Herbs for Loss of Smell & Taste

The loss of smell and taste are interconnected and are most commonly due to the presence of mucus congestion within the sinus cavities. This congestion may be due to excessive smoking of tobacco, certain allergies or a sinus infection, unless a severe head injury preceded the condition. The loss of these is uncomfortable, yet temporary in nature. However, the sense of smell and taste are very important because they help the body to differentiate a good food from a spoiled food and other safety measures, such as smelling when something is burning nearby. For this reason it is important to aid the body in the flushing of the mucous membranes. There are helpful herbs that clear the nasal tracts and make the sense of smell and taste return rapidly and painlessly.

Zinc Lozenges

• A powerful antioxidant found in every cell of the body, zinc is an important mineral that helps with fighting infection and tissue repair. Zinc lozenges, taken every two hours, all day, significantly reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold, relieving the nasal passages of obstructing mucus. It is important to take the lozenges and not just a zinc supplement because long-term use of zinc supplements can easily cause toxicity, where 100-150 mg a day of zinc lozenges for a week will not.

Mullein

• Mullein is a mucilaginous, meaning it secretes mucilage, helping coat and tone the mucous membranes of the sinuses and inhibiting their allergen absorption. It also makes coughing more productive due to it’s saponin content, which is useful for clearing out the sinuses. Mullein is also considered a very strong anti-inflammatory, useful in creating space for the mucous to leave the body. Dry mullein is commonly used in smoking herb-blends because it helps with congestion caused by tobacco smoking. Mullein tea consumed three times daily should alleviate nasal congestion.

Horseradish

• A powerful expectorant, horseradish acts fast by cutting mucus, allowing the body to eliminate it efficiently. A potent bitter, once grated, horseradish should be mixed with vinegar to avoid the herb from darkening and loosing it’s pungency. A simple nasal congestion remedy consists of 2 oz. of grated horseradish, 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar and honey to taste. If this mixture is slowly consumed throughout the day, relief should be achieved.