Szaglásgyakorlatok

Szaglásgyakorlatok, often translated as scent exercises or olfactory training, are a set of activities designed to improve and maintain a person's sense of smell. These exercises typically involve repeatedly smelling a variety of distinct and identifiable scents over a set period. The goal is to stimulate the olfactory receptors in the nose and the olfactory bulb in the brain, potentially enhancing their function.

These practices have gained attention, particularly in recent years, as a potential method for aiding recovery from smell loss, such as that experienced after viral infections like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. The proposed mechanism is that consistent exposure to different odors may help the olfactory system to regenerate or re-establish connections.

The most common form of scent training involves using four basic categories of essential oils or natural odorants: floral (like rose), fruity (like lemon), spicy (like clove), and resinous (like eucalyptus). Individuals are instructed to sniff each scent gently for about 20 seconds, two to three times a day. While some studies suggest a benefit, more extensive research is needed to definitively establish its efficacy and optimal protocols for various conditions causing smell impairment. It is often recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any olfactory training program.