The decorative plants were grown in Asia even two thousand years before. This custom was established in Europe later. The majority of the foliage plants, which is grown nowadays, came from Asia, as well – the tulips from Persia, the chrysanthemums from Japan, the primroses from China.
The fact that the foliage plants can cause the allergic reactions is known for years. Affected are professional plants growers, but also people, who care for these plants in their gardens and households – as their hobby.
In addition to problems with breathing – common cold, asthma, the decorative plants cause the allergies appearing on the skin and eyes, as well. The so called irritating skin reactions, which are caused by skin irritation by different matters contained in the plants, are not considered rare.
A significant role is played by the photocontact dermatitis. It is a reaction, which appears after the skin contacts the plant and is exposed to the sunlight later on.
After the contact allergic reaction the typical skin inflammation can be observed on hands and face, but elsewhere, as well.
The most common reaction is caused by the asterid plant – gerberas, chrysanthemums and daisy. Any part of the plant can cause the allergy, since they consist of the chemical substances – lactones, which more than 250 kind have been defined. They are contained in the cultivated foliage plants, as well as in the wild-growing ones (arnica, daisy and yarrow).
The chrysanthemums are considered the most significant plant from the point of the inhalation plants allergies. There is a cross reaction between the aster type genus plants.
The tulips often cause especially the skin allergy reactions. The professional skin reaction called tulip finger is well known particularly in Holland and touches the tulips sellers and .
The well known flower, which causes the contact allergy, is the primrose. The allergy is caused by the plant component primin, which is regarded a strong allergen concerning both, people and animals.
The plants growing in the plant pots are considered to be a safe alternative for the people suffering plant allergy. The reverse is true. Spatiphilium – glossy common plant with white flowers – has got pollen, which often causes the inhalation allergy. The rubber plant (ficus) – other favourite house plant – usually causes the allergy, as well. Besides, both contain the toxic calciumoxalate, which causes digesting troubles and bleeding after being consumed.
Whether at home or work we need to respect certain hygienic rules while working with the plants. Washing of those parts of the body, which came into contact with the plants should be natural. It is recommended to protect you with clothes and gloves, as well. The important thing is also the protection from the scratching or injuring, which increase the allergy possibility after the contact with the plant.
The people, who are busy with the plants and flowers growing professionally – gardeners, growers, sellers, decorators put themselves at high risk of the allergy start or development. Many of them are therefore forced to change their occupation. If they start to suffer from the allergy, no choice except for the occupation change remains.
Plants which are not suitable for growing
Parietaria judaica
is a weed, which commonly grows in gardens. It is regarded a common allergen as for its pollen. Hence it should be removed.
Ivy
which grows on the walls and in pots, has got many various colour types. It comprises toxic saponins and initiates even the contact allergy. Although it is regarded a type of weed, it is left in the gardens because of its nice colour. If we are allergic to this plant, we need to remove carefully (better with the gloves).
Cactuses and succulents
belong to favourite plants, but because of their thorns they are considered to be dangerous, especially for the children.
Angel’s trumpets (brugmansia)
are beautiful, but poisonous foliage plants. Their flowers can cause hallucinations and consciousness disorders.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
All plants are poison. Fortunately, their taste is disgusting. The manipulation requires gloves and proper hands washing. It consists of irritating saponins.
Amaryllis
has poisonous bulbs, which can be mistaken for onion bulbs by children.
Digitalis
contains cardiac stimulants. However their usage can break the heart rhythm.
Azalea
is poisonous. It is dangerous to farm animals (sheep, goats, cattle), which dies after eating it.
Many flowers and plants, which we grow at home or in our garden, are very risky to up – especially considering the children since during their early age they put almost everything, which they came into contact with, into their mouth. The colourful flowers of interesting shapes are luring them. We need to be aware of it and hence protect them from such a contact with the toxic plants.
