Heidi Norton
Anosmia, or loss of smell, is a common side effect of COVID-19, affecting about 21 million Americans in 2021. It can also be caused by other viral infections or conditions. The sense of smell is linked to memory, danger detection, and the ability to taste and enjoy food. Losing this sense can lead to anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life. While some people may regain their sense of smell within four weeks, others may experience long-term anosmia. To aid recovery, doctors recommend smell retraining therapy, which involves sniffing a variety of odor-generating elements, such as lemons, oranges, or perfumes. This therapy aims to activate the body's recovery process and enhance one's appreciation of fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Therapy | Smell retraining therapy or Olfactory Stimulation Therapy and Memory Reconstruction |
| Scents | Lemons, oranges, peanut butter, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, pine, peppermint, cloves, perfumes, fruits, vanilla, woodsy scents, grapefruit, lime |
| Actions | Sniffing a wide variety of odor-generating elements, exercising the brain, focusing on one sense, linking smells to personal feelings |
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What You'll Learn
Olfactory stimulation therapy
In a study on mice, olfactory stimulation resulted in the upregulation of certain subtypes of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), indicating the adaptive and plastic nature of the olfactory mucosa. This suggests that the olfactory mucosa has an enormous regenerative potential, which can be influenced by factors such as age and other variables.
For individuals who have lost their sense of smell, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial. The longer an individual goes without their sense of smell, the less likely they are to recover it. Olfactory stimulation therapy, through smell retraining and potentially future electrical stimulation devices, offers a promising approach to regaining this vital sense.
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Memory reconstruction
The loss of smell, or anosmia, can be devastating, with serious consequences on daily life. It can cause a loss of appetite, increased anxiety and depression, and the inability to detect hazards. It is therefore important to try to regain one's sense of smell as soon as possible.
Olfactory Stimulation Therapy and Memory Reconstruction programs, such as the one therapist Justine Leguay is trained in, can help COVID-19 long-haulers regain their sense of smell. Leguay prepares a personalized scent with special meaning to each patient. For example, she prepared the smell of orange juice for a patient who used to enjoy it every morning with his family. The patient then inhales deeply through his nose and tries to guess which scent he has been offered. This form of therapy is based on the idea that the more one smells, the more one develops their sense of smell.
Perfumer Phillips has also been helping COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell through a "fragrance journey." She takes them through three types of scents: top notes, which are lighter fragrances; medium notes, such as florals and fruits; and deeper base notes like vanilla and woodsy scents.
In general, smell retraining therapy involves sniffing a wide variety of odor-generating elements, such as lemons, oranges, peanut butter, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, pine, peppermint, or cloves. The key is to focus and concentrate on what you smell all the time, whether it be a fragrance, a smell in the street, or food.
The sense of smell is closely linked to memories and images, and it is important to explore this connection deeply. When you smell something, you should forget what it is and instead link it to a personal feeling. The more you analyze those emotions and link them to personal feelings, the better you become at smelling and memorizing those smells.
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Using citrus fruits
If you have lost your sense of smell, it is important to begin smell retraining therapy as soon as possible. This therapy involves sniffing a variety of odor-generating elements, such as citrus fruits, which can help to retrain your brain to recognize smells. Citrus fruits, in particular, contain small pockets of liquid that burst upon contact, releasing a strong-smelling oil into the air. This oil can help to fight infections and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, making it a useful tool for regaining your sense of smell.
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and grapefruit, are commonly used in smell retraining therapy. To test your sense of smell, you can try smelling these fruits with your eyes open and then with your eyes closed. This exercise helps to stimulate your brain and improve your sense of smell. It is important to note that the treatment for loss of smell depends on the underlying cause, so it is always recommended to consult a doctor before starting any at-home treatments.
One at-home treatment that has been recommended by doctors is the use of castor oil. Castor oil has been traditionally used to restore smell loss due to its active component, ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid helps to fight infections and reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages. To use castor oil for smell retraining, gently warm the oil and place two drops in each nostril twice a day.
In addition to citrus fruits and castor oil, other odor-generating elements can be used in smell retraining therapy. These include flowers, perfumes, peanut butter, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, pine, peppermint, and cloves. It is recommended to use a variety of different scents to help retrain your sense of smell.
For those who have lost their sense of smell due to allergies or sinus congestion, a saltwater wash may also be beneficial. This remedy helps to flush out allergens and mucus from the nasal cavity, improving smell perception. It is important to remember that the loss of smell can have serious consequences, impacting your ability to detect hazardous odors and fully taste and enjoy food. Therefore, it is crucial to seek help and begin smell retraining therapy as soon as possible to increase the chances of regaining your sense of smell.
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Floral and fruity scents
If you have lost your sense of smell, it is important to begin smell retraining therapy as soon as possible. This therapy involves sniffing a wide variety of odor-generating elements, such as lemons, oranges, peanut butter, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, pine, peppermint, cloves, and floral perfumes.
For those who have lost their sense of smell due to COVID-19, fragrance expert Sue Phillips recommends testing out the smell of fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit, first with your eyes open and then with them closed. This exercise helps to reactivate your brain. Phillips also takes her clients through a "fragrance journey," starting with lighter fragrances, such as florals and fruits, and ending with deeper base notes like vanilla and woodsy scents.
You can also reset your smelling palate by smelling your own skin. Once you are able to sense your skin's scent, your nose is ready to perceive and experience the complexity of fragrances. Fresh air and eating a piece of mint or a lemon wedge can also help to reset your sense of smell.
If you are testing multiple fragrances, it is important to reset your olfactory palate in between samples. This is because your sense of smell can become overwhelmed, making it difficult to distinguish one fragrance from another.
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Deep base notes
Some common deep base notes used in perfumery include vanilla, sandalwood, musk, and amber. Vanilla-based perfumes, for instance, are reminiscent of food and dessert smells, ranging from simple chocolate and cream to more complex scents like macarons and crème brûlée. Sandalwood, on the other hand, offers creamy, milky, and soft notes, while musk and amber provide deep and warm scents. Woody notes, in general, are versatile and can be tarry, austere, creamy, or nutty, depending on the type of wood used.
When it comes to regaining one's sense of smell, deep base notes can play a crucial role. Anosmia, the medical term for loss of smell, can occur due to viral infections, such as COVID-19, or other conditions. To recover from anosmia, doctors recommend smell retraining therapy, which involves sniffing a variety of odor-generating elements like lemons, oranges, perfumes, and spices. Perfumes with their complex notes, especially the deeper base notes, can be an effective tool in this therapy.
Phillips, a perfumer, has successfully helped COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell using fragrances. She takes her clients on a "fragrance journey," exploring different scent categories, including top notes, medium notes, and deep base notes. It is often the deeper base notes, like vanilla and woody scents, that help trigger the sense of smell in these cases. This fragrance journey not only helps in rediscovering lost scents but also brings joy and emotional relief to those struggling with anosmia.
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Frequently asked questions
Doctors recommend smell retraining therapy, which involves sniffing a wide variety of odor-generating elements, such as lemons, oranges, peanut butter, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, pine, peppermint, cloves, or perfumes.
The sense of smell is neuroplastic, meaning it can regenerate. By exposing yourself to a variety of scents, you activate the body's recovery process and train your brain to recognize different odors.
Start by gathering a variety of scents, such as fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit, as well as perfumes or essential oils with different notes (top, medium, and base). Close your eyes and focus on each scent, trying to identify it and link it to a personal feeling or memory. Repeat this process regularly to exercise your brain and improve your sense of smell over time.
