Olfactory Training with Essential Oils

Intense scents from very different fragrances are suitable for olfactory training. Therefore, the Casida Smell Training Set contains the following pure natural essential oils:

• Fresh/clarifying scent profile: Eucalyptus 10 ml
• Sweet/floral scent profile: Rose Geranium 5 ml
• Fruity/sour scent profile: Lemon 10 ml
• Spicy/earthy scent profile: Clove 5 ml

TIP: Regularly smelling intense, natural scents is also beneficial for those with impaired sense of taste. The sense of smell and taste are closely linked, and information from the nasal and oral mucosa is processed together in the brain.

Why olfactory training can help

Research into smell loss, especially in connection with COVID-19, is in full swing. Currently, researchers assume that damaged olfactory cells are the cause of the smell loss. The olfactory cells in the nasal cavity regenerate every four to six weeks and can be trained through targeted stimulation*. It is assumed that specific and regular stimuli build neural connections in the brain, allowing the sense of smell to be "relearned."

Like any physical and mental training, smell training requires patience. Over several months, you sniff different scents for approximately 30 seconds each morning and evening. Only 100% pure essential oils, such as those from Casida, which are free of synthetic fragrances, are suitable for this purpose.

*Source: TU Dresden news "Olfactory training after Corona is useful" from January 19, 2021, available online on the TU Dresden news portal.

How does olfactory training work?

Under "Application" you will learn how the training is carried out. The Casida Olfactory Training Set includes easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions and a training plan. Alternatively, you can download the instructions and training plan for free here:

Note for asthmatics

If you suffer from asthma, use essential oils very carefully. Pure essential oils can trigger an asthma attack. If necessary, dilute the oils with an odorless, fragrance-neutral carrier essential oil or use fruits or flowers directly to train your sense of smell.

General note

Smell training carries little risk. However, symptoms should be assessed by a specialist. Specialized olfactory clinics or olfactory consultations, such as those offered at various university hospitals, are recommended.

This product is currently available exclusively here and in some mail-order pharmacies. It is also available individually at your local pharmacy.

Using high-quality, certified ingredients and selected suppliers. Pharmacist expertise ensures the optimal effect of herbal raw materials. We ensure that every product uses natural and sustainable ingredients.

Unsere ätherischen Öle sind 100% naturrein und enthalten keine Zusätze!

Inhaltsstoffe

Eukalyptusöl:

• Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf / Twig Oil*
• Limonene*

Rosengeranienöl:

• Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
• Citronellol*
• Geraniol*
• Citral*
• Limonene*
• Linalool*

Nelkenöl:

• Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil
• Eugenol*
• Geraniol*

Zitronenöl:

• Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

Smell training is useful not only after COVID-19

While impaired sense of smell and taste during a cold is annoying, it usually passes quickly. A complete loss of the sense of smell, even if temporary, significantly limits quality of life. Not least because our sense of smell and taste are closely linked, and we also taste less when we cannot smell normally.

Currently, a common cause of these disorders is infection with the COVID-19 virus. Approximately 60 percent of coronavirus patients struggle with olfactory loss*.

Symptoms range from impaired sense of smell (hyposmia), hypersensitivity to scents (hyperosmia), to complete loss of smell (anosmia).

In addition to a COVID-19 infection, there is also age-related loss of smell: A quarter of people over 50 can no longer smell well. One in three people over 70 is affected, and even one in two people over 80*.

In addition, there are numerous other diseases associated with impaired olfactory function. Patients with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's very often suffer from a diminished sense of smell or complete loss of smell.

*Source: TU Dresden news "Olfactory training after the coronavirus pandemic is useful" from January 19, 2021, available on the TU Dresden news portal .

Instructions for Smell Training with Essential Oils

Phase 1: Supported Smell Training

Smell training is supported in the first phase by images or photos, corresponding colors, or even the fruit or plant itself. For example, if you can no longer smell a lemon, seeing a lemon in front of you or, ideally, touching it can help your brain remember and relearn the scent.

Take one of the enclosed paper strips and add three drops of an oil to it. Visualize the fruit/plant and say its name. Sniff the scent repeatedly and consciously perceive it. If you have photos/images or even the fruit/plant at home, place them in front of you during the exercise.

Do this one after the other with each of the four scents for 30 seconds each. Note on your training plan whether you smelled anything (on a scale of 0 to 5). This way, you can see your training progress and maintain your motivation.

Our tip: Instead of the paper strips, you can also use felt pads in different colors (e.g., available at www.aromawelt.de ). Yellow for lemon, green for eucalyptus, pink for rose geranium, brown for carnation. The colors also help you focus on the respective scent. Alternatively, colorful cotton pads or colored paper strips are also suitable.

Phase 2: Expand training with new scents

If you can smell and clearly distinguish the four scents from Phase 1, then expand the spectrum. Choose essential oils that are similar to the four basic scents but differ in nuances.

Suitable additions to the Casida Smell Training Set are:

• Fruity Grapefruit or Orange to enhance the lemon flavor.
• Herbaceous-woody Rosemary or Pine needle oil as a complement to eucalyptus
• Floral Lavender oil as a follow-up scent to rose geranium
• Spicy Frankincense oil, Swiss pine oil or Cinnamon oil as a supplement to clove oil

The training process is the same as in Phase 1. The length of each phase varies from individual to individual. Expect it to take several weeks or months. Be patient and stay confident. With daily stimulation, your olfactory cells can actually grow again.

Phase 3: Unassisted Training - Blind Training

In the final phase, you will now attempt to identify the scents you have practiced without the aid of colors or pictures. If you can practice with another person, ask them to apply a drop of essential oil to a neutral felt pad or cotton pad and place it in front of you. If you are practicing alone, obscure the labels of the violet glass bottles, e.g., by wrapping them in a napkin or wrapping paper. Mix the bottles in front of you and attempt to identify the scent "blindly." If practical, you can also close your eyes.