In regards to losing sense of taste and smell, I experienced the same thing after having COVID-19 in December 2023. I went to an ENT and they told me to do “olfactory training”, which is smelling certain essential oils for approximately 30 seconds at a time (3 x a day) while trying to “picture” the smell in your mind. I got a package of four common essential oils at Whole Foods. They are peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon and lavender. There are other oil scents recommended as well. The study for olfactory training comes from Harvard - if anyone would like to Google search the information. I’m not sure if the olfactory training helped me regain my sense of smell and taste but I continued the training for about 3 months and finally got my sense of smell and taste back after 10 months. That was such a relief even though my sense of smell wasn’t as heightened as it used to be.
Fast forward to May 2025 when I was sick with what seemed to be a sinus infection. Multiple COVID tests were negative. I have lost my sense of smell and taste once again. I have been using the essential oils for the olfactory training. I have been working with a naturopath doctor and she recommended a sinus medication mixed with distilled water that will be used as a flush with a netti pot or spray bottle. (Very important to use distilled water!) I’m waiting on the sinus medication to start this protocol. I will let you know if it works.
I want to add that regular doctors, like my primary care doctor, seem to just leave their patients with an “oh well, it happens” answer. I was told “Some people get their senses back and some don’t. You may never smell or taste again.” by my primary care doctor. That is not an acceptable answer. The answer should have been “let’s research this and find out how we can help you”. I had to request to see the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist the first time I dealt with this. Without them I wouldn’t have know about the olfactory training method. Very frustrating!
I recommend doing your research, seeking help from a specialist and looking into finding a naturopath doctor or a doctor of integrative medicine for further help. There are answers. I don’t take “No.” as one of them.
Don’t give up!