UK households are being urged to put house plants by their windows and doors in June as the peak of hay fever season arrives.
Hay fever season runs from late March through to September and it has two peaks, the first of which usually starts in the first two weeks of June. Tree pollen is the first to be released from late March to mid–May, followed by grass pollen until July and then weed pollen from around late June to September. The seasons can vary depending on where you live in the UK, with the north of the country generally having less pollen than in the south.
Grass pollen is the most common allergen and affects the majority of hay fever sufferers. It has two distinct peaks occurring in early June and early July, so if you’ve noticed your symptoms getting worse recently, this is probably why.
As there’s no cure for hay fever, it is best managed through preventative measures and there are several things you can do at home to help minimise your pollen exposure.
One easy thing experts recommend is introducing some house plants into your home, as these not only help filter air pollutants, they can also trap pollen.
Some good options to introduce include Dracaena plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies and snake plants. Simply place them on windowsills and by doors to help trap pollen particles that enter your home.
Haldi Kranich-Wood, Wool Interiors Specialist at British Wool, says: “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.”
Online doctor and pharmacy e-Surgery adds: “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.”