Don't Let Seasonal Allergies Keep You Inside

So you love to garden, but you are allergic to pollen? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

By creating a garden containing a majority of female plants, which never produce pollen, as well as any pollen free plants from our list provided below, you can plant to your hearts content without having to worry about your pollen allergies.

Mix up your garden with vegetable plants and shrubs to reduce the pollen count and you will even benefit from fresh produce right in your own backyard!

Generally, flowers tend to be high pollen generators, but if you want to add some flowers to throw some color into the mix, certain annuals such as Impatiens, snapdragons, and petunias cause the least allergens out of the annual type, and perennials like phlox, dianthus, and peonies cause the least allergens out of that type of flower.

Tip: Pollen counts are highest in the morning, so it is best to do your gardening in the evening, when pollen counts are low and you will be least affected.

So you have allergies, so what? That is no longer a reason to stay couped up inside all through the spring, summer and fall! Here are some tips to help those with seasonal allergies survive the outdoors even when their allergies are at their worst:

• Make plans for after 10 a.m. - Pollen levels are highest at dawn, so if you make your plans for the early afternoon into the evening, you will feel least affected by the pollen from the trees, plants and grass. This also applies to humidity, so for those who suffer from asthma as well as allergies, you will be killing two birds with one stone essentially!
• If you love to garden, don't stop! We have already talked about ways to go about planting a low to no-pollen garden, and if that doesn't work, wearing a face mask while you are working closely with the plants will help you not suffer too severely from the effects of the pollen allergens.
• Monitor pollen counts - There are many websites and even mobile apps that can help you track pollen counts for various allergens so you can monitor how high the pollen count is for the particular allergens that trigger your allergies. This way you know what days are going to be better than others.
• Utilize home remedies and over the counter medications - There are a plethora of over the counter medications, nose sprays, decongestants, teas, and home remedies designed to treat the annoying symptoms of allergies. Check them out, try them out and see what works!

Want to grow a garden but think you can't because of pollen allergies? Well guess what? There are actually pollen free plants! Here is a list:

• azaleas
• boxwood
• cherry
• dogwood
• fir
• fruited
• mulberry
• hibiscus
• magnolia
• yew
• yucca

Millions of people suffer from pollen allergies, but suffering and pollen allergies don't have to be synonamous. Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to pollen allergens and improve your life:

• Pollen counts are highest on warm, dry, breezy days. Try to keep windows closed on these days, with clean circulating air moving throughout your house.
• Avoid going outside during peak pollen times, which occur between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on sunny, bright days.
• Keep your home as clean as possible.
• Utilize air conditioning. Allergies is a health condition and think of A/C as your medicine. When you sacrifice using your air conditioning during bad pollen seasons, you are not taking care of your health. Ideally, use a HEPA air conditioner whenever possible.
• Do a saline rinse of your nose on a daily basis unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise. Saline nasal irrigation is a great way to clean the allergens out of your sinus cavity, reducing sneezing, stuffiness and sinus pressure.
• Shower twice a day. The more you shower, the more opportunities you have to cleanse yourself of pollen and other allergens that have collected on your skin and hair cells.
• Avoid activities like weed-wacking, mowing the lawn and other activities that cause allergens to swirl through the air at high speeds.

Even for those of us with seasonal allergies who love being outside, there are times when we must come inside, and we should be able to feel comfortable both inside AND out.

Many people with seasonal allergies are also allergic to common allergens found indoors, such as dust, dirt, mold and mildew.

By allergy-proofing your home, as well as your yard, you can ensure that you enjoy yourself all day long, all year long!

Allergy-proofing the home does takes some effort and time, but once you develop routines and habits, implement housecleaning strategies and divide up the chores, you can breathe a huge sigh of relief...without sneezing, sniffling, or wheezing.

I can't speak for you, but I know that allergies have taken up way too much time in my past, and is well worth a little bit of time cleaning if it means I don't have to suffer in the future!

Here are some tips for allergy proofing your home:

• replace all filters with HEPA filters
• buy an air purifier
• do your laundry regularly
• zip up your mattress in an allergen proof cover
• avoid unneeded carpeting, wool, and fabric which attracts dust
• keep your bedroom sparce
• keep most rooms sparce, clutter is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, dust and more
• don't use wallpaper
• regularly wash your shower curtains, shower and bath mats
• avoid very fragrant bath products
• never leave dirty dishes in the sink
• empty trash cans as often as possible
• keep all rooms well ventilated
• keep your house clean, clean, clean!