Several treatments have been reported to help people suffering from hay fever, including wearing sunglasses to prevent pollen from entering the eyes and washing clothes after being outdoors.
Applying Vaseline to your nostrils to catch pollen isn't for everyone, but many people don't know that there are houseplants that can help reduce hay fever symptoms.
MyJobQuote.co.uk's professional gardening and plant expert Fiona Jenkins has compiled a list of the best indoor plants to help alleviate symptoms ahead of spring and summer in the UK.
When do hay fever symptoms start?
The Met Office reports that hay fever season starts at different times of the year depending on where you live in the UK.
However, forecasters explained that tree pollen typically first appears from late March to mid-May and “affects about 25% of people.”
The Japan Meteorological Agency added: “Most people are allergic to grass pollen (which actually has two peaks), and the season lasts from mid-May to July.
“Weed pollen can be released at any time, but the season typically runs from late June to September.”
@bbcnewsround BBC weather forecaster Simon King shares the facts about hay fever 🌥️ #hayfever #pollencount #ukweather #newsround ♬ Original sound – BBC Newsround
Ornamental plants that reduce symptoms of hay fever
From aloe vera to devil's ivy, here are some plants to consider when adding greenery to your home.
eucalyptus twig
Eucalyptus has long been used as a treatment to alleviate respiratory problems, and eucalyptus oil is a popular ingredient in medicines that help open nasal passages.
Placing eucalyptus twigs in the bathroom can be effective in reducing hay fever symptoms. When you run hot water in your shower or bath, the steam releases eucalyptus oil into the air, which helps relieve sinus congestion.
areca palm
Areca palm plants have leaves large enough to trap allergens, which can help reduce hay fever symptoms.
Plants can also help increase the natural humidity of the air in your home.
Dracaena
Dracaena plants are one of the most effective plants for removing allergens from the air.
This plant helps remove benzene, trichlorethylene, and formaldehyde while absorbing carbon monoxide. This plant is well known for trapping airborne allergens within its leaves.
aloe
Aloe vera produces oxygen at night instead of during the day.
This attractive plant can help improve your home's overall air quality. This makes the aloe vera plant ideal for hay fever sufferers who have trouble sleeping due to allergies.
devil ivy
Devil's ivy is often displayed as an accent plant on a shelf or wall in any room of the house. They are low maintenance and help remove harmful toxins and allergens from the air, making them the perfect choice for allergy sufferers looking to add trailing plants for decoration.
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peace lily
Peace Lilies are low-maintenance flowers that can effectively filter formaldehyde and trichlorethylene from the air. This helps reduce symptoms for hay fever sufferers.
These plants are very effective to have in your kitchen or bathroom because they can absorb mold and eat it.
spider plant
Spider plants are one of the most common houseplants in the UK. These plants are very effective in dealing with pollutants such as benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Additionally, they are easy to maintain and only need to be watered once a week.