The weather in Chicago can be pretty unpredictable. The temperature can fluctuate a lot throughout the day, precipitation comes and goes constantly, and the air quality and pressure is inconsistent. For me, these factors contribute to a number of annoying issues, including sinus pressure, congestion, itchy eyes, and a dry throat—and I’ve noticed that it’s been getting worse over the years.
I’ve been at a bit of a loss on how to keep some of these irritating symptoms at bay. I don’t typically take allergy medicines or immune supplements, but when I had the opportunity to test out a bee-based product (yes, that’s right, bees!), I jumped at the chance to see if it could support my stuffed-up system.
How Weather Affects My Health
As much as I love my city, lately the weather there has really been messing with me. Whenever there’s a big shift in temperature and air pressure, I feel it. I also experience sinus symptoms on days when my weather app suggests that weather conditions could contribute to various health concerns. It’s pretty much a guarantee that when my app says risk is “high” (which it often is for hours and even days at a time), my nose gets very stuffy and congested, my mind gets foggy, and lethargy sets in.
These symptoms can make it hard to concentrate during the day and get as much work done as I’d like, but they’re particularly problematic at night, when I work out and then shift into relaxation mode and want to power down and comfortably snooze. I often struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night, waking up a few times to blow my nose and grab some water to relieve my dry throat. With less restorative sleep, I wake up drowsy and in a “blah” mood.
About Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Nasal Spray
In hopes of relief, I tested out Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Nasal Spray to see if it could help ease my congestion when the Chicago weather gets testy. I appreciated that it’s made with just three simple ingredients—saline solution, propolis, and xylitol—which meant I could add it to my routine without hesitation around it containing anything confusing or sketchy. But would it really help flush my sinuses of irritants and soothe and moisturize my stressed-out nasal passages, as the brand promised? I was eager to see if propolis—which is the tree resin that bees gather to repair the hive, and is rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals—could really be that magical.
Testing The Propolis Nasal Spray
I kept the nasal spray by my bed so I could use it at bedtime when symptoms really started to flare up, as well as any time my congestion disrupted my sleep. I also used it first thing in the morning before getting up and starting my day. Whenever using the spray, I followed instructions, spraying twice in each nostril and blowing gently after.
I noticed the most benefit from the nasal spray at nighttime. It offered some immediate relief before my evening workout, which my congestion often impacts. I was grateful to be able to power through without as much sniffling and nose-blowing! I also used it to clear my sinuses and congestion before bed, which helped me fall asleep. Then, I’d reach for it whenever I woke up in the middle of the night, falling back asleep more easily thanks to my freshly-cleansed and clear nasal passages.
Read More: 9 Must-Haves To Keep On Hand During Allergy Season
Another perk: Unlike a lot of the nasal sprays out there, the Beekeeper’s Naturals product didn’t feel overwhelmingly potent when I used it or send some intense after-taste dripping down my throat. Instead, it was gentle but effective with the solution feeling clean and natural as it flushed out my nostrils—major points there!
My Takeaways
I can’t say the nasal spray eliminated all of the sinus pressure and congestion that seem to come with living in Chicago (how could I expect it to?). However, I did value its quality and simplicity, and the fact that it offered short-term relief without any unpleasant sensations or side effects. I will definitely keep a bottle of the Beekeeper’s Naturals nasal spray by my bed to use as needed when my sinuses act up at night.