How to restore taste and smell: the role of cold-pressed oils

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most devastating health crises of our time. While official statistics are lacking, medical experts estimate that every second patient who recovered from COVID experienced partial or total loss of smell and taste. Food becomes flavorless, and the world loses its scents — a serious condition that doesn’t go away on its own and requires a long and often complex recovery process.

Causes of loss of smell after COVID-19

In most cases, the loss of olfactory and taste sensitivity stems from one of the following:

• Swelling of the olfactory epithelium, which blocks odor and flavor molecules from reaching the receptors. Once the swelling subsides, even partially, the sense of smell may return;
• Damage to the nervous tissues, including inflammation, microthrombi, or minor hemorrhages. In these cases, anti-inflammatory and regenerative treatments are essential;

With COVID-19, many patients exhibit a mixed picture: both swelling and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, even without classic symptoms like coughing or nasal congestion. In other words, someone might feel fine—yet be unable to smell or taste anything.

Scientific research on regaining smell and taste

A few years ago, researchers in Germany conducted studies that proved the effectiveness of fat-soluble vitamin A in restoring olfactory and taste receptor sensitivity.

Later, in 2021, scientists from the University of East Anglia confirmed that vitamin A can help repair nasal and pharyngeal tissues damaged by the virus. Participants received intranasal drops of a vitamin A solution and were exposed to strong odors like rotten eggs, garlic, or freshly cut geranium. The results were striking — most people in the test group regained their pre-COVID sense of smell, unlike those given a placebo.

Vitamin A occurs naturally in many plant-based oils, such as pumpkin seed oil, walnut oil, avocado oil, and others. Thus, consuming these oils, using them for nasal drops or steam inhalation, supports the healing of the respiratory epithelium and helps bring back the lost ability to smell and taste.

Viruses, including COVID-19, typically enter the body via respiratory pathways, while phytoncides — natural compounds found in plants — access the body through the olfactory system. These compounds have anti-inflammatory effects and promote the healing of damaged epithelial tissues.

In essence, phytoncides are nature’s antibiotics, offering tremendous health benefits without the side effects of synthetic drugs. They are found in nigella (black cumin) oil, mustard oil, and hemp oil — all of which are suitable for both internal and topical use, are well-tolerated, and rarely cause allergic reactions.

CraftOil cold-pressed oils – your natural helpers in regaining taste and smell

CraftOil, a Ukrainian producer of high-quality artisanal cold-pressed oils, offers a wide range of flavorful and aromatic options: spicy mustard seed oil, fragrant black cumin (Nigella) oil, delicious and mild pumpkin seed oil, walnut oil, rich in iodine and essential nutrients.

These are «live» oils, packed with micro- and macronutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. They are always cold-pressed on the day of your order, never come into contact with iron, and are bottled in dark glass containers to prevent oxidation.

CraftOil products are shipped throughout Ukraine and Europe, helping people improve their well-being and recover fully after COVID-19.

We guarantee premium quality, refined taste, and exceptional aroma. To choose the perfect oil for your needs, submit a request on our website today.