most dangerous are those that bloom in early spring, before the leaves bloom. In the temperate zone these are birch, alder, hazel, willow, and poplar.

    How to make a garden safe for allergy sufferers? Of course, it is not possible to completely avoid allergens. Even if you turn your plot into a Japanese rock garden, harmful pollen can disturb its peace, because it spreads thousands of meters, and the fence will not become a barrier for it. But it is quite possible to minimize the risk.

    The first thing you need to do is recognize the enemy by sight. That is, remember all the plants that cause allergies. This is exactly what you will have to give up in your garden. Fortunately, the diagnosis is made very quickly; all you need to do is visit an allergist.

    How to replace plants that cause allergies?

    So, if an allergy to grains is detected, a replacement will have to be found for the regular lawn. Even if you do not allow it to bloom, the insidious disease can manifest itself as intolerance to mown grass and hay, since when mowing the lawn, many small particles fly in the air, which can completely replace pollen for an allergy sufferer.

    Instead of cereals, you should turn to ground cover plants that are less allergenic.

    • mazus;
    • budra;
    • kotula;
    • creeping speedwell;
    • survivors.

    By the way, they can withstand some trampling. A large area can be divided into ground cover shrubs: Dorenbosch snowberry and broom, spread out in sunny areas, horizontal cotoneaster and pachysandra in partial shade.

    Greenweed and michenia grow well in the shade and can be used to create green spots. Ordinary bacopa will also work. Allergies to these plants are very rare.

    What plants cause allergies?

    Molinia, miscanthus, reed grass, fescue and feather grass. As an option, in the garden for allergy sufferers there may be shade-loving garden plants, such as ferns or moss, which do not pose any particular danger.

    Hay fever can also be caused by other plants that have volatile pollen. Should be excluded:

    • sunflowers;
    • cosmos;
    • rudbeckia;
    • cattails;
    • sedges;
    • wormwood;
    • spirea;
    • vesicular carps.

    But peonies, mock oranges, viburnum, lilacs, chokeberries and barberries are quite harmless, since their pollen is low-volatile.

    Things are more complicated if the allergy is psychogenic in nature. In this case, a severe reaction may occur simply to smells.

    We will have to exclude fragrant varieties of mock oranges, lilacs and peonies.

    Fortunately, the variety of varieties allows you to do this without compromising the appearance of the garden for an allergy sufferer. Sometimes the reaction is caused by the smells of rowan, hawthorn and white acacia.

    There are plants whose flowering period is extremely short. Pear and apple trees produce quite a lot of pollen, but bloom very quickly. These plants that cause allergies during flowering are not so dangerous. It is not at all necessary to be at the dacha during this period.

    Allergy from wild rosemary:

    Some plants have poisonous pollen that can cause dizziness and headaches even in a healthy person. Suffice it to recall the marsh rosemary, familiar firsthand to forest lovers. Rhododendrons and all heathers can be dangerous. The stems and leaves of these plants are covered with hairs and scales, which also cause problems.

    If a person has a food allergy to raspberries and strawberries, there is no place for all rosaceae in the garden.

    Often common tulips, hyacinths and daffodils are plants that cause allergies. When working with their tubers and bulbs, a skin rash may appear. The same reaction is possible to the leaves of primrose obconica.

    An occupational disease among landscapers is an allergy to pine needle injections, which manifests itself in the form of urticaria. This reaction of the body develops gradually, with frequent contact with conifers. This is especially true for thorny species: spruce and juniper.

    Fewer problems are caused by firs, thujas, cypresses, and microbiota - plants with soft needles. Rarely, allergy to coniferous pollen occurs.

    Non-allergenic varieties

    The assortment of plants for a non-allergenic flower garden can be composed of:

    • gentians,
    • bells,
    • valerian,
    • podophyllum,
    • mountain weeds, poppies,
    • heuchera,
    • forget-me-nots,
    • badanov,
    • periwinkles,
    • jeffersonium.

    Now you know which plants cause allergies and understand what a garden should look like for an allergy sufferer. There should be a lot of water here, creating additional humidity and preventing the volatility of pollen. These are all kinds of ponds, fountains and streams.

    Aquatic plants, as a rule, do not cause allergies and feel great in such a garden. The site should not have large open spaces for wind to disperse. It is better if the garden is shady and cozy, with green curtains and solid fences. The central element can be a rockery.

    Let's figure out which indoor plants can lead to unpleasant consequences: allergies or irritation of a non-allergic nature.

    Dangerous for health

    Oddly enough, the worst enemies of an allergy sufferer are not plants at all. What would you think?

    Enemy number 1. Regular house dust. It settles on the leaves, especially if they are rarely wiped. A dust allergy can be perceived as a plant allergy. In the vast majority of cases, dust allergies manifest as a runny nose or conjunctivitis. To prevent this, try wiping the leaves, and if wiping is difficult or impossible, then bathe the plants in the shower at least once every six months.

    Enemy number 2. Tobacco smoke. Of course, plants don't smoke. But components of tobacco smoke can accumulate near smoking areas on thick or pubescent leaves. Of course, they will not cause allergies in smokers, but other people may suffer from it. The control measures are the same - periodically wash the plants, and also stop smoking.

    Don't warm up the snake

    Allergies can be caused by those plants that have volatile pollen or a strong odor - in this case, allergy sufferers are guaranteed a runny nose, asthmatic attacks or conjunctivitis. Some can cause allergies when touched, the symptoms of this are hives, burns. Most often these are those that are covered with glandular hairs.

    Safety precautions

    Remember, even if a plant does not cause allergies, it can still be harmful to keep indoors. Representatives of this class are often found in bouquets. So, a sprig of wild rosemary or bird cherry can give you a headache for the whole day. If you have little understanding of botany, following a general rule will help - be careful with bouquets of flowers with a strong scent and never place them in the bedroom.

    What to give to a friend or relative if he is both a flower lover and an allergy sufferer rolled into one? The good news is that some plants almost never cause allergies. These, for example, include orchids and bromeliads, fortunately there are a lot of them in stores now, and the flowers are very bright and unusual. The pollen of these plants does not disperse into the air and you can be calm about your own and others’ health.

    So feel free to give an allergic person Phalaenopsis, Vriesia, Guzmania, Cambria or any other representative of these families. Of the common store-bought options, double rose or begonia are perfect. What if you like some unfamiliar flower?

    Remember the rule: allergies are mainly caused by pollen. If there is no pollen, then there is no allergy. Any double flowers produce virtually no pollen, since additional petals usually lead to the disappearance or greatly reduced number of stamens. Therefore, among the two plants, it is better to choose the one that blooms with double flowers.

    And the second note: allergies to pollen and dust are much less likely if the air is humid. Plants usually like it too, so spraying will bring double benefits, especially during the dry winter period.

    You should also not be afraid of various chemicals intended for treatment against pests and diseases. They usually do not cause allergies. However, remember: they are poisonous. Be sure to follow all necessary personal safety precautions.

    Name What dangers await
    Pelargonium (geranium) Lots of essential oils that some people

    may provoke asthmatic attacks
    Eucharis, Krinum,

    Hippeastrum
    Possible pollen allergy
    Gerbera Produces a lot of pollen, which can cause allergies
    Kalanchoe It is possible to be allergic to both flower pollen and plant sap
    Oleander, some heathers (rhododendrons) May cause non-allergic headaches
    Dieffenbachia, most milkweeds Caustic sap that causes symptoms of hives if it comes into contact with hands. Moreover, even the healthiest people suffer from it, and not just allergy sufferers
    Some types of cacti Easily broken off spines that dig into the skin. Getting them is a non-trivial task: very often the tips of the spines break off and inflammation begins, accompanied by severe itching. The most insidious plant in this regard is prickly pear. Groups of its small and extremely tenacious spines (even given a special name - glochidia) look like fluffy halos and, if you stroke them unknowingly, you are doomed to pull out the spines over the next few days. The prickly pear spines are very small, no more than 2 mm in length, and fall off easily, so you can accidentally stumble upon them or even inhale them.

    If you want to refresh the interior of your home, then the best choice is indoor plants. This is the easiest and fastest way to bring innovation to an already boring room, to breathe life into the space. But, attention - what to do if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies? Do you really have to always admire artificial flower arrangements that are constantly covered in dust? Of course not. Try decorating your home with indoor plants whose pollen is low in allergenicity. With them, your home will not only be beautiful, but also comfortable to live in.

    It should be remembered that the causes of allergies are different for everyone. Those that are suitable for some are absolutely contraindicated for others. Therefore, listen to your feelings and select indoor plants individually. But there are still some plants that are low allergenic. These are the best places to start creating your home greenhouse.

    Home greenhouse for allergy sufferers

    Nasturtium

    One of the most unpretentious plants, however, if it grows in open ground, for example, in a personal plot or in a flowerbed at the entrance. However, this plant will also grow in your home if you choose a place with good lighting for it, for example on a balcony, or as an external decoration of a private house. In the room, due to lack of light, this plant stretches out and blooms poorly.

    Croton

    This is a very beautiful plant with colorful leaves. It requires proper care. The soil should be moist, but not too wet, there should be enough light, but direct sunlight should be avoided in the spring and summer. The appearance of its leaves, shape and color will tell you whether you are caring for it correctly. If the color of the leaves is dim or even monochromatic, it means there is not enough light, the ends of the leaves have turned brown - water more. Croton is very capricious, but with enough attention it will be a real decoration for an apartment or office. Moreover, it can be grown in a floor vase in the form of a tree, as well as in pots in the form of a bush. In the latter case, pinch off the top and the plant will stop growing upward. Next you can watch a video about the features of this plant.

    Peperomia. This is a small compact plant. There are more than 50 types of peperomia, the main difference being the shape and color of the leaves. They grow well in bright but diffused light. They should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch.

    Noble laurel

    This is a plant with shiny green leaves. Laurel grows well indoors, but in summer it is better to move it to the balcony; on hot days it requires more watering. Bay leaves can be used as a spice in preparing various dishes.

    Spathiphyllum (Peace lily)

    This is a beautiful plant with showy white flowers. Grows well in a warm room. The soil should be moist but not wet, lighting should be moderate.

    And finally

    Do not forget that the source of allergens can be not only the plants themselves, but also the dust on their leaves and the soil in the pots. That is why it is worth picking off dry and yellow flowers and leaves in a timely manner, wiping the plant from dust, and do not over-moisten the soil because of the possibility of mold appearing in the pot.

    If, even with proper care, indoor plants cause any allergic reactions in household members, it is better to replace them. Among the huge variety of plants, you will definitely find your own, the proximity of which will bring only pleasure, aesthetic and physical.

    Safe indoor plants for allergy sufferers Photo and Video

    Video on this topic. For all flower lovers))

    You'll like it!


    Indoor plants in your home Powdery mildew and indoor plants

    Flowers surround us everywhere. Cultivated varieties are planted in flower beds within the city to improve the appearance of the streets, creating a contrast with the dusty gray asphalt. Wild species grow in fields, in unkempt garden plots, at the edge of forests - wherever seeds may be carried by wind currents, as well as by birds, insects and animals. It is difficult to imagine a holiday without flower arrangements, and according to existing traditions, it is customary to celebrate the arrival of special dates by presenting bouquets. In addition, for many people, contemplating bright peonies, fragrant roses or field daisies is a way to relax and immerse yourself in pleasant thoughts. However, if you develop an allergy to flowers, any contact with them can seriously threaten your health. Therefore, it is worth finding out what symptoms are an alarming signal indicating the presence of pathological sensitivity.

    The most common allergenic flowers

    There is a truly huge list of plants that can cause intolerance reactions. However, several species can be distinguished from it, which are considered the most dangerous due to the fact that they are found literally everywhere. These include:

    1. Lily

      Extremely beautiful, feels comfortable both indoors and in the garden in an open space. It is cultivated in almost every corner of the planet, sometimes wild varieties are observed. Valued for its elegant appearance and rich, delicate aroma, which can cause signs of allergy to flowers even without direct contact with buds, stems and pollen.

    2. Ambrosia

      Classified as a weed. It is unpretentious, grows even in drought conditions, and is not eaten by animals due to its unpleasant bitter taste. Its pollen spreads over considerable distances - on average, within a radius of 2 km. The seeds remain viable for up to four decades, which makes the plant practically invulnerable to all quarantine measures.

    3. Pelargonium, geranium

      They are similar to each other and are often chosen for breeding at home - on a windowsill, balcony or veranda. They come in a variety of colors, making it easy for owners to add them as an extra touch to any home decor.

    It is worth remembering that absolutely any plant can cause a reaction - it is necessary to focus, first of all, on the feelings of a particular patient who is faced with unpleasant symptoms.

    Causes of allergies

    Flower intolerance is associated with sensitivity to protein components (proteins) and essential oils, which are contained in:

    • in pollen;
    • in juice;
    • on stems;
    • in the roots.

    The patient's immune system reacts to them as a threat and, upon contact, triggers the production of antibodies - special protective compounds that can be detected through laboratory testing. The most important are pollen particles that spread with air currents, settle on the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes and provoke an inflammatory process. When thinking about what flowers you may be allergic to, you need to evaluate a specific plant in accordance with the criteria:

    1. Bright color.
    2. Intense, almost suffocating smell.
    3. The presence of wide-opening buds with numerous stamens.

    If all the mentioned features are present, most likely you are looking at a variety that is dangerous for sensitive patients. It “dominates” the bouquet, is immediately noticeable on the windowsill or in the garden, smells pleasant, but in some people even without immunological intolerance it can cause headaches. Light-colored species that lack a strong aroma are less active as flower allergens.

    Sometimes there is also a risk of cross-reactions due to sensitivity to a particular plant:

    • for lilies - onions, garlic, aloe;
    • for ambrosia - for sunflower, dandelion;
    • to wormwood - on dahlias, chamomiles.

    To check for allergies to indoor flowers or outdoor species, it is necessary to temporarily interrupt contact with them - improvement in the condition is considered a reliable indicator of intolerance.

    To do this, you can take pots with “suspected” varieties to relatives and give them to neighbors. To avoid contact with plants located in your garden plot, it is enough to leave for a few days.

    Symptoms

    The clinical manifestations are based on an inflammatory process, which is sometimes very similar to an infectious disease. For this reason, a pollen allergy may be mistaken for a cold. This opinion is confirmed in severe cases, complications associated with damage to the skin and mucous membranes (for example, as a result of scratching).

    There are features characteristic of allergies to lilies of the valley and other flowers:

    1. Dependence on contact with a provocateur plant.
    2. Absence of pus in the discharge.
    3. Complaints of severe itching, irritation, swelling in the affected areas.

    During infection, the intoxication syndrome still dominates - weakness, headache, decreased tolerance to physical activity. However, it is worth noting that even this manifestation can be observed in cases of severe sensitivity to plants.

    Respiratory disorders

    Among them are the following symptoms of allergy to flowers:

    1. Nasal congestion.
    2. Sneezing, liquid discharge.
    3. Shortness of breath, cough.
    4. Feeling of lack of air.

    Patients are bothered by tickling of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, which also extends to the ears; sometimes conjunctivitis syndrome is associated, including redness, itching of the eyelids, lacrimation, and photophobia. Constant rubbing of the nose and eyes with a handkerchief and fingers leads to irritation of the skin above the upper lip, microtraumas and the creation of an “entry gate” for infection. The result may be additional inflammation - for example, in the cornea area (keratitis). The described symptoms are often accompanied by an asthma attack, manifested by a dry cough with wheezing and difficulty exhaling.

    Dermatological signs

    Include:

    • redness, swelling;
    • peeling, rashes (spots, blisters, blisters);
    • dryness, itching;
    • sometimes - pain.

    Symptoms of allergy to indoor flowers and outdoor species usually occur in close contact with stems, pollen, and sap.

    They are characterized by local damage - for example, if a person decides to cut daisies without gloves, pathological changes are observed on the palms, hands, and fingers on the inside. Generalized disorders (affecting the entire skin as a whole) are also possible; they are characteristic of cross-allergy, which develops when consuming provoking substances in food.

    Features of the course in children

    The child is more sensitive to the sap, pollen and smell of plants. He has delicate skin, which is easily damaged when combed, and easily becomes scratched. You should also pay attention to the narrow lumen of the respiratory tract, due to which even slight swelling of the mucous membrane leads to difficulty in the passage of air flow. In addition, children are curious; out of ignorance, they can taste the plant of interest and damage the integrity of the leaves and stems. For this reason, the focus of the lesion is most often located:

    • on the palms;
    • on the hands;
    • in the nasal cavity, mouth.

    Depending on the type of contact, the child may be concerned about:

    • the appearance of a rash (spots, blisters, nodules, blisters);
    • swelling and itching of the skin, mucous membranes;
    • runny nose, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath.

    This is a syndrome characterized by the presence of a set of symptoms reminiscent of an infectious disease. The following symptoms of allergies to lilies of the valley and other flowers are observed:

    1. General weakness, sweating.
    2. Decreased physical activity.
    3. Nervousness, sleep disturbance.
    4. Lack of appetite.
    5. Headache.
    6. Low-grade fever (37.1-37.9 °C).

    The listed manifestations are often supplemented by local pathological changes. If a flower allergen gets on exposed skin, dermatitis (redness, itching, rash) develops, and on mucous membranes - rhinitis (runny nose) and/or conjunctivitis.

    Diagnostics

    To find out what flowers a child or adult may be allergic to and choose the right treatment, it is necessary to use a set of studies. First, you need a survey that allows you to clarify information about the nature of sensitivity and compile a list of suspected provoking plants. It is also necessary to inspect the affected areas and use special tests.

    They have accuracy and reliability, and make it possible to evaluate the results immediately after completing the study (takes about 30 minutes). They consist of applying selected allergens to the forearm or back, where direct contact with them is ensured using a small puncture, scratch or injection. The weight advantage is that the patient does not feel pain or experiences minimal discomfort - all manipulations are carried out extremely carefully, using small instruments.

    The doctor pays attention to the appearance of:

    • redness (hyperemia);
    • swelling;
    • sensations of itching, irritation;
    • element of the rash (blister).

    Signs of a positive reaction in the presence of sensitivity to colors are observed, on average, after 20 minutes from the moment of contact.

    This period may be shortened or slightly extended, but the appearance of the symptoms named in the list indicates that the patient still has an allergy. Sometimes delayed consequences are possible - numbness, swelling and redness of the skin at the site of application of the provocateur, which occurs several hours after the test. They are stored for up to two days.

    Laboratory tests

    This involves taking a blood sample from a vein to test the serum for antibodies. They help determine the presence of sensitivity to different colors (lily of the valley, etc.) without direct contact with allergens. This makes it possible to diagnose patients suffering from dermatological diseases or who have a high risk of anaphylactic shock when performing a skin test. The tests have other advantages:

    1. They have no age restrictions.
    2. Allows you to test a large number of plants for allergenicity at the same time.
    3. Can be used to monitor the condition during treatment without the risk of provoking a reaction.

    You can plan a diagnostic search under the guidance of an experienced physician. Discuss in advance with a specialist the use of medications (especially antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids) - they can distort the results.

    Many people have heard that a garden or indoor flower can cause allergies. But not everyone knows how to avoid this. A number of measures are used:

    • refusal to grow at home, on a personal plot;
    • timely elimination of weeds around the perimeter of the home, especially under the windows;
    • notifying family and friends that bouquets may pose a threat.

    If intolerance is associated with the flowering of seasonal plants, it is worth considering the option of temporarily leaving for a safer region. You can also consult your doctor about the use of barrier medications (for example, Nazaval based on micronized cellulose), which protect the nasal mucosa from contact with the allergen. A person who is aware of the likelihood of a reaction should always carry with him an antihistamine recommended by a specialist.

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