The pollen from these plants tends to be small and light, travels on the wind and is easily inhaled, thus causing problems for people sensitive to pollens. Wind-pollinated plants include many trees, all grasses and some wild flowers. Choose insect-pollinated plants because the pollen in these plants tends to be sticky and heavy and does not easily become airborne thus posing less of a problem to people with allergies. Most flowers with large petals are insect-pollinated, but it is important to remember not to smell these plants as wind pollen can be deposited on the petals of any flower. Avoid heavily scented flowers which may occasionally trigger attacks in people with asthma, in view of their irritant effects.
Most herbs are insect-pollinated so that many are acceptable.
If herbs are to be dried however, it is best done outdoors. This is the Daisy family which includes Chrysanthemums, Michelmas Daisies and Dahlias. Shrubs are insect-pollinated and are also easy to maintain. Avoid climbing plants around bedroom windows as pollens and dust can collect on the leaves and blow into rooms when there is a breeze. Many of our common trees are wind-pollinated, so it is best to avoid Ash, Birch, Elder, Hazel, Horse Chesnut, Oak, Plane, Sycamore, Willow and Yew.