Orchids and Allergies

[WhiteRabbit]

I had always heard/read that orchids don't spew pollen, so generally don't aggravate allergies. They don't usually bother mine. Some with strong fragrance give me a headache, even when I'm not especially near them. I figure it's the fragrance itself, not allergies.

[Vanda lover]

It is an allergie to perfume.

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Some with strong fragrance give me a headache, even when I'm not especially near them. I figure it's the fragrance itself, not allergies.

Same here. I still think it is a form of allergic reaction since antihistamines work for me. I take allergy meds if I'm going to the mall/department stores, crowded places, places that require dressing up...I guess all the time.

As for orchid fragrance, I'm already dosed up.

[Judi]

Same here as well, antihistamines work for me too. I don't have any fragrant phals so I don't know about that, but my Mtssa Royal Robe Jerry's Pick always sets me off pretty badly and I can't be near it. I have other fragrant orchids, but they don't seem to bother me as much.

[Leafmite]

Strong perfume gets me but the flower fragrances do not. I feel very fortunate.

[greengarden]

I seem to recall sticking my nose in a pandurata over in Bali and being disappointed that there was no scent.

---------- Post added at 04:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:04 PM ----------

Hayfever and asthma are linked on the same gene(as is eczma), this is what they would be referring to as hayfever is triggered by pollens, dust, etc in the air and not linked to perfume. Perfume allergies are a seperate issue but will still be assisted by antihistimines.

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by greengarden

I seem to recall sticking my nose in a pandurata over in Bali and being disappointed that there was no scent.

---------- Post added at 04:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:04 PM ----------

Hayfever and asthma are linked on the same gene(as is eczma), this is what they would be referring to as hayfever is triggered by pollens, dust, etc in the air and not linked to perfume. Perfume allergies are a seperate issue but will still be assisted by antihistimines.

This is interesting.
I used to take antihistamines but found that once I started taking vitamin supplements I needed them a lot less. Then I started using a neti pot when ever I feel that I have been exposed to dust and pollen etc. Now I only use antihistamines if I really need to, like if I have an allergy attack. I hate the way the way make me feel, but I also know that there are times when they are needed.

[Connie Star]

It's the lack of aerial pollen that makes orchids non-allergenic.
Artificial perfumes have many ingredients besides the scent, so it's possible that perfumes might bother someone and orchid scents would not.
One concern I would have would be molds growing in the media- but then we don't want them there for the sake of the plants, not just the people who love them.
I'm an MD, but not an allergist.

[Paul Mc]

All great info and conversation.

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by Connie Star

It's the lack of aerial pollen that makes orchids non-allergenic.
Artificial perfumes have many ingredients besides the scent, so it's possible that perfumes might bother someone and orchid scents would not.
One concern I would have would be molds growing in the media- but then we don't want them there for the sake of the plants, not just the people who love them.
I'm an MD, but not an allergist.

That is quite possible. Pure fragrance oils don't usual bother us, but perfumes do. However, the stanhopea and other strong scented orchids can also.