Rediscover the Joy of Taste and Smell Post-COVID

I’ve been receiving calls and emails from many of you experiencing challenges with the loss of taste and smell, a common aftermath associated with the Coronavirus. If you’ve been experiencing this longer than you’d like, you know how much it can significantly impact your daily life.

Respiratory viruses, including the cold and flu, are known to trigger “anosmia,” the loss of smell. It's helpful to explore ways to encourage the return of these senses if they’re taking longer to come back than you’d like.

By integrating ancient healing practices and utilizing specific foods and herbs, we can support our bodies in regaining their natural functions. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each organ thrives on certain flavors. Spicy or pungent flavors are believed to rejuvenate the lungs by helping clear excess mucus.

Given that COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, it’s important to nourish the lungs with appropriate flavors. Here are some techniques to consider:

1. Thyme Steam: Inhaling steam from thyme, a pungent herb, helps clear nasal passages and reduces lung mucus. Simply prepare a thyme steam for an effective respiratory cleanse (see below for instructions).
2. Nourishing Soups: Begin with a foundation of bone broth, which can be sourced from places like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods if you don’t want to make your own. Enhance it with ingredients such as onions, scallions, garlic, shiitake mushrooms (rich in zinc, have a spicy profile, and are beneficial for clearing the respiratory system), and red pepper flakes.
3. Avoid Mucus-Producing Foods: To prevent further congestion, steer clear of dairy and flour-based products.
4. Bitter Herbs for Stimulation: Bitter flavors can invigorate your digestive processes. Goldenseal is particularly effective, featuring antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A few drops on the tongue before meals can help rejuvenate taste and smell by activating the digestive system. According to Andrea Beaman, 5-7 drops on the tongue 5-10 minutes before meals for a few days can be most beneficial.

To wrap up, if you or someone you know is one of the many people who haven’t regained their sense of taste and smell, this may indicate that your respiratory system requires continued support. Long-term absence of these senses might signal an increased risk for future respiratory issues.

Let's embrace the wisdom of ancient traditions to revitalize our bodies and restore balance. If you find yourself in this situation, consider integrating these natural methods to encourage your body's recovery process. If you’re still not sure about what to do next, schedule a discovery call, and together, we’ll map out a plan to get you back on track.

Wishing you well,

Dr. Kat

Thyme Steam Instructions

Ingredients:

• Fresh or dried thyme (a handful or about 2 tablespoons if dried)
• Hot water
• Large bowl
• Towel

Steps:

1. Prepare the Bowl: Place the thyme in the bottom of a large, heatproof bowl.
2. Boil Water: Bring some water to a boil and carefully pour it over the thyme in the bowl.
3. Create a Steam Tent: Position your face over the bowl, and place a towel over your head to form a tent, ensuring that you're trapping the steam.
4. Steam: Inhale the steam for about 5-10 minutes. Be cautious of the hot steam to avoid burns.
5. Allow for Breathing Breaks: If you feel too warm or need to breathe in cooler air, take breaks as needed.

Always be careful with hot water to prevent burns and enjoy the soothing effects of the thyme steam. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Infinite Health and Wellness

133 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061, United States