What flowers are allergens. Safe indoor plants for allergy sufferers. Houseplants are the strongest allergens

Coziness and comfort in the house is often associated not only with upholstered furniture, modern household appliances and beautiful finishing materials, but also with indoor flowers.

Green "favorites" not only decorate the room, but also fill it with oxygen, humidify the air, purify it from toxic substances.

So, for example, the juice of some indoor flowers is very poisonous, and if ingested causes burns or poisoning. Even touching certain exotics can cause irritation, dermatitis. Not to mention contact with juice, which is simply possible when cutting branches or leaves.

The aroma of some flowers can be very strong, causing allergic reactions.

It is especially important to know about the features of your indoor plants for those who have children, pets, who suffer from allergies.

Therefore, when buying another green "friend", you need to find out if it is poisonous?

In the article you will find out which plants cannot be kept at home and why, as well as which indoor flowers you may be allergic to.

poisonous flowers

• Many representatives belonging to the Kutrov family- plumeria, strophanthus, carissa, raufolfia, razia. Especially common are adenium. All parts of these flowers, even the seeds, contain poisonous substances. A small piece of a leaf that has entered the digestive system causes loss of consciousness, disruption of the heart, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased blood pressure, respiratory arrest, up to lethal outcome. The smell of oleander flowers can cause headaches and dizziness;
• 
  - releases a lot at night carbon dioxide and therefore can cause headaches and insomnia. Too strong a scent can cause an allergic reaction. If ingested, it causes severe poisoning;
• Nightshade family- browallia, brunfelsia, capsicum. Pseudo-pepper nightshade is very popular, the beautiful orange-red fruits of which make you want to taste it, especially in children. It is the fruits that cause nausea, vomiting, elevated compartment saliva, cough. And nightshade juice, when it comes into contact with the skin, causes irritation;
• Members of the aroid family-, calladium, - contain oxalic acid and the amino acid aspargin - very caustic substances. If the juice gets on the skin, irritation and dermatitis appear, conjunctivitis in the eyes, swelling, vomiting, pain, increased salivation in the mouth and stomach;
• Azalea- has a high toxicity. When ingested, it causes colic, convulsions, diarrhea. Andrometaxins contained in it affect the heart and nervous system. The smell of flowers can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness.
• Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family- jatropha, akalifa and, beloved by many, croton and (the most beautiful euphorbia). The white juice of the plant, which appears at the slightest damage, causes irritation and burns when it comes into contact with the skin. If the juice gets into the mouth, there will be a burn of the mucous membrane and swelling of the larynx, then - a disorder of the nervous and digestive system. If it gets into the eyes - conjunctivitis and temporary blindness;
• ficus- if particles of the plant come into contact with the skin, it can cause irritation, allergies, eczema, dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchial asthma. Especially dangerous for sensitive people prone to allergies;
• Stellera dwarf and Japanese rhodea- if you swallow a small piece of a leaf containing poisonous juice, then a burn, swelling and even numbness of the vocal cords will occur;
• Tulip Gesner- if this flower grows in a room where the owners are often located for several years in a row, people will begin to lose their hair, which over time can lead to baldness;
• Tuberose- the smell of flowers can cause headache, dizziness, depression;
• Hemanthus and amaryllis belladonna- contain toxic substances in leaves and bulbs. Even with normal care, they can cause allergies;
• - toxic substances are mostly found in tubers. Their poisoning is detected in vomiting, and when it comes into contact with the skin, inflammation and irritation appear.

Indoor flowers allergens

Mostly allergic reactions are caused by plants containing highly volatile essential oils or biologically active substances(alkaloids, saponins).

It is important to consider that the presence or absence of an allergy to a particular plant is an individual phenomenon.. It depends on personal intolerance or tolerance of a person to the secretions of a certain type of flower.

Indoor flowers and plants that cause allergies:

So, when choosing a houseplant, it is important not only to learn about it decorative properties, but also about whether it is dangerous for humans. Which indoor plants and flowers cause you allergies - you can determine with a dermatologist.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui - Chinese teaching about the organization of human living space. In it, indoor plants are assigned special place. It is believed that many plants are able to bring their special energy into a person's home. And it is not always favorable for the people living there. That is why many houseplants that are popular with us cannot be kept at home according to this teaching.

According to the teachings of Feng Shui, plants with sharp needles and pointed leaf configuration should not be kept in the house.. These are: cacti, and many others. It is believed that such flowers can sow seeds of discord in the family, which will disrupt the calm course of people's lives.

But if such plants are already present in the house, they should not be thrown away. They just can not be placed close to the place of rest or in children's rooms. Such flowers have a place in the office, as sharp needles and leaves stimulate mental activity.

This article is often read:

Does not favor feng shui and climbing plants. It is believed that all these species have a very heavy negative energy, the manifestation of which is unacceptable in people's homes. Many of these plants are called energy vampires that live off other beings and weaken them.

That is why such flowers as monsters, waxes have no place inside the house. But ivy is often planted at the entrance to the house. He protects the home of people and does not let the evil energy of envious people through. And arbors, entwined with ivy, well absorb the negative energy accumulated during the day.

Now you know which houseplants should not be kept at home according to Feng Shui.

Folk omens and superstitions

Consider which plants can not be kept at home according to signs. According to our folk signs, you cannot keep much more plants in the house than according to Feng Shui. Superstition did not bypass not only cacti, sansevieria and different kinds ivy, but also palms, ficuses, spathiphyllums, callas and even orchids.

Numerous folk omens talking about harm palm trees in the apartment. It cannot be brought into the house, as it attracts misfortune. The owner of the palm tree will certainly suffer great grief.

ficus in many countries it is considered a very useful and comforting plant. But our signs say otherwise. It negatively affects reproductive function. A woman in whose house a ficus grows will not have children.

Per spathiphyllum the name "muzhegon" was firmly fixed. Women or young girls should not start this flower. A flower will not allow you to create a family or destroy an existing one.

True, not everything is clear with this plant. It has another name - "women's happiness." Apparently, for some women, the flower still helps to find family well-being.

Hibiscus consider dangerous plant that attracts trouble. People believe that the "Chinese rose" blooms shortly before the death of a family member.

callas- unusual and beautiful flowers, but they have long been considered unlucky. They are very often brought to funerals, which is probably why they are called grave flowers and are not recommended to be kept in the house. If calla blooms - wait for the death of a loved one.

BUT orchid became famous as a strong energy vampire. She takes away strength from a person if she is nearby. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep it in the bedroom or in the children's room.

Useful plants for the home

If we discard all superstitions and teachings related to energy, you can find a lot of indoor plants from which a person receives real benefits. They purify the air useful material killing pathogenic bacteria. And there are medicinal plants, without which during the peak infectious diseases just not enough.

A number of indoor plants purify the air well, absorbing harmful substances in it and releasing a large number of oxygen. These include: monstera, ivy, dieffenbachia, chlorophytum, alocasia, sansevieria. Also, dust settles well on them, which also makes the air in the house cleaner.

Plants that produce phytoncides are of particular benefit.. They reduce the number of microorganisms in the air by tens and even hundreds of times.

These plants include all coniferous species, pelargonium, oleander. It should also be noted beneficial features some cacti that purify the air from fungal infection several times.

The most common medicinal plants in room culture are Kalanchoe. These species contain light natural antibiotic which does not harm the human body.

The juice of these plants is used to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis and acute respiratory diseases.

Our environment represents not only nature and the globe in the global sense.
The environment is home conditions in our apartments, as well as the conditions of various institutions, offices, workshops and other industrial premises.
Man everywhere strives to create comfortable conditions for living and giving to the premises aesthetic appearance. It is always important for a person that the space around him be animated by at least one plant. And if conditions allow and there is such a desire - a person breeds many favorite plants at home and at work.

When choosing plant species for landscaping, flower growers most often focus only on their external signs and characteristics: decorative effect, size and growth rate of plants, size and shape of leaves, flowering features (abundance, frequency, duration). Also, flower growers are usually interested in the ease of caring for a plant at room conditions.
However, it must be borne in mind that each type of plant requires certain conditions content in the room.
Therefore, when creating a winter garden or phytorecreation (a resting room filled with living plants), you first need to rely on the main characteristics of the room (illumination, temperature, air humidity, drafts, etc.) in order to form an assortment of suitable plants.

Causes of plant allergies

Natural plants, contact with which may result in an allergic reaction, are widely known. it different types cereals , polyney and ambrosia(pollen during flowering), Nettle, Hop, leaves Raspberries and Cherries (Cherries), Chubushnik or garden jasmine , Amaranth(when touched).
Plants with hard and rough leaves, pubescent with small breaking off hairs, can also cause allergies.
Allergic and a number of plant species containing photodynamically active coumarins and other biologically active substances - Hogweed, Ferula, Ruta , Ammi, Skumpia, Russ, Fraxinella or Dictamnus (Burning bush) and many others.

As a rule, we are not ready for such allergic manifestations from indoor plants that live in close proximity to us - grow in rooms for various purposes.

When choosing plants for landscaping, we usually do not think about how the body (ours, or the body of other people who come here) will react to a particular plant chosen for decorating the interior.
However, volatile substances emitted by indoor plants can cause any allergic reaction in humans.
After all, a plant is a living organism that breathes and, naturally, releases metabolic and respiration products. The plant releases substances formed in the process of life (alkaloids, enzymes, essential oils, etc.). The presence of these components in the air, even in small quantities, can provoke an allergic reaction in a person.
We must not forget that pollen from flowering plants and flying mature spores of ferns can cause allergies.
Allergic and trivial dust, which gradually accumulates on the leaves of living plants, and on beautiful dry bouquets or phytocompositions placed on the walls of the room or on tables, in vases.
Small and easily broken plant hairs, like pet hair, can also be strong allergens.

Manifestations of allergic reactions

Sometimes we are very surprised that, in the rhythm of our everyday life, we suddenly begin to be tormented by a dry, irritating cough, or an unreasonable cough appears. frequent runny nose, or the skin begins to itch and the eyes water. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction may also appear.
Often we do not pay attention to these symptoms, do not look for the cause of their appearance. But in vain!
An allergic reaction can sometimes simply cause inconvenience (quickly passing or long-term), in the worst case, it can cause a sharp short-term deterioration in our general condition organism. But sometimes, on the basis of neglected allergies, other pathologies (in particular, asthma) can develop.

Respiratory allergies- the most common form of allergy, which includes a group of diseases with allergic lesions of various parts of the respiratory tract. The etiology and pathogenesis are based on allergic reactions of immediate and delayed type.
The entire respiratory tract or its individual sections can be affected, which determines the form of allergy. Most often, there are three types.

1. Allergic rhinosinusitis :
- seasonal - hay fever;
- hay fever- forms of allergies that are provoked: either by the plants themselves; or dust on plants; or dust formed when rubbing the dry parts of plants; or plant pollen;
- infectious-allergic(mixed form).
The manifestation of these types of allergies has the following clinical picture: itching and burning in the nose, sneezing attacks, profuse liquid discharge from the nose, swelling of the nasal mucosa and soft palate, eustachitis phenomena, swelling of the eyelids, sensation foreign body in the eye.
Seasonal rhinosinusitis is often general malaise, headache, drowsiness, possible rise in body temperature to subfebrile numbers, irritability.
Quite often, allergic rhinosinusitis precedes the development of bronchial asthma.

2. Allergic laryngitis - develops most often at night and is manifested by Croup's syndromes - anxiety, difficulty in breathing, barking cough, cyanosis of the lips and nasolabial triangle.

3. Allergic tracheobronchitis- manifested by bouts of dry hacking cough, more often at night. The disease flows in waves, lasts a long time.

Plants are potential allergens

Among the plants that can cause an allergic reaction in humans, those that contain essential oils are most often noted. Cause them allergic action thing is constituent components essential oils are easily volatile. Therefore, they quickly enter the cavities of the respiratory system, come into contact with the mucous membranes - swelling of the mucous membranes and others appear. unpleasant symptoms.
But this is typical not only for essential oil plants. Plants containing biologically active substances (saponins, alkaloids, etc.) can also cause a reaction characteristic of an allergy.
Plant species that have the potential to be allergens are mentioned in guides to poisonous and/or medicinal plants, including - tropical and subtropical, which are often grown indoors.

Among a large number species of plants cultivated in the home, some may be the cause of allergic reactions. For example, this includes the following species and groups of plants (far from full list plants that can cause allergies).
Often, the manifestation of an allergic reaction depends only on the individual tolerance (or intolerance) of each individual person to the secretions of a plant of a particular species.

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Every hostess dreams of creating a cozy hearth for her family. Driven by this desire, the woman decorates the rooms with decorative flowers that bloom beautifully. Lovely indoor plants are pleasing to the eye, cheer up and purify the air. But very often these home flower beds are the cause of malaise, headaches and allergic edema.

Many allergy sufferers have long been accustomed to seasonal rhinitis, watery eyes and headaches. But people are always surprised when similar symptoms overtake them in the offseason. No one thinks that the beautiful geranium, which bloomed on the windowsill, releases an allergic toxin that can cause swelling and even suffocation.

Why do indoor flowers cause allergic reactions?

Firstly, many of them were brought from other countries and continents. Our body, when faced with unfamiliar substances secreted by overseas plants, perceives them as a threat. In other words, he does not know how to react to this or that component, and reacts inadequately in the form of an allergy. A plant that our ancestors encountered is less likely to cause allergic reactions if it is not poisonous.

Secondly, essential oils, alkaloids, saponins - light volatile substances - allergens contained in large quantities in the flowers of some plants, enter the respiratory tract and provoke allergy attacks, swelling, itching.

Thirdly, small particles of a plant, which are easily carried around the house in dry air, can cause allergies. So, some types of ferns during the breeding season can provoke allergies with their small spores that enter the respiratory tract.

Fourthly, human laziness is a powerful provocateur of allergies. This refers to dust-covered indoor flowers. Allergens (pollen, alkaloids, etc.) are deposited on the leaves along with dust and are a source allergic rhinitis even after flowering. Therefore, dust from the leaves must be periodically removed with a damp cloth.

How does allergy manifest itself?

So, what should you look for in order to suspect allergenic houseplants in your home or office:

Rhinitis caused by pollen, dust or rubbing of dry flower particles. This type of allergy is characterized severe itching in the nose copious secretions mucus (sometimes called "water from the nose"), frequent sneezing.

In addition, there may be swelling soft palate and nasal mucosa, redness and swelling of the eyelids, itching in the eye area and tearing, inflammation of the conjunctiva.

In particular severe cases fever, headache, general weakness, dizziness, irritability and drowsiness. The danger of such a disorder lies in the fact that when long-term exposure allergen develops bronchial asthma.

Laryngitis. This form of allergy is accompanied by a barking cough, cyanosis of the lips and wings of the nose, difficulty in breathing, and a sore throat. Most often, these symptoms are observed at night, and it does not matter if the indoor plants are in close proximity to the allergic person or if he has been in contact with them during the day.

Tracheobronchitis is a manifestation of allergy in the form of a dry cough, periodically intensifying. Possible swelling of the respiratory system.

Skin reactions. Such an allergy occurs by direct contact with the poisonous juice of the plant. It can manifest itself in the form of burns, redness, rashes.

Some plants, for example, ficuses, secrete a special secret. One has only to touch their leaves, as the skin becomes hypersensitive and very susceptible to external stimuli. It seems that there is no reaction to the plant, but remaining under the influence of sunlight after contact with ficuses, you can earn a strong sunburn for a short time.

dangerous plants

There are special reference books that list poisonous and allergenic plants, here is some of them:

Safe Plants

Some sources claim that plants that require high air humidity for their maintenance are less dangerous for allergy sufferers.

Hypoallergenic flowers:

• orchids;
• Begonia;
• Golden mustache;
• Tradescantia;
• Maranta;
• Balsam;
• Butia palm;
• Bromeliad;
• Dichorisandra;
• A pineapple;
• Arbutus;
• Heather;
• Zebrina;
• Terry rose.

If there are still potentially dangerous indoor plants in the house, and there were no allergic reactions to them, some safety measures should still be observed:

1. Spray flowers more often. Humid air prevents allergens from spreading over long distances.
2. Remove dust and other contaminants from the leaves weekly.
3. It is necessary to transplant and cut flowers with poisonous juices with gloves. After transplantation, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
4. Replant flowers once a year. allergic reactions can cause a special fungus that lives in the soil of flowerpots, so you should get rid of it in a timely manner.

Spring, summer are not only favorite seasons, when everything is filled with life, seething, fragrant and developing. These are the seasons during which the flowering period falls for almost all plants. How nice it is to go out into the field and pick fragrant bright colors!.. And some of these benefits are not available, because due to physiological features organism, people often develop an allergy to flowering plants. In this case, even an ordinary walk through the streets of the city can turn into torture! Scientifically, an allergy to flowers is called hay fever. it chronic illness, irritating mucous due to pollen from flowers. Allergy to flowers affects the functioning of many organs and systems - respiratory, digestive, nervous system, as well as the mucous membrane, skin and some internal organs.

AT medical practice It has been recorded that 700 species of flowers and 11,000 species of flowering plants can cause allergies. However, the period of their flowering does not coincide, and in each climatic zone the period of exacerbation of allergy to flowers is different. So, in many European, as well as in North American countries, “floristic maps” are specially compiled that display the period and territory of flowering of certain plant species that cause allergies.

Most auspicious time for the production and distribution of pollen - in the morning, when the air is sufficiently humid and not yet hot. Therefore, in the morning in the air, the highest concentration of pollen for the day. During a drought or vice versa during the rainy season, the concentration of pollen in the air is significantly reduced.

An allergy to flowers in a patient manifests itself when its particles fall on the nasal mucosa. When inhaled, dust particles enter the upper respiratory tract and gradually move to the lower ones. Beyond bright pronounced reaction respiratory tract to the allergen, the reaction of the mucous membrane of the eyes is also observed.

Flowers have long occupied their niche in homes. They refresh the interior, create a cozy home environment and produce oxygen. But beautiful helpers can harm the body. In people with intolerance to certain allergens, they cause unpleasant symptoms of hypersensitivity.

The disease manifests itself regardless of age. Adults and children suffer from signs of sensitization. Allergies to plants arise from pollen or spores. In addition, children often suffer from touching flowers. Therefore, you should carefully consider the choice if there are children in the house.

What causes disease

Main reasons:

1. View. Most often, flowers with the brightest smell and beautiful view are powerful irritants. They release essential oils and pollen into the air, which scatters around the house and provokes symptoms of the disease. Also occurs by contact with foliage and roots, or from contact with the skin of the juice.
2. Predisposition. A person with a diagnosed disease, especially hay fever, should be careful about choosing roommates.
3. Heredity. If the parents have an illness, then most likely their child will also be sensitive to any allergens.
4. Accommodations. For example, tobacco smoke in the home contributes to the manifestation of symptoms.

How pathology manifests itself on street and indoor plants - symptoms

A person at home began to feel worse, it would seem, from scratch. In such situations, you should pay attention: whether new species appeared, whether pruning or transplantation was carried out. Perhaps one of the species began a flowering period. All of these factors can influence the development of symptoms.

Skin signs:

1. Redness, especially in places of contact with the aggressor.
2. Itching and burning.
3. Eruptions.
4. Peeling.
5. Puffiness.

Respiratory disorders

1. Sneezing.
2. Itching and burning in the nose.
3. Increased tearing, redness of the eyelids.
4. Sore throat.
5. Cough.

In addition to these symptoms, there is a general deterioration in well-being. The person feels tired and depressed. He suffers from headaches.

Even with minor symptoms You should not neglect visiting an allergist. Ignoring the signs of the disease can lead to complications, such as bronchial asthma.

Features of the disease in children

The child's body is more sensitive to irritants. It is more difficult for him to cope with incoming allergens. The disease itself in children is more severe than in adults.

Young children are explorers. That's why beautiful flower at home you will definitely want to touch, and even worse - bite. Due to the increased interest, children often suffer from sensitivity to indoor flowers.

Dangerous allergenic flowers that give a reaction

In order to protect yourself and the whole family, you need to figure out what most often causes a negative reaction.

Indoor flowers that cause allergies:

1. Geranium. Due great content in the composition of essential oils is a powerful irritant. Although earlier geraniums grew in almost every house.
2. Fern. It is divided into several types, each of which is an allergen. The disease progresses due to spores. They can spread throughout the room.
3. Crinum and Eucharis from the genus Amaryllis are irritants due to essential oils.
4. Oleander from the Kutrov family. During flowering, allergenic substances are released into the air, which the immune system The person may be perceived as a threat.
5. Dieffenbachia and Alocasia. Sensitization comes from direct contact. Dieffenbachia juices can cause severe irritation epidermis.
6. Kirkazon. Alkaloid substances in the composition are the main provocateurs of the disease.
7. Croton and Euphorbia. The stems and leaves contain juice that causes an allergic reaction.
8. Kalanchoe, Krasula and many flowers from the Tolstyankov family. It can often be found in residential buildings.

Far from all the flowers that complicate the life of an allergic person are listed.

It is worth paying attention to the choice of a home plant so that it brings joy.

List of relatively safe:

1. Aloe.
2. Ivy. Protects against various bacteria and fungi. But they are one of the provocateurs.
3. Chlorophytum crested. A real helper in the fight against toxins. Absorbs about 80% harmful substances.
4. Dracaena. Perfectly moisturizes the air. Very important in apartments with dry air. Useful for prevention.
5. Laurel noble. In addition to aesthetic properties and hypoallergenicity, Laurel can be used as food.
6. Peperomia.
7. Spathiphyllum.

Lily, geranium, rose - an allergen or not?

Allergies to lilies are common. Pollen causes a powerful reaction. In addition, it has a pungent odor that causes headaches. Therefore not recommended.

Geraniums can cause severe symptoms not only during flowering. The disease also manifests itself from species that do not bloom. It's all about essential oils contained in the foliage. They help repel insects. In folk medicine, it is often used as a bactericidal agent. If a person has sensitization, then you should not get carried away with such methods, an allergy to geranium may appear.

The rose has a rather strong fragrance. Therefore, it often causes pathology. In addition, the fungus on the spikes also provokes the disease.

Diagnosis of the disease

Can't install on your own accurate diagnosis. An allergist needs to be examined. With the help of tests, he will reveal what exactly a symptomatic reaction has occurred.

Skin tests

The method will allow you to determine which allergen causes such a response of the body. To do this, slightly scratch the skin areas on which the analysis will be performed. Then different allergens are applied to them. In place of the true irritant, symptoms will appear: redness, itching, swelling.

Laboratory tests

More safe method. Suitable for patients who are likely to anaphylactic reaction in skin tests. A person donates blood for analysis. AT laboratory conditions specialists identify to which allergen the reaction is revealed.

Allergy treatment medicines in adults and children

Drugs most often prescribed by doctors:

• Suprastin.
• Tavegil.
• Fenistil.
• Pipolfen.
• Zyrtec.

In order to help a person improve their health and relieve symptoms, eye or nose drops are also prescribed.

Therapy with folk remedies

There are many treatments for traditional medicine. But not the fact that they give results. If it is not possible to immediately visit an allergist, then you can ease the symptoms with folk remedies.

1. activated corner. Helps to remove histamine, due to the release of which symptoms appear. But in addition to harmful substances, coal washes out everything useful. In this case, it is better to try other sorbents. For example, Polysorb or Eneteroslgel.
2. A decoction of a series. It will help reduce symptoms during the flowering period. Baths with decoction are also useful. They will take off pruritus and inflammation.
3. Chamomile decoction. A bath with it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Can be taken even by small children.
4. Mummy. Dilute in water and take in the morning.

Is it possible or not to permanently get rid of flower pathology

Antihistamine tablets and various drops and sprays do not help to cure, they only make life easier for a person, removing unpleasant symptoms.

Will help you get rid of modern method- ASIT. When treating a patient according to an individual schedule, a small dose of the allergen is introduced. Gradually increase the amount of the drug. So the immune system gets used to the aggressor and does not perceive it as a threat.

The method is effective, but you must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, do not skip vaccines.