Effective Home Remedies To Restore The Sense Of Smell And Taste

1. Lemons

Flavorants such as citric acid in lemons is very effective in evoking and enhancing the flavour of sour and sweet and bringing back the lost sense of smell and taste. They help activate the olfactory and gustatory receptors and play a vital role in senses perception. [3]

What to do: Cut a lemon into two halves and inhale for a few minutes daily in the morning and evening. You can also prepare lemon juice by mixing lemon and honey in a glass of water.

2. Castor oil

Castor oil is one of the best home remedies to treat loss of smell and taste due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. If your sense of smell and taste is lost due to flu or cold, castor oil helps fight inflammation and thus, reduce the symptoms to a great extent.

What to do: Put one drop of warmed castor oil in both the nostrils in the morning and before going to bed. This may help clear the nostrils.

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3. Chamomile tea

Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb with many health benefits, including its effective role in treating fever, inflammation and infections. Drinking chamomile tea helps alleviate inflammation of the respiratory tract that may have caused a loss of sense and taste. [4]

What to do: Prepare chamomile tea by adding dried chamomile petals in boiling water and letting the mixture steep for a few minutes.

4. Steam

Steam therapy is used since the oldest of times and can easily be availed at home. It helps reduce the inflammation and congestion of the nasal passage and bring back the lost sense of smell and taste.

What to do: Bring water to a boil, cover your head with a thick cloth and allow the steam to enter your nostrils. Do it for around 10-15 minutes, twice a day until the symptoms persist.

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5. Ginger

A study talks about the antiviral activity of ginger against influenza viruses that cause common flu and bird flu. The active compounds in ginger may help treat these conditions which are associated with loss of sense and smell. [5]

What to do: Chew a small piece of ginger or prepare a ginger tea and consume.

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6. Lavender

Olfactory stimulation through inhalation of fragrance is a very effective procedure. According to a study, the odour of lavender tends to increase brain waves, which in turn, may help restore back the lost sense of smell and taste. [6]

What to do: Pour a few drops of lavender oil in boiling water and inhale. You can do it similar to steam inhalation.

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7. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known to treat nasal infection, nasal congestion and sinus which may have led to the loss of smell and taste. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of apple cider vinegar.

What to do: Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water, stir it well and have twice a day. You can also add honey for a better taste.

8. Garlic

The antimicrobial properties of garlic may help decongest the nasal passage and bring back the sense of smell and taste. Also, the ricinoleic acid in garlic exhibits anti-inflammatory properties which may help ease breathing problems due to blocked by reducing the inflammation. [7]

What to do: Take 2-3 cloves of garlic, boil them, strain the mixture and then drink the water twice a day for quick relief. You can also add a pinch of salt for a better taste.

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9. Cardamom

Cardamom is one of the widely known home remedies to treat olfactory and gustatory disorders. The peculiar aroma of cardamom helps open up the nasal congestion and bring back the sense of smell and taste.

What to do: You can consume cardamom directly by mouth or prepare a cardamom tea and consume.

10. Peppermint

Peppermint is a medicinal herb used to treat symptoms of cold and flu which are associated with the suppression of sense of smell and taste. They help reduce the inflammation of the nasal chambers and clear the congestion. [8]

What to do: Peppermint can be used in two ways to treat loss of smell and taste. Firstly, boil its leaves and prepare a tea and sip at least 2-3 times a day for better results. Secondly, add a few drops of peppermint oil to boiling water and inhale the steam to relieve from nasal congestion.

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11. Coconut oil

Coconut oil can be used in oil pulling methods to treat sore throat and other lung problems which might have caused the loss of taste and smell. The oil helps reverse allergic lung infections and inflammation of the trachea. [9]

What to do: Swirl coconut oil in the mouth for around 5-10 minutes, spit and brush. Do this process only once a day, preferably in the morning.

12. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is the easiest way to prevent the loss of smell and taste or to manage it. Water helps prevent dry mouth and colonisation of bacteria which may lead to other dental problems.

What to do: Drink a glass of water every hour.

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Other Healthy Tips

• Consume enough vitamin-rich foods such as milk and seafood as their deficiencies are also linked to the loss of sense of smell and taste.
• Consume foods like chicken and fish as they may help enhance the taste.
• Foods packed with zinc such as whole grains and nuts are also beneficial.
• Brush and floss daily to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Go for regular checkups as some underlying conditions like Alzheimer's can also be the cause of olfactory and gustatory disorders.
• Make ways to prevent yourself from getting cold and flu.
• Quit smoking
• Add flavoursome herbs such as oregano or cayenne pepper to enhance the taste and smell senses.
• Avoid eating very hot foods
• Avoid processed foods as they are too sugary and salty and consuming them often may lead you to a habit of eating foods with too much sugar or salt.