Plants can have both a positive and negative effect onasthma.
Azaleas, daffodils, and orchids are just some options that are well-tolerated by many people with asthma.
Some of the changes that plants make to their surroundings are beneficial for people who have asthma.
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This includes pollutants that can exacerbate asthma.
Pollen is a particular concern, as it can worsen asthma symptoms.
Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor plant options that don’t add that complicating factor.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Female Plants
You might notice that your asthma is worse in the spring or summer.
This trend is often related to pollen counts in the air.
Most plants are both male and female, but some are not.
Male plants produce more pollen, while female plants help remove pollen from in and around your garden.
Male and female trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses all follow this pattern.
Experts agree that female plants are better for asthma than male plants.
Male and female plants of the same species have a slightly different appearance.
This can promotemoldand spore growth that’s likely to trigger your asthma.
Anything with visible pollen (e.g., lilies) may be problematic, indoors or out.
This allows dust to cling and makes it harder to clean off.
As such, you should think about avoiding indoor plants such as African violets and some wandering Jew varieties.
While you’re able to avoid adding them to your landscape, you may encounter them regardless.
Being aware of them can at least help you make associations between exposure and your symptoms.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Smart Gardening: Tips for an Allergy-Friendly Garden.
