The season of the sneeze has started early this year. Our
summer-like weather in early March got the tree pollen really
going, and now, grass and weed pollens are the primary culprits.
Don’t worry about stopping to smell the roses. Thamfs, but no
thamfs. Ahchoo!
The season of the sneeze has started early this year. Our summer-like weather in early March got the tree pollen really going, and now, grass and weed pollens are the primary culprits. Don’t worry about stopping to smell the roses. Thamfs, but no thamfs. Ahchoo!
Yes, the season of the sneeze is certainly tough for allergy sufferers. But here are some do’s and don’ts that might make life a little more bearable.
For instance, DO keep windows closed to pollen allergens from entering your home, DO keep your car windows up while driving, DO wash your hair every night before bed to keep pollen away from your bedding and DO see a doctor if non-prescription allergy medicines don’t seem to work. Side note: I’ve found a great, inexpensive over-the-counter medication for allergies called AllerClear. It contains the same amount of Loratadine as Claritin does, but sells for about 9-cents per pill at Costco. By contrast, Claritin runs about 55-cents per pill.
Some DON’TS include: DON’T mow lawns or rake leaves, DON’t hang anything out to dry since pollen will stick to it, DON’T drink or smoke since spirits increase mucus production and cigarettes irritate already itchy eyes and DON’T think nothing can be done medically to help.
Since this is a gardening column, let it be known that the main culprits for allergy sufferers are our own gardens. Add, too, the fact that our mild South County weather contributes to a near year-round allergy problem for many.
In January and February, allergy sufferers may react to everything from unsuspecting junipers to cypress. In spring, grass allergies take over and, in fall, weeds become the number-one enemy. By beautifying our home landscapes with pollen-producing trees and shrubs, we have unwittingly contributed to the skyrocketing pollen levels within our immediate surroundings. An olive tree planted in your yard, for example, can expose you to 10 times more pollen than if it were planted a block away.
Although substances, such as molds, dust and animal dander can plague allergy sufferers, this time of year we’re at the height of springtime pollen season. There are often thousands of airborne pollen grains in every cubic meter of air. One can breathe in hundreds of pollens with every breath. However, it is possible to enhance personal health – and, more importantly, simply stop sneezing – by selecting plants that are less likely to cause allergies.
It should be noted that not all plants with fragrant flowers are necessarily full of pollen and, therefore, allergic. For instance, it is a misnomer that plants such as roses, star jasmine, citrus and eucalyptus trees, rosemary and gardenias are allergy-causing. To be sure, many of these plants do cause people allergies problems. More likely, though, these problems are attributed to fragrance rather than to pollen. People with allergies also tend to have sensitive airways and can be adversely affected by everything from dust and pollution to perfume.
It should also be noted that most colorful and showy flowers are actually “safe” to people with allergies. That’s because they are insect-pollinated and their beautiful petals serve to attract bees and other insects. The pollen grains of colorful flowers can easily and securely attach to bees and other insects, and are not easily picked up by wind currents.
Here is a list of the more common pollen-producing plants, and a recommended replacement. Instead of allergy-producing junipers and privets, consider planting “sneezeless” shrubs like nandina, oleander, yucca, manzanita and pyracantha. Instead of allergy trees like ash, sweet gum, acacia, walnut, oak, birch, willow and fruitless mulberry, plant Chinese tallow, tulip, silk, strawberry, pear, podocarpus, dogwood, fir, palm, plum or crape myrtle trees.
Of course, the biggest clue when it comes to allergy-causing plants is always yourself. If you sneeze and your eyes water whenever you pass a certain spot in the garden, take a closer look. It just may be that inconspicuous plant in the corner with very few flowers at all.
