Global warming continues which is having an effect on those experiencing allergies. We have  seen record temperatures this year  in the Mediterranean again this year followed by the recent devasting flooding in Valencia. Hot weather with some of its negative effects for allergy sufferers has now reached the UK. Over-planting of male plants, trees, have led to a huge rise in level of seasonal pollens and those with allergies to hay fever will have been experienced during several uncomfortable weeks last Summer.

As we enter November in late autumn different allergy symptoms present themselves as well as year round ones so here are some simple strategies for anyone affected to start early with their strategy for reducing suffering and promote allergy friendly gardening for the future. Many of these tips can be helpful all year round.

• Tip 1 - DO try to eliminate weeds from your outside areas such as patios which can aggravate  allergies.
• Tip 2 - Go for an allergy friendly garden and plant less allergy prone plants such as: azalea, begonia, bougainvillea, orchid, periwinkle, gladiolus, bulbs (tulip, iris, poppy and daffodil), palm, pine, fir and dogwood tress, hibiscus, boxwood, and yucca shrubs and Irish moss.
• Tip 3 - Avoid planting: Amaranthus, Chrysanthemum dahlia, sunflower, black-eyed Susan, zinnia, privet and lilac as well as Juniper, Bermuda and Rye grass.
• Tip 4 - Keep grass cut short and flower beds weed free.
• Tip 5 - The fragrances of roses, star jasmine, narcissus, gardenia, lily of the valley, and citrus and eucalyptus trees are the most common plants whose fragrances can make some people sneeze. If you're sensitive, you want to keep away from these plants!
• Tip 6 - Avoidance is the best method of preventing an allergic reaction to poisonous plants such as poison sumac or oak.
• Tip 7 - If you are allergic to moulds, avoid damp places such as forests and a body of stagnant water.
• Tip 8 - Avoid touching your eyes and nose while gardening, this transfers the pollens directing to these areas.
• Tip 9 - Take advantage of rainy, cloudy or windless days, which usually have lower pollen counts (some sufferers can be sensitive to "wet mould spores".
• Tip 10 - After gardening leave your clothing outside your bedroom, brush off your shoes and rinse off your glasses to remove unwanted allergy producing substances.
• Tip 11 - Work in your garden during evening hours, when pollen counts are lower, and limit your time to short intervals on high pollen days.
• Tip 12 - Take a late holiday near water, such as lake, river and beach where pollen levels are typically lower.
• Tip 13 - Wash wisely. Avoid wearing hair gels that serve as a "pollen magnet" on high pollen days and gently wash eyelids and face and hair at night before entering your bedroom to prevent irritating pollens from winding up on your pillow and bed sheets.
• Tip 14 - Go for big sunglasses (especially on windy days) to block out pollen entry into your eyes and eyelids.
• Tip 15 - Wear a wide brimmed hat to reduce wind borne pollens from landing on top of your head
• TIP 16 - Use of Haymax around the nostrils is often of benefit to allergy sufferers. Available at most chemists.

Information kindly supplied by the Award Winning Devon Allergy Clinic one of the UK's top Allergy & Food Intolerance Clinics 

https://www.thedevonallergyclinic.co.uk/allergies/

https://www.foodintolerances.co.uk

Marlene the Clinic Director also offers telephone consultations. For all enquiries regarding allergy or food intolerance issues please phone her on 07810 750940 or email info@thedevonallergyclinic.co.uk 

Alternatively visit the Devon Allergy Clinic Online Shop  at www.thedevonallergyclinic.co.uk  for a comprehensive range of specialist health supplements