₦airaland Forum

Try this

🧠 1. Smell Training (Scientifically Proven)

Pick 4 strong but pleasant scents (e.g., lemon, rose, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, coffee, lavender).

Twice a day, sniff each scent for ~20 seconds while focusing on identifying it.

Do this daily for at least 12 weeks – studies show this can rewire smell pathways in the brain.



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🍊 2. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

A healthy nose needs healthy nerves and mucus membranes.

Vitamin A – supports the nasal lining (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach)

Zinc – essential for smell receptor function (pumpkin seeds, nuts, seafood)

Omega-3s – help nerve repair (salmon, flaxseed, walnuts)

B vitamins – for nerve health (whole grains, eggs, beans)



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🌬 3. Keep Nasal Passages Clear

Stay hydrated (dry sinuses = reduced smell)

Use steam inhalation with peppermint or eucalyptus oil to open nasal passages

Consider a saline nasal rinse to clear out irritants



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🚫 4. Avoid Smell-Dulling Habits

Smoking and vaping damage olfactory nerves

Overuse of strong chemical cleaners or air fresheners can desensitize smell

Long-term nasal decongestant sprays can reduce smell sensitivity



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🏃 5. Boost Blood Flow

Good circulation improves nerve function:

Cardio exercise (walking, jogging, cycling)

Gentle inversions (like lying with your head slightly lower than your heart for a few minutes)



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🌿 6. Herbs & Natural Helpers

Ginger tea – improves circulation to sensory nerves

Rosemary – may stimulate sensory memory

Ginkgo biloba – sometimes used for smell/taste nerve recovery



If your loss of smell is sudden, especially after a head injury or infection, or is accompanied by other neurological symptoms, you should get medical evaluation immediately — sometimes it’s linked to sinus disease, nasal polyps, or nerve damage.

bmd1010:
So u have a super power.

U can walk into shit n not feel the stench
Will call u

nosmellman

Not everything is joke man! A lot of these things are real, just because it hasn't happened to you should make you joke about everything. You should be learning...

Berankis:
Not everything is joke man! A lot of these things are real, just because it hasn't happened to you should make you joke about everything. You should be learning...

learning wat

Mitchell231:
A friend of mine had the same issues over decades of years but to God infinite mercy he had an accident and after many drugs he just came back to his senses that he can perceive anything smell able.

Haa!

OP and those affected, Nairaland isn't an hospital or where you should be seeking advice on medical conditions, go to any specialist or teaching hospital to quickly find help.

Nazgul:
I experienced this during the COVID lockdown. I was so scared cos I couldn't smell anything. But it went after a week or so without me taking any medication.

It would heal by itself don't panic and begin self medication.

I had the same experience too. Mine lasted two weeks.

That was a benign sign of COVID infection

Go to an ENT doc to check it out. This is common with those that work with industrial chemicals. The strong fumes from those chemicals can kill the nerves responsible for smell.

Start eating beans, meat, egg and proteinous food, stay away from carbs. I once lost my sense of smell and taste during covid.

The condition of not being able to smell anything is called anosmia. It can be a temporary or permanent loss of the sense of smell. While often a side effect of common ailments like colds or allergies, it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What is anosmia?
Complete loss of smell:
Anosmia refers to the complete inability to detect odors according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Temporary or permanent:
Anosmia can be a temporary condition, such as during a cold or sinus infection, or it can be permanent, resulting from head trauma or other neurological issues.
Not the same as hyposmia:
Hyposmia is a reduced ability to detect odors, whereas anosmia is a complete loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
What causes anosmia?
Nasal issues:
Swelling or blockage in the nasal passages, often due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections, can prevent odor molecules from reaching the olfactory receptors according to Healthline.
Neurological problems:
Damage to the olfactory nerves or brain structures involved in processing smell can also lead to anosmia.
Other causes:
Head trauma, certain medications, cocaine abuse, and even old age can contribute to anosmia.
What are the effects of anosmia?
Taste impairment:
Loss of smell can significantly affect the ability to taste, as smell and taste are closely linked.
Reduced enjoyment of food:
People with anosmia may find that food is less enjoyable or flavorful, potentially leading to weight loss or malnutrition.
Safety concerns:
Anosmia can make it difficult to detect hazards like smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food.
Mental health impact:
The inability to smell can impact mood and social interactions, sometimes leading to depression.
When to seek medical advice:
If you experience a sudden loss of smell, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like headache or fever.
If your loss of smell persists for an extended period.
If you have any concerns about your sense of smell or its impact on your quality of life.

SonofElElyonRet:
And your sense of taste? Cos both usually go hand in hand

no I don't have issue with taste.just the smell .

Mayor21:
Please I have this issue
Mine was I had accident in May
And I hit my head from a bike
Since then I can't smell anything.. like I can walk into the stinkiest place in the world and not smell a thing

how are you, have you recovered?

seunmsg:
It’s a serious medical condition that requires corrective surgery. Go to the hospital and get it done. Forget about those ginger and garlic advice. It’s not going to work. Go and see an ENT specialist and get the surgery done. 6-8 hours and you’re out of the theatre.

you scared me seriously.you mean I should go for surgery?

Tohsynetita1:
It might be as a result to a medication you are on.
Are you on any medication?

not in any medical.is been over 3 years now

dozymars:
Try this

🧠 1. Smell Training (Scientifically Proven)

Pick 4 strong but pleasant scents (e.g., lemon, rose, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, coffee, lavender).

Twice a day, sniff each scent for ~20 seconds while focusing on identifying it.

Do this daily for at least 12 weeks – studies show this can rewire smell pathways in the brain.
I non understand ooo.i need Nigerian solutions.not those things you are writing here. Have you seen those things before (
(e.g., lemon, rose, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, coffee, lavender).

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🍊 2. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

A healthy nose needs healthy nerves and mucus membranes.

Vitamin A – supports the nasal lining (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach)

Zinc – essential for smell receptor function (pumpkin seeds, nuts, seafood)

Omega-3s – help nerve repair (salmon, flaxseed, walnuts)

B vitamins – for nerve health (whole grains, eggs, beans)



---

🌬 3. Keep Nasal Passages Clear

Stay hydrated (dry sinuses = reduced smell)

Use steam inhalation with peppermint or eucalyptus oil to open nasal passages

Consider a saline nasal rinse to clear out irritants



---

🚫 4. Avoid Smell-Dulling Habits

Smoking and vaping damage olfactory nerves

Overuse of strong chemical cleaners or air fresheners can desensitize smell

Long-term nasal decongestant sprays can reduce smell sensitivity



---

🏃 5. Boost Blood Flow

Good circulation improves nerve function:

Cardio exercise (walking, jogging, cycling)

Gentle inversions (like lying with your head slightly lower than your heart for a few minutes)



---

🌿 6. Herbs & Natural Helpers

Ginger tea – improves circulation to sensory nerves

Rosemary – may stimulate sensory memory

Ginkgo biloba – sometimes used for smell/taste nerve recovery



If your loss of smell is sudden, especially after a head injury or infection, or is accompanied by other neurological symptoms, you should get medical evaluation immediately — sometimes it’s linked to sinus disease, nasal polyps, or nerve damage.

thanks you.please I need a Nigerian solution.have you seen those things before? ( but pleasant scents (e.g., lemon, rose, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, coffee, lavender).

I can't imagine losing my sense of smell. God have mercy. I have very strong sense of smell and If lost it, I'd be devastated. I wish OP and the rest quick healing. Try and see a Doctor please. It's scary to even imagine. I'm sorry to hear that you guys are going through this. You'll be fine IJN. Amen.

Hmm, that's strange. Have you ever contracted Covid? Because the last time i experienced it was my first encounter with Covid. Lost my taste bud and sense of smell for weeks before all were eventually regained. Maybe from the vaccine or the infection itself, a whole lot of people worldwide ended up with a scar, ranging from the scarring of the lungs and so on.

As for your case, after a first Covid experience, I have read of people losing their sense of smell for two years before later regaining it. Never heard of three years, but still, it can't be ruled out as the cause. Speak to specialists about it. Good luck!

One sensor needs to be replaced.
Forgotten the name.

It might eventually come back on it's own.

To me, some people can't even smell at all. Not perceiving anything could be hereditary. Have someone that can't perceive anything but choks when food burns, if you like mess from today till tomorrow so far it doesn't make sound. Same thing with the persons cousin that is still young.

binary123:
you scared me seriously.you mean I should go for surgery?

Yes. It may very likely require surgery and I’m not joking. Just go and see an ENT specialist first.

Very dry nose can make you lose sense of smell.
I am in same situation. I do not perceive odour,scent or smell except on certain condition. Humid weather,when its raining or when i am about to fall sick,my nose starts working.
Then my sense of smell is off. Some irritating smells do not affect me and some is kinda pleasant like clothes inside water for days. It makes me salivate.
Check what happened to you before you noticed you lost your sense of smell.
What did u do?
What did u eat?
What medication did u take?
Best is to seek medical attention.
Based on my weak sense of smell,its easy for me to do task that the smell can be very bad as it has little or no effect on me.
Go and see your doctor.
From this post i know i am not alone.

Seek medical help. Period!

binary123:
how are you, have you recovered?

I haven't
Can't smell a thing till now

1. I don’t believe this tale.

2. No mention of seeing a doctor. You are happy with the ability.

3. Why ask us? Are we health professionals? Another sign of unseriousness.

binary123:
It's been over 3 year now that i lost my smell sense,I don't really know what cause it, I just discovered that I could no longer perceived any smell good or bad,idon't really know how to restored it back.i really missed my ability to smell everything around me, please anyone with solution should help.

Nazgul:
I experienced this during the COVID lockdown. I was so scared cos I couldn't smell anything. But it went after a week or so without me taking any medication.

It would heal by itself don't panic and begin self medication.

Wow, I also experienced this during COVID-19 period.
Was quite scared,but it went after about a week.

binary123:
Is anyone experiencing the same thing.pls share your experience how are you coping.imagine I can't perceive the smell of cooking no matter how hard i tried to inhale it.still I can't

I experienced it for two or three days. Then I was like. God is great...it restored by itself with no medication...I was addicted to any smell so I over blown my nose then I realized my sense of smell was gone..Now I'm always with my allergy medicine. Try loratidine

This is me. Since I was born, I'm in my late forties now, I have never perceived any smell, and I am not even bothered

binary123:
Seriously.i don't know the course.if someone's farts in a public place when others are running away.i will be the only one who will not perceived it ,

And you'll be the one likely accused for farting. What a predicament.

binary123:
It's been over 3 year now that i lost my smell sense,I don't really know what cause it, I just discovered that I could no longer perceived any smell good or bad,idon't really know how to restored it back.i really missed my ability to smell everything around me, please anyone with solution should help.

You are suffering from anosmia.

Solution 1: antibiotics, antihistamines and decongestants. Antibiotics: if anosmia is due to bacteria sinus infection.
Antihistamines: if anosmia is due to allergic rhinitis.
Decongestants: if anosmia is due to nasal congestion.

Solution 2: radio therapy ( for head/neck cancers).

See an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) for a proper medical evaluation.

Hi!... Prior to now I've just been a guest on nairaland. I want you to know I just created an account this morning to reply to you 🤭.

That aside, I experience the same thing as you do, I "can't smell my food". The way I see it your sense of smell should only notify you of it's presence, but you can dwell on the scent for long. But other times you don't "smell it" because you have smelt it before and you don't need to smell it again.

For offensive smells, your brain senses it before your nose does so you don't have to go to the irritating experience to smell it.

PS: I've never had to explain it to anyone, this is my first time, I've not looked it up anywhere either. This is just my opinion.

Yes and if you detest the "smell of fragrance" and perfume then there's a change we had the same condition.

I'd say embrace your knew superpower, not all smells need to be processed by your nose especially, if you have to deal with it everyday all the time in an "unhealthy environment".

I can't pinpoint when it all started for me, but I can share defining moments in my childhood to you later that may have contributed.

My opinions are entirely mine. Peace ✌️
My first ever post here

binary123:
It's been over 3 year now that i lost my smell sense,I don't really know what cause it, I just discovered that I could no longer perceived any smell good or bad,idon't really know how to restored it back.i really missed my ability to smell everything around me, please anyone with solution should help.

It's Anosmia. The Solution is to cover your head on heated water it will clear.

I WILL SUGGEST YOU SEE AN "ENT SPECIALIST", ONE OF THE BEST EAR AND THROAT HOSPITAL WE HAVE IN NIGERIA IS LOCATED AT KADUNA, THAT'S THE NATIONAL ENT HOSPITAL.

YOUR CONDITION MIGHT BE A SINUS INFECTION. I ONCE HAD THIS SAME HEALTH ISSUE, YOU CAN IMAGINE EVEN WHEN YOU SEE YOUR SELF IN THE MIDTS OF POULTRY WASTE, YOU WILL NEVER FEEL ANY SMELL, MINE PERSISTED FOR ALMOST 5 WEEKS.

THEN, WHEN AUGMENTINE WAS SOLD CHEAP AT N7,000, I WAS RECOMMENDED BY A DOCTOR TO USE AUGMENTIN, AND THAT I SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM COLD WATER, COLD WEATHER, AND THAT I SHOULD ALWAYS TAKE HOT WATER.

THE ONLY SMELL I COULD PERCEIVE THEN, WAS THE SMELL OF MY MUCUS, AND I ALWAYS DO HAVE A YELLOWISH DISCHARGE OF MUCUS. THANK GOD, MY SENSE OF SMELL WAS RESTORED JUST 2 DAYS AFTER.