7 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Loss Of Taste And Smell

If you have a cold or cough, there's a chance you might encounter a diminished sense of taste and smell, ranging from partial to complete loss depending on the severity. This phenomenon is also prevalent among elderly individuals recovering from conditions such as cancer.

Various medical issues can lead to a decline in taste and smell. This article explores the causes, available alternative treatments, and how natural remedies can assist in managing symptoms. The interconnected nature of the senses of taste and smell is evident, and as you age, changes or losses in these senses may occur.

The chemosensory system encompasses the senses of taste and smell. Olfactory sensory neurons, located within the olfactory bulb in the nose, play a crucial role in perceiving smells around you.

These olfactory neurons contain odor receptors stimulated by tiny molecules released by surrounding substances. Smells reach the receptors through two pathways: the nostrils and a channel connecting the throat's roof to the nose, particularly activated by aromas from food.

The ability to taste, known as gustatory perception, involves approximately 2,000 to 5,000 chemical receptors, commonly referred to as taste buds, on the tongue's surface.

Five primary tastes—sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami—are perceived by these taste buds. Taste occurs when water-soluble chemicals in the mouth interact with the taste buds. The brain receives signals from the tongue, translating them into distinct tastes. Additionally, the sense of taste is interconnected with other senses, such as smell and various brain functions.

# Castor Oil

The presence of ricinoleic acid in castor oil contributes potent anti-inflammatory attributes to the oil. Employing castor oil as nasal drops can assist in relieving symptoms of congestion and inflammation linked to a cold or flu, ultimately aiding in the restoration of your sense of smell and taste.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of warmed cold-pressed castor oil

Instructions:

- Place a drop of warmed castor oil into each nostril.

- Repeat this process twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

# Garlic

Compounds found in garlic exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities can be beneficial in addressing nasal congestion, providing relief from symptoms associated with colds and the flu. Consequently, this may contribute to improved breathing and the potential restoration of your sense of smell and taste.

Ingredients:

2-3 chopped garlic cloves
1 cup of water

Instructions:

- Boil a cup of water in a saucepan.

- Add the chopped garlic cloves and let them simmer for a few minutes.

- Strain the tea and consume.

- This tea can be consumed twice daily.

# Ginger

The warming characteristics of ginger are effective in addressing cold symptoms (8). The robust aroma of ginger can heighten your sense of smell, and its flavor can invigorate your taste buds by activating them.

Ingredients:

Small pieces of peeled ginger

Instructions:

- Chew small pieces of peeled ginger at regular intervals.

- Alternatively, you can opt for ginger tea.

- Repeat this on a daily basis.

# Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper, which includes capsaicin known for its nasal decongestant properties can aid in recovering your diminished sense of taste and smell.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon of honey
1 cup of warm water

Instructions:

- Combine a teaspoon each of honey and cayenne pepper powder in a glass of warm water.

- Consume the mixture.

- You can repeat this process at least once daily.

# Lemon

Lemons, being acidic and abundant in vitamin C, possess antimicrobial properties. The pronounced, distinctive aroma of lemons, coupled with their chemical composition, may contribute to reducing infections causing nasal congestion or a runny nose, ultimately enhancing your sense of taste and smell.

Ingredients:

½ lemon
1 glass of water
Honey (as needed)

Instructions:

- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of water.

- Add honey as desired and mix thoroughly.

- Consume the lemon juice immediately.

- Drink this concoction twice daily, preferably before meals.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar showcases both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This can contribute to combatting microbes responsible for infections and alleviating nasal congestion, ultimately leading to an improvement in the senses of taste and smell.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of water
Honey (as necessary)

Instructions:

- Combine a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water.

- Add honey to taste, and mix the concoction thoroughly.

- Consume the mixture.

- Drink this solution once daily.

# Oil Pulling

Engaging in oil pulling contributes to the improvement of oral health, aiding in the elimination of unpleasant tastes in your mouth. Additionally, it has the potential to assist in managing symptoms related to a sore throat and revitalizing your mouth's taste.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil

Instructions:

- Swish coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes.

- Spit out the oil and proceed to brush your teeth.

- Practice this routine once daily, preferably in the morning.