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The natural world offers many benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing, not least of which is its effect on easing allergy symptoms. One of the most effective ways to fight indoor allergies is to bring more nature into your home in the form of houseplants. There are numerous plant species that are scientifically proven to reduce allergens and clean the air, thereby contributing to preventing allergies.
Allergies and Indoor Air Quality
Allergy symptoms often spike due to poor indoor air quality. Allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen can accumulate indoors causing discomfort. Mold spores and bacteria often find a home in damp environments, which can be created by poor ventilation, high levels of humidity, or water leaks. Houseplants can help prevent all these issues: they absorb airborne pollutants, decrease humidity and increase ventilation.
How Houseplants Fight Allergens
Plants can fight allergens in several ways:
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Filtering Air: The NASA Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. They do this through photosynthesis: plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, but they also absorb other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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Increasing Humidity: Plants can also increase humidity in a room by transpiring water vapor through small pores in their leaves, helping to keep your nasal and throat passages hydrated and more resistant to dust and other airborne particles.
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Promoting Good Sleep: Allergic reactions can often disrupt sleep. But some plants, like lavender and jasmine, serve a dual purpose by promoting better sleep with their soothing scents.
Effective Houseplants for Allergy Sufferers
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Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens): This species is potent at absorbing indoor air pollutants and releasing a substantial amount of moisture back into the air.
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Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa): These help to eliminate ammonia, which can cause respiratory issues.
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Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii): Also absorb a wide variety of pollutants and are relatively easy to care for.
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Dracaena: This plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air.
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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum): Known for its ability to absorb odors and fumes as well as oxygenate indoor air.
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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Exceptional at removing airborne volatile organic compounds, including benzene and formaldehyde.
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Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Filters toxins from the air and is one of the few plants that release oxygen at night.
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Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum): Another excellent plant for removing air toxins.
Plant Care Tips to Minimize Allergens
Houseplants can be a source of allergens if not properly cared for. To minimize the potential of allergens from your houseplants, keep in mind the following:
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Avoid Overwatering: Keep your plants healthy and avoid molds by not overwatering them. Molds thrive in damp conditions, so if your pots are constantly wet, you might end up adding allergens into your air instead of removing them.
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Clean Regularly: Regularly wipe the leaves of your plants to prevent dust accumulation.
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Proper Potting: Ensure your plants are potted in a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging and the growth of mold.
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Beware of Pollinators: Some indoor plants may bloom and produce pollen, which could worsen allergy symptoms. Opt for plants that do not flower or remove flowers as soon as they bloom.
Breathing Easy with Houseplants
In conclusion, featuring houseplants in your home decor can do more than just brighten up your living space. They can also serve as natural air purifiers, reducing indoor air pollution, and helping to prevent allergies. Whether you are a seasoned houseplant owner or a newbie, introducing allergy-busting plants into your home is a natural and effective way to combat annoying allergy symptoms.
