Retrain Your Brain How to Smell Again
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Loss of sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia, is a common symptom of COVID-19 and also can be caused by aging, vitamin D deficiency, certain medications, diabetes, certain viral illnesses and many neurological conditions
- The olfactory system is highly responsive to training; in one study, a 12-week smell training session significantly increased the sensitivity to detect odors in those with anosmia
- The basis for smell training is that using a neural pathway, such as that used by your olfactory nerve cells, reinforces and strengthens it
- To try it, all you need is four different fragrances, such as rose, lemon, clove and eucalyptus essential oils
- Actively sniff each scent for about 20 seconds a couple of times a day, such as immediately after waking up and before going to bed; be sure focus your concentration on the scent while you’re sniffing, trying to recall your experience of the scent
