UK households told to put plants by windows and doors as June heats up

Experts have urged all hay fever suffers to do one thing with house plants ahead of summer to help alleviate the allergy symptoms in the home and combat the pollen
As the warmer weather approaches, all keen gardeners and plant lovers are urged to do one thing before the incoming predicted heatwave.
June can be peak hay fever season for those who suffer, but indoor plants may be the answer to combatting the pollen. Hay fever has different peaks throughout summer - tree pollen from March to May, followed by grass pollen until July and then weed pollen from late June to September, and if you suffer, experts recommend investing in some house plants to help ease your symptoms.
‌
Grass pollen is the most common hay fever allergy, and certain house plants can help filter air pollutants that may enter the home, as well as trapping pollen and removing it from the air and making symptoms worse.
‌
Some of the best house plants to put in your homes include Dracaena plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies and snake plant and by simply placings them on windowsills and by doors, they can help to trap pollen particles that enter your home.
Haldi Kranich-Wood, Wool Interiors Specialist at British Wool told The Express: "Make a pollen trap with house plants. Some house plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, or Boston ferns, act like natural air filters and can help trap airborne particles, including pollen. Try positioning a few by your windows and doors to create a leafy line of defence. Just make sure to wipe their leaves regularly, that trapped pollen still needs evicting."
This is echoed by experts at online doctor and pharmacy e-Surgery who add: "Certain plants can eliminate toxins in the air so they may be beneficial in reducing allergy symptoms. The best plants to keep in the house are ones that remove formaldehyde and benzene, both of which can be harmful to those that suffer from allergies. Plants that do not flower are best for hay fever sufferers.
"Some plants can absorb toxins through their leaves and release moisture which can reduce dust in the air. The best plant for cleaning the air is Aloe as having one of the plants in your house is equivalent to nine biological air cleaners.
"Another which is just as good is a spider plant. Spider plants are efficient at getting rid of the harmful compounds' formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and benzene. The plants are also super adaptable to living inside as they can photosynthesis under very little lighting.
"The snake plant, or also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue is almost indestructible, so this is a particularly good one if you're not the best at caring for your plants. It's also good at cleaning the air around itself so is perfect for allergy sufferers."

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Record

16 hours ago

• Daily Record

This one thing can 'make a big difference' in cooling your dogs this summer

With temperatures set to pass 30C in some parts of the UK this weekend, dog owners are being urged to watch for signs of heat exhaustion With temperatures soaring to 30C across parts of the UK this week, dog owners are being urged to take extra care of their furry friends in the heat. Canine expert Yasmin El-Saie has shared some timely advice to help prevent dogs from suffering in the sweltering weather. And, according to Yasmin, it all starts with grooming. She explained: 'Regular grooming plays a crucial role in keeping dogs cool. ‌ "Brushing helps remove loose fur and promotes airflow across the skin. This is especially important for thick-coated breeds who can overheat more easily.' ‌ She added: 'Keeping that grooming appointment, or regular brushing at home, can make a big difference in heat regulation.' While it might seem like common sense, Yasmin stressed that one of the biggest mistakes owners can make is walking their dogs in the midday sun, The Express reports. 'Dogs can't sweat like humans,' she said, 'so it's our responsibility to look after them.' She strongly recommends sticking to early mornings or later evenings for walks, when the air is cooler and safer for your pet. And while dogs might love the chance to cool off in a river or splash around in the sea, Yasmin cautioned owners to be mindful after swim time. 'Saltwater can irritate your dog's skin and paws,' she said, advising a rinse with fresh water afterwards to avoid any irritation. 'Canines have very few sweat glands, and they're mainly located in their paw pads – playing a minor role in cooling. ‌ "That means they rely heavily on panting to lower their body temperature, which makes them far more vulnerable to heat stress and even heatstroke." Alongside regular brushing, Yasmin recommends investing in a dog cooling coat, a handy tool to help beat the heat. She said: 'These specially designed garments are soaked in water, then wrung out before being worn. ‌ 'As the moisture evaporates, it draws heat away from your dog's body. Cooling coats are especially helpful for flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs who struggle more in hot conditions.' With the mercury rising, these practical tips could go a long way in keeping our four-legged friends safe, cool and happy this summer. But heat isn't the only seasonal hazard. With summer here and more people spending time in their gardens, pet experts are also warning dog owners to be cautious of common household and garden items. ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Curious dogs might try to nibble things they shouldn't, and products like fertilisers, pesticides and slug pellets can pose serious health risks. Fertilisers, especially freshly applied granules, can be dangerous if ingested, while pesticides, whether dry or wet, may irritate the skin and digestive system. Snail and slug bait is especially toxic and, if eaten, can cause severe tremors and require immediate veterinary care. As always, prevention is key. Keeping harmful substances well out of reach and closely monitoring your dog outdoors can help ensure a safe and relaxing summer for everyone.

Edinburgh Live

3 days ago

• Edinburgh Live

Doctor warns 'death will come soon' to anyone spotting one specific symptom

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A specialist in palliative care, Kathryn Mannix, has offered a powerful perspective on death, providing insights into what may be a prominent sign that someone is nearing their final moments. Dr Mannix, who merges her expertise as a clinician and author with her advocacy work for Hospice UK, promotes an open conversation about dying, calling it 'a natural process'. Dr Kathryn, a key figure in Hospice UK's Dying Matters campaign and contributor to the eye-opening BBC piece 'Dying is not as bad as you think', advocates candid discussions about mortality across different platforms. During such conversations, she often points to particular signs indicating when a patient may be approaching the end of their life. Urging for a rediscovery of 'the wisdom' in discussing the last phases of life, Dr Kathryn aims to break down the stigmas surrounding death. READ MORE - Kate Middleton has the same breakfast every day to keep herself feeling healthy READ MORE - ITV Good Morning Britain star reveals painful health battle live on air The Express reports on Dying Matters, an initiative by Hospice UK which strives to produce educational materials and encourages a culture where talks of death, bereavement, and the dying process are standardised. Hospice UK has released a video with Dr Kathryn which sheds light on a key indicator of impending death, reports the Mirror. Dr Kathryn has shared her view that 'dying is probably not as bad as you're expecting', offering reassurance and guidance regarding the dying process. She details this in the Hospice UK video, explaining: "As time goes by people sleep more, and they're awake less. "Instead of just being asleep, this person has temporarily become unconscious, we can't wake them up." Dr. Kathryn described the moment of passing as follows: "At the very end of somebody's life, there will be a period of shallow breathing and then one out breath that just isn't followed by another in breath." She explained that this marks the transition from consciousness to a comatose state, rather than simply sleep. The physician also addressed the 'death rattle', a phenomenon that often precedes the final breath. She clarified that this sound is an indicator of profound tranquillity as the individual approaches death. Dr. Kathryn stressed that the 'death rattle' should not be viewed negatively, but rather as a serene aspect of the dying process. She explained that the rattling noise occurs when the person becomes completely unconscious and peaceful, as they continue to breathe but lose the ability to clear their throat. According to Dr. Kathryn, the accumulation of mucus and saliva in the back of the throat causes the characteristic rattling noise as the individual breathes. She described the final breath as potentially 'so gentle' that loved ones present may not immediately realise the person has passed away. Dr. Kathryn highlighted the importance of understanding and appreciating this natural part of life, as well as comforting one another in times of bereavement. Dr Kathryn voiced her desire for society to recognise and accept the inherent process of dying – a common characteristic shared amongst all humanity.

The Guardian

4 days ago

• The Guardian

Houseplant clinic: why has my aloe vera gone floppy?

What's the problem? I thought it was nearly impossible to kill aloe plants, but mine looks very pale and limp. Diagnosis You're right; aloe vera is famously resilient and seen as an easy plant to care for. But all plants are living entities with specific care needs. Pale, floppy leaves usually indicate overwatering, inadequate sunlight, or poor drainage, which all cause the same problem: too much moisture in the soil. Aloe plants store water in their thick leaves, so any excess easily causes root rot and weak growth. Prescription Check the soil; if wet and dense, repot your aloe in fresh, free-draining compost mixed with perlite or pumice. Move it to a brighter location with indirect sunlight, as too little light will result in the soil being wetter for longer. It also causes weak, stretched growth. Finally, allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. Prevention Ideally, plant your aloe in cacti and succulent soil in a pot with a drainage hole. Place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, and water sparingly. Your aloe should regain its sturdy, vibrant form. Green fingers crossed! Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line