Rediscovering Hope Through Scent Training After Losing My Sense of Smell
- Jess Damico
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Losing a sense is never easy, especially after a brain injury. For many people, like myself, losing a sense often means coping with a loss that is invisible but deeply felt. I lost my sense of smell three years ago, leaving my world devoid of its aromatic pleasures. Recently, I received unsettling news: my sense of smell may never return. Instead of giving in to despair, I decided to take action. Through my research, I discovered something called "scent training," which may help me regain a piece of my lost world.
Understanding the Loss
Losing the ability to smell and taste can significantly affect one's quality of life. It's not just about missing the sweet scent of blooming flowers or the taste of a cherished dish; it’s also about the emotions connected to those scents. Research shows that the sense of smell is closely tied to memory. For instance, a study published in the journal Chemical Senses found that odors can trigger memories with 65% accuracy, a much higher rate than visual cues. Imagine not being able to bask in the comforting aroma of fresh cookies or enjoy the earthy scent of a rainy day; that was my everyday reality.
A Journey of Hope
When my healthcare provider told me my sense of smell might not return, it felt like another wave of loss crashing over me. However, with nothing more to lose, I sought alternatives to reclaim this essential sensory experience. During my online research, I came across scent training—a method that intrigued me.
What is Scent Training?
Scent training involves the regular practice of smelling specific essential oils to “retrain” your sense of smell. It's not a quick fix; it demands time, effort, and consistency. According to ENT Health, the process includes smelling oils like rose, eucalyptus, clove, and lemon, along with a personal favorite scent. Engaging with these scents at least twice a day while focusing on memories associated with each one is crucial.
My Chosen Scents
As I commenced my journey of scent training, I faced a small dilemma. One scent I longed for was that of old books—a nostalgic fragrance that always brought me comfort. Since old books are not an essential oil, I turned to coffee instead. The rich, warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee was another treasured scent from my past that I hoped to reconnect with.
The Process of Scent Training
My routine is simple but meaningful. Each morning, I choose a scent to explore. I inhale the aroma for about 20 seconds while concentrating on the scent and the memories it brings.
Repetition is vital. Practicing twice daily for 12 weeks creates a pathway for potential recovery. While some sessions may not yield results, I remind myself that it’s a journey. Sometimes frustration creeps in when I cannot identify any smell, but I focus on feeling the presence of a scent.
Celebrating Small Changes
At six weeks into this training, my experience has been bittersweet. I still can’t distinguish the distinct aromas of those oils, but there's something changing. It’s as if my brain registers that a scent is near, even if I can’t quite articulate it yet.
One approach I use is to smell the essential oils without looking at the label first. This technique creates a purer experience, allowing me to connect with the memory and emotions that arise before checking my guesses against the label.
Keeping Motivation Alive
Navigating this journey has taught me the importance of staying motivated. Here are some strategies I found helpful:
Consistency is Key: Regular practice matters. Setting daily reminders helps ensure that I don’t skip sessions.
Focus on Positivity: Disappointment can overshadow progress, especially when results aren't seen immediately. I concentrate on the little details of what I'm experiencing.
Journaling My Journey: Writing down my experiences helps me track my progress and recognize small victories, reminding me of the improvements I've made.
Sharing My Experience: Connecting with others who face similar challenges has been uplifting and has provided me with valuable encouragement.
Celebrate Milestones: Whether big or small, recognizing every step I take keeps my spirits high.
The Road Ahead
Although my journey with scent training may not guarantee success, I find comfort in the practice itself. My sense of smell may never be what it was, but sensing a fragrance nearby brings me closer to my past experiences.
Each day, I engage with the scents of rose, eucalyptus, clove, lemon, and coffee. I will continue to dig deeper into what these scents signify for me. This journey brings a sense of control, and I am rediscovering joy along the way.
A New Perspective on Loss
Losing a sense can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to recognize that the journey doesn’t need to end there. Approaches like scent training can spark hope and resilience. As time passes, my pursuit to regain my sense of smell fills my life with exploration and renewed purpose.
Even if my olfactory senses do not return, I have discovered inner strength, patience, and an appreciation for the memories tied to scent. For anyone facing a similar challenge, take solace in knowing that every effort counts. Sometimes, the journey itself is the most valuable part of the experience.
If you, or anyone you know, sells these essential oil scents - please contact me! If you would like to donate the scents to our nonprofit I am happy to issue you a tax receipt to write off the cost of your oils. Your generosity helps many others who have lost their sense of smell as well. We all thank you!
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