Smell retraining is a simple form of rehabilitation that involves repeatedly smelling several familiar scents.
Choose familiar scents
Choose one scent from each group.
Original educational illustration created by the author; anatomy is simplified for clarity. Source: Samargandy S, 2026.
Floral
Rose, jasmine, lavender, geranium, orange blossom.
Citrus / Fruity
Lemon, orange, grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot.
Fresh / Herbal
Eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, pine.
Spicy
Clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, anise.
The traditional combination is rose, lemon, eucalyptus, and clove, but other familiar scents can also be used.
How to do it
- Smell each scent twice a day.
- Spend a few moments focusing on each scent and remembering what it should smell like.
- Continue for at least 3–4 months.
- Continue longer if you are noticing gradual improvement.
- Consistency is more important than using a specific commercial kit.