Spring Allergies? Not with Dried Flowers! (2024)

FAQs

Do dried flowers irritate allergies? ›

Dried flowers don't trigger pollen allergies because they simply don't contain pollen. During the drying process, flowers lose their pollen and become preserved versions of their fresh state. They can either be left in their natural color or dyed to suit a variety of color palettes.

Studies have found that pollen from grass and small weeds are more likely to be allergens when compared to those found in flowers. That being said, direct contact with flowers through the nose can still cause an extreme allergic reaction.

In some cases, we can trace them to a change in your environment,” says Dr. Misiak. For example, you may have moved to a new area where you're now exposed to plants and trees you haven't encountered before. If you're spending more time working at home during the pandemic, you may have been exposed to dust mites.

The most common causes of spring allergies include tree and grass pollen, mold spores, and insects.

Dried flowers are dead and therefore attract death

As with many superstitions, the idea that dried flowers bring bad luck lacks any substantial evidence. The origin of this belief likely stems from the idea that by keeping something 'dead', one is inviting death into their life.

Flowers or birch twigs were reported to elicit symptoms in 79% of the patients, somewhat more often in rhinitis than in asthma patients, and caused symptoms as often in non-atopics as in atopics.

Flowers may be beautiful to behold, but many come with irritating pollen that can trigger allergy symptoms. Fortunately, not all flowers trigger allergies. Generally speaking, the more hybridized the plant, the less likely it will have a high level of pollen and the less irritating it will be.

For some people, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) can be a good option. Also known as desensitization, this treatment involves regular injections containing tiny amounts of the substances that cause your allergies. Over time, these injections reduce the immune system reaction that causes symptoms.

Can spring allergies get worse with age? ›

Allergies may simply worsen with age because you've been exposed to the triggers longer, Parikh says. "It takes repeated exposure to develop allergies. It can take a while for the immune system to decide it doesn't like that allergen."

“Probably about 80% of adults with inhalant allergies carry them from childhood,” Dr. Frey said. “But adults can develop allergies at any age. I have seen patients develop new seasonal or perennial allergies in their 50s or 60s.”

Late spring and early summer allergies mainly involve grass pollen. In the allergy world, we often think of Memorial Day as a reminder of peak grass pollen season. Northern pasture grasses like June/Kentucky Blue, Timothy, Orchard and Rye are commonly grown in the Midwest.

This of course is not true. This myth is based on the concept that dried flowers and plants were once alive and are now dead. The thought is that if you display these “dead” items in your home they will attract negative energy.

The Preservation Process

They are non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-carcinogenic, non-explosive and non-chemical reactive. In other words they don't contain anything that can cause cancer, will explode if it comes into contact with other chemicals, and is safe to the touch.

The belief is that when flowers dry, they lose their Chi and drain a home's vitality. Yikes. The good news, however, is that there are some exceptions to these rules. According to Feng Shui consultant Rodika Tchi, the challenge with dried flowers is to keep its energy fresh and special.

Experts classify orchids as some of the most hypoallergenic flowers available. Varieties such as the Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, and Dendrobium are considered the best for people who have sensitivities to scents.

The Rarest (And Strangest) Allergies

Water: Medically known as aquagenic urticaria, patients with a water allergy develop painful hives and rashes when their skin is exposed to water. An allergic reaction will develop regardless of the water temperature, and even when the water is purified.

Flowers like lilies, hydrangeas, and roses do not have pollen that is dispersed by the wind, and they generally do not affect people with hay fever.

If you're “allergic” to flowers, chances are you're actually allergic to the pollen that they're producing. Pollen allows flowers to reproduce, but when this fine dust is stirred into the air it can have an adverse reaction with your body. Hay fever is a condition that occurs due to pollen.

What are 3 signs of an allergy? ›

Check if it's an allergy

a runny nose or sneezing. pain or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead. coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. itchy skin or a raised rash (hives)

What actually can be irritating is the flower's fragrance, which is released from the flower. These are small, airborne particles that can cause a variety of symptoms that people experience including runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, headache, or increase in asthma/breathing symptoms.

Flowers with a high pollen count such as daisies and chrysanthemums can be especially harsh on your sinuses, while house plants such as ficus can produce allergens through their sap, which can attach to dust particles.

The fragrance from some plants may also have a very significant irritant effect if you have respiratory allergies and/or asthma. Try to avoid particularly fragrant flowers. Reduce symptoms by avoiding the “worst offenders” such as chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, goldenrod, and sunflowers.

For example, intensive care, oncology, and immunocompromised patients may receive gifts but not flowers or plants because they can harbor mold and water-borne organisms, which could cause additional infection and illness.

Described by Pliny the Elder in Ancient Rome, oleander is a beautiful plant known for its striking flowers. Though commonly grown as a hedge and ornamental, all parts of the oleander plant are deadly and contain lethal cardiac glycosides known as oleandrin and neriine.

On top of pollutants and water use, flowers can generate serious carbon emissions because of refrigeration and long-haul transport. Stems may be transported up to 6,000 miles in refrigerated airplane holds.

Vitamin Therapy Boosts Immunity

Studies show that IV vitamin drips reduce allergy symptoms and inflammation while strengthening the immune system. High doses of vitamin C, which is nature's antihistamine, along with zinc and magnesium, both integral to building healthy immune systems, are particularly beneficial.

Be sure you're drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated during allergy season. "Studies have shown that when you're dehydrated your body produces higher histamine levels and that drives allergies," Ogden said.

For people with allergies, scientific studies have shown that air filtration reduces these airborne allergens and may provide some relief. Experts recommend two types of filtration: For a single room, look for an air cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.

Why are spring allergies worse at night? ›

Warm temperatures push pollen into the air, but cooler evening air means that pollen falls back down to cover outdoor surfaces at night. If you collect pollen (or other allergens) in your hair or clothes over the course of the day, it can cause bedtime allergy symptoms once you're in for the night.

Those with seasonal spring allergies will usually start to see symptoms in early March and last through May. It's important to start preparing for allergies now before pollen reaches peak spring allergy levels.

From person-to-person, age-to-age, season-to-season and city-to-city, your allergies can be in an ever-fluctuating cycle.

When you're all stressed out, your body releases hormones and other chemicals, including histamine, the powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms. While stress doesn't actually cause allergies, it can make an allergic reaction worse by increasing the histamine in your bloodstream.

2) Why do some people suffer from these allergies while others don't? The short answer: we really don't know. Genetics are at least part of the reason — having a parent with a pollen allergy makes it more likely you'll have one as well.

The flowers are typically hung up for several weeks to dry them out, it may take longer, the colours do change but this is the most environmentally conscious method of preserving flowers and includes no chemical additions.

Dead Leaves Can Cause Mold Allergies

Mold allergy season typically starts in the hot, humid summer when mold grows on the patches of brown grass, then continues into the fall. This outdoor mold can cause respiratory problems like allergic sinusitis and asthma.

WebMD reports flowers with the most pollen production like chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, goldenrod and ordinary sunflowers are among the worst.

What are the most sensitive flowers? ›

Mimosa pudica goes by many names: The Sensitive Plant.

Luckily for any hay fever sufferers, all dried flower arrangements do not contain pollen! All the live particles that cause the hay fever will have dried out, so they are safe for all to have indoors.

ACTIVA Silica Gel for Flower Drying

It is a granular compound that offers the best method of preserving flowers as it actually absorbs the moisture of the flower with little damage to the flower's color and form. There is no limit to the bouquets you can preserve, and it is non-toxic!

As with all decor items, dried flowers will ultimately start to collect dust after sitting stationary for so long.

Insects and moths can be attracted to dried flowers as they make a lovely meal to them. Lightly spray your bouquets with insecticide to keep them away.

Dried flowers can attract bugs such as silverfish and beetles, which may be attracted to the petals for food or shelter. To help prevent any infestation, it is important to store your dried flower arrangements in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight and away from sources of moisture.