Allergy and asthma patients in Jaipur face a tough time from February to April. It’s an annual ritual of suffering during the change of season. Increased pollens from the Holoptelea Integrifolia tree in the air cause allergic reactions among people in Jaipur.  The machine installed with the research division of the Asthma department in Jaipur indicates high pollen counts in the air during this period. Increased sensitivity is observed among people in the city at the end of the winter season. Sneezing, red eye, and blocked nasal passage are some of the reported symptoms due to pollen allergy.

Cause of Seasonal Pollen Allergy in Jaipur

Pollens are largely released from a specific tree at the start of spring in Jaipur. Holoptelea Integrifolia tree is a major cause of pollen allergy in Jaipur, Delhi & NCR, and elsewhere in North India. People with allergic rhinitis and asthma conditions suffer the most due to the rise in pollens during the spring season. Locally, this tree is well-known as “Bandar Ki Roti Ka Ped.”.

This tree is commonly spotted on roadsides across the city and in gardens as well. In fact, it’s a very hardy tree that survives well in the extreme climate of Jaipur. The tree flowers in January-February months and it fruits from March to May. The tree is usually propagated in plant nurseries especially the ones owned by the forest department.

Common Names of Holoptelea Integrifolia Tree

Common names of the Holoptelea Integrifolia tree are as follows:

• In Hindi – Chilbil Tree, Papadi, Kanju, Karanji Bandar Ki Roti Ka Ped
• In English- Indian Elm Tree, Monkey biscuit Tree, or Jungle cork Tree
• In Karnataka (Kannada) -Rasbija
• In Gujrati- Kanjho and Charel Ka Ped
• In Tamil- Aya and Kanji
• In Bengal -Nata Karanja and Kalmi
• In Maharastra- Vavala
• In Punjab- Arjan Ped

Benefits And Ayurveda Uses

It’s a medicinal tree that grows widely across the country, often growing up to 50 feet. The tree was used in traditional treatments for gastritis, rheumatism, ringworm, diabetes, leprosy, inflammations, etc. Primarily it is the bark that was widely used in treatments. While some of these are well recognized in Ayurveda, tribal regions have relied on knowledge passed through generations.

The scale of problems due to Pollen Allergy and asthma

While these are some of the benefits another aspect of this tree causes agony, especially in North India!! It’s the biggest cause of pollen allergy and asthma as well! As per the estimates, at least 30% population in North India & 10% population across India suffers from an allergy. Experts claim that roughly 40-60% of pollen in the air is caused by the Holoptelea Integrifolia tree in Jaipur. The tree releases pollens in large numbers in the air as compared to any other tree or plant. These pollens cause a variety of allergies among the residents like runny nose, redness in eyes, sneezing, and difficulty in breathing to name a few.

Fruit Image of Holopetelia

The above picture is a close-up of the Holoptelea Integrifolia tree. The brown-colored cluster is its fruit. Here is a picture of its fruit before it turns brown.

How to avoid Pollen Allergy

While cutting down these trees is no permanent solution, for some who suffer from extreme bouts of pollen allergy it’s time to pack the bag for a month-long vacation! This might suit just a few! For those who can’t leave the town, the only recourse is to stay indoors, especially during the morning time and avoid parks; take preventive medicines. Some people suggest using an ayurvedic medicine Shadbindu Tel to tide over pollen allergy. This is not a proven method and should be done only under the guidance of a trained ayurvedic practitioner/ doctor. Modern medicine practitioners usually suggest a course of antihistamines and a stronger dose consisting of inhalers/steroids.

Where to find Indian Elm or Holoptelea integrifolia in Jaipur?

Holoptelea Integrifolia tree can be found in great numbers near Sawan-Bhado Park and Central Park in Jaipur. People suffering from pollen allergy should avoid visiting both these areas as they might experience allergic attacks owing to the presence of this tree in large numbers. Some experts are of the opinion that the total number of Chillbill trees in Central Park run in three digits.

Pictures | How to recognize Holoptelea Integrifolia Tree?

Papadi tree in the fruiting season resembles as below.

To read about other stories on trees, click here

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