If you’re asthma or allergy sufferer, you know how difficult it can be to manage your health daily. However, you can make specific lifestyle changes that may improve the air quality in your home and thus help reduce symptoms. For example, did you know certain indoor plants have been found to help filter airborne toxins and pollutants out of the air?
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best indoor plants for people living with asthma and allergies so that they might enjoy improved breathing quality indoors.
How Plants Are Good For Asthma and Allergies
Indoor plants have been found to help filter airborne toxins and pollutants, making them an excellent option for asthma and allergy sufferers looking to improve indoor air quality in their homes.
Plants purify natural air, absorbing harmful compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide through their leaves and roots. They then convert these compounds into oxygen, which helps to improve the quality of the air in your home.
Plants help by trapping dust, dirt, and pollen and helping in air purification, which can cause flare-up allergies. Plants also help to improve the humidity level in your home, which can help reduce asthma symptoms. For example, spider plants and peace lilies are known for increasing humidity levels in the air.
Other benefits of these indoor plants include reducing stress, adding beauty, and providing a sense of well-being. In addition, they require minimal Care, so you don’t have to worry about them taking up too much of your time.
Certain indoor plants may be an excellent option for asthma and allergy sufferers looking to improve the air quality in their homes. They can help filter out harmful airborne toxins while also helping to reduce stress and add beauty to any space. In addition, they require minimal Care and attention to enjoy the benefits without sacrificing time.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, So consider adding one or more of these plants to your home if you’re looking to improve air quality and simultaneously reduce asthma and allergy symptoms.
Some of the best plants for Asthma and Allergies
Having asthma or indoor allergies can be a complex condition to manage daily. Still, luckily there are ways to create healthier air quality at home or work that may reduce symptoms and improve your breathing.
One of the best methods is to add certain house plants to your space, as some studies have shown that certain plants can filter airborne toxins and pollutants. Here are some of the best indoor plants for your home or office that can help you breathe easier:
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
This indoor plant has been found to remove formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and other volatile organic compounds from the air. It requires little maintenance and loves bright, indirect sunlight.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Sefritzii)
Also known as the Reed Palm or Parlor Palm, this plant can effectively remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air in homes and offices. It is also easy to take Care of; water it when the soil feels dry.
Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)
This is one of the best indoor plants for removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air. In addition to being good at filtering pollutants, it’s also quite attractive. Moreover, it doesn’t require much maintenance—place it in a sunny spot and water it every few days.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum’ Mauna Loa’)
This plant is another excellent choice for filtering formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. Peace lilies need little light and should only be watered when the soil is dry. Peace Lily also has beautiful white flowers that bloom during summer.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastic)
The rubber plant is excellent for absorbing formaldehyde, often found in carpets, furniture, and cleaning products. It requires very little light and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This plant dramatically reduces airborne mold spores and other allergens that can create breathing difficulty. It also helps remove formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and carbon monoxide from the air. English ivy likes bright but indirect sunlight and should be kept moist.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’)
Also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, this plant is excellent at removing formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds from the air. In addition, it doesn’t need much light or water, so it is a perfect choice for those with busy lifestyles.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe Vera is significant for its healing properties and can also be used to improve air quality. When grown indoors, it helps remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air. In addition, it requires little maintenance—just water when the soil is dry.
Boston fern
It is also known to be a great air purifier. It is effective at removing formaldehyde and other toxins from the air. The Boston fern needs indirect sunlight and should be watered often but not too much. Adding these plants to your home or office can create cleaner indoor air quality and reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)
This is another excellent plant for filtering toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. However, it requires bright but indirect sunlight and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
This plant helps filter out benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It needs low light and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
The Corn Plant (The Dracaena Deremensis “Janet Craig.”)
This plant effectively removes formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds from the air. It needs bright indirect sunlight and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This plant filters formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. Therefore, it needs bright indirect sunlight and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
This plant is excellent for filtering toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene. However, it needs bright indirect sunlight and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
Weeping fig (Ficus Benjamin)
This is another excellent plant for filtering toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and benzene. It needs bright indirect sunlight and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
Adding these plants to your home or office can help improve air quality and reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. Remember that these will only work for a while; it may take some time for the full benefits to be seen. Be sure to dust regularly and vacuum often, reducing allergens from your space.
Worst indoor plants for allergies
Some indoor plants can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals due to their pollen, mold, or dust that may accumulate on the leaves. Here is a list of some indoor plants that may worsen allergies:
- Ficus (Ficus benjamina): Also known as the weeping fig, this popular indoor plant can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to the sap it produces, which may contain allergenic compounds.
- Flowering plants: Indoor plants that produce flowers, such as chrysanthemums, daisies, gerbera, and chamomile, can release pollen into the air, potentially triggering allergies.
- Ferns: Some ferns, like the Boston fern, can release microscopic spores that may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Male palms: Male palm trees, such as the male date palm, can produce pollen that may cause allergies. To minimize the risk, opt for female palms, which do not produce pollen.
- Ivy: English ivy is known to collect dust on its leaves, which can aggravate allergies. Additionally, it can be an irritant for some people due to the sap it produces.
- Yucca: Some people may be allergic to the pollen produced by yucca plants.
If you have allergies, it is essential to choose hypoallergenic plants for your indoor space. Some allergy-friendly indoor plants include snake plants (Sansevieria), spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), and rubber plants (Ficus elastica). Keep in mind that individual reactions can vary, so monitor your symptoms and adjust your plant choices accordingly. Regularly cleaning your plants and maintaining proper humidity levels in your home can also help reduce the risk of allergies.
Tips on How to Take Care of Your Indoor Plants:
The tips for caring for indoor plants are as follows:
- Make sure the plants you choose are strong and healthy, as they will be much better able to adapt to indoor living.
- Research the individual plant’s needs before buying it so that you know how to care for it properly.
- Ensure to water according to the plant’s needs and never over-water. Some plants like more than others; check the soil before watering to ensure it is dry.
- Place your plants in a spot that gets enough sunlight but not too much, or they will get sunburned. Keep in mind that some plants prefer more sun than others.
- Feed your plants monthly with a diluted fertilizer, usually when you water them.
- Trim off dead leaves and stems as they occur to keep the plant looking its best.
- You can mist humidity-loving plants with water in the morning and use a humidifier if necessary.
- Most indoor plants prefer temperatures above 65 degrees F, so consider this when placing your plants in the home.
- Clean air is vital for plant health, so dust off leaves regularly or vacuum the room where they are kept to reduce any indoor pollutants that might harm them.
- Make sure not to overcrowd your plants, as this will limit their access to sunlight and airflow, which can cause disease and pest problems.
- Inspect your plants every week for signs of insects or disease, and treat them promptly if they occur.
- Monitor the root growth of your plants, and report them when they become too big for their current pot or soil. Make sure to use fresh potting mix when you do this.
- The above tips will ensure your indoor plants stay healthy and thrive in your home environment.
FAQs
What plants make asthma worse?
Ragweed, chrysanthemums, and dandelions can all cause asthma symptoms to worsen. Suppose you’re an allergy or asthma sufferer. In that case, it’s best to avoid these plants altogether by not planting them in your garden or keeping them as indoor plants.
What are the asthma symptoms?
Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and include chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks usually occur after exposure to an allergen or irritant.
Which indoor plants do you recommend?
These plants can clean the air in your home by removing harmful chemicals and dust. Some of the best plants for this are the spider plant, bamboo palm, areca palm, peace lily, rubber plant, English ivy, snake plant, aloe vera, Boston fern, dragon tree, Chinese evergreen, corn plant, golden pothos, devil’s ivy, and weeping fig.
Taking Care of indoor plants can be easy. Just ensure they get enough sunlight and water and keep the area around them clean. It’s also essential to check for bugs or diseases that could harm your plants.
Remember, plants may take some time to improve air quality, so keep your home clean and dust-free to help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms.
Conclusion
Indoor plants are ideal for people with asthma as they eliminate unwanted pollutants and toxins from the air. Not only do they help reduce asthma symptoms, but they also provide a calming and pleasant atmosphere in any room.
Regularly tending to your plants ensures they can continue functioning as essential to asthma treatment by keeping cleaner air at home. Combined with proper maintenance, most indoor plants will provide a natural asthma remedy.
Key Takeaways:
Indoor plants can significantly improve air quality in homes by filtering airborne toxins and pollutants, making them a beneficial addition to those with asthma and allergies.
- Some of the best indoor plants for improving air quality and reducing asthma and allergy symptoms include the spider plant, bamboo palm, areca palm, peace lily, rubber plant, English ivy, snake plant, aloe vera, Boston fern, dragon tree, Chinese evergreen, corn plant, golden pothos, devil’s ivy, and weeping fig.
- In addition to their air-purifying properties, indoor plants can reduce stress, enhance aesthetics, and contribute to a sense of well-being.
- Caring for indoor plants involves providing adequate sunlight, water, and temperature and monitoring for pests and diseases.
- To maximize the benefits of indoor plants, it is crucial to maintain a clean and dust-free environment to help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms.
- Avoid asthma-aggravating plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, and dandelions in indoor and outdoor spaces.
- While indoor plants can help improve air quality and reduce symptoms, it is essential to remember that they may take some time to show their full benefits. Patience and consistent care will ensure the plants thrive and provide maximum support for those with asthma and allergies.
Sources:
- Wolverton, B. C., Johnson, A., & Bounds, K. (1989). Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement. NASA. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077
- Tarran, J., Torpy, F., & Burchett, M. (2007). Use of living pot-plants to cleanse indoor air – Research review. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 25(4), 224-228. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237353509
- Brilli, F., Fares, S., Ghirardo, A., de Visser, P., Calatayud, V., Muñoz, A., … & Schnitzler, J. P. (2018). Plants for sustainable improvement of indoor air quality. Trends in Plant Science, 23(6), 507-512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2018.03.004
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