We’ve been hearing about COVID-19 for a year, and some of us have been hit, while others have not.

I have been lucky enough to avoid the coronavirus so far, though I know many loved ones that have had COVD-19. It seems that the experiences are varied, with everything across the spectrum. But one of the most fascinating symptoms to me is the loss of sense of smell and/or taste.

My cousin was experiencing what she thought was just a typical cold- but when she awoke the next morning she couldn’t taste her breakfast, which clued her into the fact that she probably had coronavirus- which she did!

I’ve heard of many others with this experience as well. Some people can’t taste anything, while others only have a few things that have an altered smell or taste. The other strange thing is how varied the recovery time is! Some only experience these symptoms during the 2 week quarantine period, while others experience these symptoms a whole 6 months later! Water tasting like gasoline, beloved Pepsi no longer having a flavor, cilantro tasting like soap, fresh fruit tasting rotten, chocolate losing its flavor- so many different results! But all very devastating!

Some people may think that losing your sense of taste/smell isn’t a huge deal, but I think my fellow food-loving readers would agree that losing your taste/smell is a huge trial! Food is so much more than just fuel- it’s a hobby, a source of entertainment, a passion! I can’t imagine.

While there is no solid scientific cure, there sure are a lot of rumors! A TikTok challenge showed that eating a burnt orange mixed with brown sugar can restore your senses- but not everyone seemed to have success with this home remedy.

Other sources have said that fish oil can help restore your olfaction (sense of smell). One doctor suggested that in order to retrain your olfactory senses, smelling essential oils for 20-40 seconds each, twice a day could be helpful. Specifically, she recommended rose, eucalyptus, clove, and lemon.

Another source suggested gathering 5 things from around your home with which you are very familiar with. Spend several minutes each day breathing in each scent, remembering the smell and focusing.

While there is no solid cure to bring your taste buds and smell back to a full recovery, it does seem that most people make a pretty full recovery over time. If nothing else, it does make me very grateful for my sense of smell and taste! It’s something we take for granted, but I sure want to make sure I appreciate it more! Next time you eat, really focus on the sensations. Each individual flavor, the texture, the smell! Enjoy the experience.

For those of you that have had COVID-19, I’m curious if you’ve experienced any changes with your taste or smell? Did it come back eventually, or is it something you’re still struggling with? Share your experience with us below!