The arrival of summer can often lift our moods with longer days, warmer weather and bursts of colour - but for anyone with a pollen allergy, it can also spell weeks of itchy eyes and sneezing.
Most hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, with the season lasting from mid-May until July, according to the Met Office. But while plants pose the pesky problem, certain types may also be able to help ease symptoms of hay fever when placed in your home.
According to professional gardening and plants expert Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote, some popular houseplants can work to trap or remove allergens, tackle pollutants and improve air quality. Here are Fiona's seven recommendations for houseplants that are easy to care for and can help out hay fever sufferers.
READ MORE: NHS list of hay fever signs and how you can ease symptoms when pollen is high
Peace lily
Peace Lilies are a low-maintenance addition to your home that can effectively filter formaldehyde and trichloroethylene in the air, which can help to ease the symptoms of hay fever in sufferers. These plants work very well when placed in kitchens or bathrooms as they can also absorb and feed on mould - and they're beautiful to boot, producing stunning white blooms.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera produces oxygen during the night time rather than during the day, working to help improve the overall air quality in your home. For this reason, Aloe Vera plants are great for hay fever sufferers who struggle with sleeping due to their allergies.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has been long used as a remedy to relieve respiratory problems, and eucalyptus oil is a popular ingredient in medicines to help open up nasal passages. Sprigs of eucalyptus work great when placed in the bathroom to help reduce the symptoms of hay fever - when you run the hot water for showers or baths, the steam enables to release of eucalyptus oils into the air, helping to relieve blocked sinuses.
Dracaena
Dracaena plants are one of the most effective plants for removing allergens from the air, while also trapping allergens in the air within its leaves. The plant helps to remove benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, while also absorbing carbon monoxide.
Areca Palm
Areca Palm plants have generously sized leaves that are great for trapping allergens, helping to reduce hay fever symptoms. Areca Palms are also great at increasing the natural humidity of the air inside your home.
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Ivy is a great accent plant for shelves or walls in any room of the home. They're very low maintenance and help to remove harmful toxins and allergens from the air, making it the perfect choice for allergy sufferers who are looking to add a trailing plant to their home.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the most common houseplants in the UK. These plants are very effective in tackling pollutants such as benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde - plus, they are easy to maintain and only need to be watered once per week.
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