AUSTRALIAN PLANTS AND ALLERGIES: A PHARMACIST'S GUIDE TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Written by: Shoshana Eisner
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Time to read 7 min
As a pharmacist, I’ve seen my fair share of patients battling seasonal allergies. While most people blame the usual suspects—dust, pollen, and pets—plants can also play a significant role in triggering symptoms.
Surprisingly, some of Australia’s most beloved plants can be the hidden culprits behind those persistent sneezes, itchy eyes, and wheezing episodes. Let’s dive into the common outdoor Australian plants that can exacerbate allergies, and I’ll share some practical tips on how to manage these reactions effectively.
I strongly recommend NOT planting these plants in your garden. However, in nature it is harder to avoid these plants, especially in Spring and Summer. At the bottom, you will find advice on how to minimise impact of these plants on your allergies and especially on your skin.
***Note, this article includes some general medical advice. Please discuss any medicine choices with your Pharmacist or GP
1. Wattle (Acacia spp.): The Allergy Aggravator
Wattles are quintessentially Australian, with their bright yellow flowers signalling the start of spring. However, these blooms release high levels of pollen into the air, which can travel long distances and may cause hay fever symptoms even if you’re not near the plant. (These plants are usually the offender we think of causing the most allergies in Spring in Australia but the Scientists are not so sure that they are the main cause ...)
2. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.): The Pollen Producer
The vibrant, brush-like flowers of Bottlebrush plants make them popular in gardens, but their pollen can be highly allergenic. It easily becomes airborne, leading to nasal congestion, itch and itchy eyes, particularly in spring.
Melaleuca, or Tea Tree, is widely known for its essential oil, but the plant itself can release allergens. The fine pollen can aggravate respiratory issues, especially in those with existing allergies or asthma.
4. Sheoak (Casuarina spp.): The Wind-Pollinated Offender
Sheoaks are wind-pollinated, which means they release a significant amount of pollen that can trigger allergic reactions even if you’re not directly near the tree. These trees can cause sneezing fits and even exacerbate asthma.
5. Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea spp.): The Seasonal Sneezers
Grass Trees are a striking part of the Australian landscape, but when in bloom, they can release large amounts of pollen that trigger hay fever. The flowers are not just visually distinctive—they’re also a major source of allergens.
6. Grevillea: The Contact and Airborne Irritant
Grevilleas are stunning, but they can cause both contact dermatitis and respiratory allergies. The sap and pollen can cause itchy skin, rashes, and respiratory discomfort.
7. Oleander (Nerium oleander): Pretty but Poisonous
Oleander is commonly found in gardens due to its resilience and vibrant flowers. However, it’s not just toxic if ingested—it can also cause allergic reactions through contact and inhalation of its pollen.
Avoid direct handling of Oleander, and if contact occurs, wash the affected area immediately. Use soothing creams and antihistamines to manage any skin or respiratory symptoms.
8. Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.): The Potent Pollen Provider
Ragweed is notorious for its extremely allergenic pollen, causing intense hay fever symptoms. Even in small quantities, it can trigger severe allergic reactions, particularly during the spring and summer months.
9. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.): The Touchy Plant
Kangaroo Paw’s unique, fuzzy flowers can cause skin irritation. The tiny hairs on the flowers can be a common cause of contact dermatitis, resulting in red, itchy skin.
If you experience skin irritation after touching the plant, apply a cold compress to soothe the area and follow up with a mild steroid cream if necessary. Avoid direct contact with the plant where possible.
10. Cypress Pine (Callitris spp.): The Asthma Aggravator
Cypress Pines are common in Australian landscapes but can be problematic for those with respiratory issues. These trees release fine pollen that can exacerbate asthma and cause hay fever symptoms.
PHARMACIST'S LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR MANAGING PLANT-RELATED ALLERGIES
Stay Updated on Pollen Counts: Monitoring daily pollen forecasts can help you prepare and minimise exposure on high-pollen days. On high-pollen days, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory nasal sprays can be beneficial. If you’re particularly sensitive, consider wearing a mask when outdoors during high pollen days, and keep windows closed to limit exposure. If you use air conditioners, consider getting High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtering units which filter particulates (HEPA filter) and also use recirculating air conditioning.
Wash Away Pollen: After spending time outdoors, shower and change clothes to remove pollen from your body and hair. If that is not practical, at least wash your hands well and rinse your eyes with fresh water if possible.
Seek Professional Help: If over-the-counter medications aren’t sufficient, consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider for tailored allergy management options.
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→ The Pollen Forecast website provides pollen counts and forecasts
PHARMACIST'S ADVICE FOR THE RELIEF OF SEASONAL ALLERGY SYMPTOMS**:
**(This advice in general in nature and should be discussed with your Pharmacist or GP)
1. Antihistamines like Loratadine or Cetirizine can help alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, itching, itchy eyes and runny nose.
2. Nasal Symptoms: Use saline nasal rinses to clear pollen from nasal passages, reducing irritation. For severe symptoms, consider using a combination of oral antihistamines and nasal sprays. Sprays like intranasal corticosteroids are also effective for more persistent symptoms.
3. People with severe seasonal allergies may need to consider using long-acting antihistamines regularly throughout Spring and Autumn.
4. Itchy eyes: Eye drops containing antihistamines can soothe itchy, watery eyes. For severe hay fever, prescription medications like montelukast may be beneficial alongside over-the-counter options.
5. Asthma sufferers should ensure they have an updated asthma action plan and use preventer medication as prescribed. Keep windows closed during peak pollen periods to limit exposure. For asthma patients, ensure that your preventer inhaler is up-to-date and used consistently during high pollen periods. Quick-relief inhalers like salbutamol should be on hand at all times for sudden symptoms.
6. Skin symptoms of seasonal allergies, like Hives and rashes can be soothed with cool compresses and soothing creams but may need oral antihistamine tablets or topical hydrocortisone creams.
7. Contact dermatitis can be treated with soothing creams and/or topical hydrocortisone creams to reduce itching and inflammation.
Australian plants are beautiful but can be a hidden source of allergies for many. By knowing which plants to avoid and how to manage symptoms effectively, you can enjoy the beauty of nature without the discomfort of allergic reactions. As always, consult your pharmacist for personalised advice on managing your symptoms—they’re here to help you breathe easier, every day!
The Author: Shoshana Eisner, BPharm
The Brains (+ the Brawn) behind QED Skincare
Shoshana Eisner isn’t your average pharmacist — She’s the mind and heart behind QED Skincare, the luxury brand that’s making sensitive skin feel fabulous. Based in Sydney, Shoshana combined extensive dermatology research and a love for all things plant-based and cruelty-free to create skincare that doesn’t just work—it works wonders. With a collection of award-winning products and a money-back guarantee (because, yes, they’re that good), Shoshana is on a mission to prove that gentle, effective skincare can be downright luxurious. After all, who says sensitive skin has to miss out on the good stuff?
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