So when a former coworker mentioned olfactory training, she headed to Google and gave it a shot.
Hunter’s training worked around the seventh week well, its her hunch that it worked.
That could explain the sudden spike in interest in the practice.
Illustration by Clara Hendler
With the technique suddenly in the spotlight, heres a look inside the quest to smell again.
How COVID-19 Impacts Smell
Smell loss is a fairly common symptom of the coronavirus.
“The ensuing inflammation and destruction of those cells is why it causes loss of smell.”
Lemons are a common food item used for at-home olfactory training.
This can also indirectly impact the sense of taste.
And the impacts extend beyond the palette.
[Odor] affects countless subconscious interactions we have throughout our lives, Patel says.
One patient was overjoyed to discover she could smell her cat’s dirty litter box again.
Lemons are a common food item used for at-home olfactory training.
Many think you must stick to the essential oils Hummel originally prescribed to get results.
Patel’s researchhas shown that the exact concentrations of essential oils don’t impact results.
If you don’t know to expect it, it can be really frightening."
One patient was overjoyed to discover she could smell her cat’s dirty litter box again.
Betting on the Practice
Some devotees, like Hunter, believe training helps restore smell function.
A few days later, clove followed.
I actually started crying because I was so excited, she says.
But not everyone has been so successful.
For Clubb and Dunlop, persevering seems logical even if it can be frustrating at times.
Plus, as Hunter puts it, “I’m an athletic trainer.
I take it as the exact same thing.”
Anosmia is incredibly disruptive for those who struggle with it.
It totally ruins your hunger cues.
I had to start being cognizant ofwhenit was time to eat, she says.
“I wouldn’t get hungry because nothing sounded appetizing.”
She found that playing with texture mixing up crunchy and smooth foods helped her cope.
Another side effect for Hunter: She began focusing on cleanliness.
Clubb points to the emotional pain of no longer being able to pick upfavorite fragrances.
“You don’t realize how much smell and memory connect with each other.
Frustrated, she adds, “Nobody talks about the emotional toll you go through.”
“It’s better to be proactive than do nothing,” Dunlop insists.
Oakley says she’s seen people share their triumphs and setbacks on the organization’s Facebook forums.
“[One member] posted in delight because she could smell her cat’s dirty litter tray!”
says Frauke Galia, the founder ofF.A.L.K.
Aromatherapy, who has launched her own guided smell training program.
“What I heard consistently from the anosmia community before COVID is that they felt invisible in society.
[Theyre] finally feeling heard a bit.”
Beth Shapouri is a beauty, health, and lifestyle writer living in Brooklyn, New York.
it’s possible for you to follow her onInstagram.
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