Environment

Fighting allergies with the right houseplants

Studies by NASA have also demonstrated that certain foliage plants have the ability to remove indoor air pollutants.

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Allergies are growingly becoming a norm. A majority of the population suffers from allergies of some sort or another.

For some, it’s more severe and can increase their medical bills a lot. Allergies may make them adhere to daily prescriptions that may include avoiding many of their favourite food or other habits.

For others, certain seasons and pollen or dander cause their allergies to flare. One thing is for sure, allergy sufferers are constantly trying to find ways to avoid and treat the same.

Thankfully there are remedies that you can do yourself, just by having the right plants in your home.

Such plants can also be planted roadside, in the premises of schools, colleges and hospitals. They provide natural ways of removing toxic agents from the air.

Studies by US’s National Aeronautics and space administration (NASA) have also demonstrated that certain foliage plants have the ability to remove indoor air pollutants.

Before coming to that, let’s first get a little understanding about allergies and the places they inhabit.

Allergies and the home

People who suffer from allergies tend to avoid going outside, especially if the pollen count is high, but what they may not know is that allergens, which cause allergies, pretty much saturate the home.

Allergens can be found in everything from dust under the bed to the dander on your dog or cat.  They get trapped in most places in your home, including carpets, pillows and mattresses.

They build up in your heater and air conditioning units and filters and travel through the ducts.

The best way to reduce these allergens is to purify the air with an air purifier and houseplants.

Houseplants for allergies

Adding some of these plants to your house will not only add to its décor, they will also help to clean the air and ease your allergies.

Some plants are toxic if eaten, so you will need to be careful if you have any animals that might decide to nibble on them.

Peace Lilly

peace-lily-830968_1280This evergreen plant is great for those who don’t necessarily have a green thumb. They do not require much light or water, but their benefits for allergies are great.

They remove compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Simply put the Peace Lilly in a dark corner and let it do its work.

Florists Chrysanthemum

Florist’s ChrysanthemumIf you’re looking for a little colour to your décor, this plant blooms bright and colourful.

Unlike the Peace Lilly, however, it will need a lot of sunlight, so find a sunny place to show it off.

It removes the same types of compounds as the Peace Lilly, and then some more. However, you have to keep your pets away from this plant as this is poisonous if eaten.

Red-Edged Dracaena

Red-Edged DracaenaIf you’re looking for something unusual and conversation-inspiring in your home, this plant is a great choice.

It looks cool and at the same time helps clean the air to protect you against your allergies.

The plant is an evergreen one, but as it grows it develops small flowers and even red berries.

It needs very little care, but be cautious with pets as it is poisonous if ingested.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciataAnother great plant for clearing the air in your home, the Snake Plant does need a little more care than some of the others.

It enjoys light, so while it can handle long hours of a little bit of light, it prefers a stronger light to flourish. You also have to be very careful not to overwater it.

 

Big Wire

 

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