Do essential oils still work if you can't smell them?

Author: Madie Ward  |  Last update: Monday, March 3, 2025

A: As far as we know, psychological effects do not take place for someone who has completely lost their sense of smell, but the physiological effects still do. In other words, the body will react to essential oil constituents in the usual ways, but the mind not.

Do essential oils work if you have no sense of smell?

Yes. Essential oils can work even if you don't have a sense of smell. Whether you use them by inhaling them or applying them on the skin, in both cases there is increasing scientific evidence that certain chemicals in the essential oils can have a physiological effect that can support you.

Why can't I smell my essential oils?

Put simply, it is the temporary, normal inability to distinguish a particular scent after a prolonged exposure to that airborne compound. The oils are still being dispersed in the air, but your nose is just not as sensitive to the essential oil smell.

Do essential oils lose their effectiveness?

Over time, the essential oil starts to lose its strength and effectiveness as its chemical composition is broken down by oxidation.

What does it mean if you don't like the smell of an essential oil?

Some individuals have heightened sensitivity to certain scents or specific chemical compounds found in essential oils. If you have sensory sensitivities or allergies, your body may react negatively to certain fragrances, leading to aversions.

Do essential oils expire? + A Guide On Storing Them

Is it bad to constantly smell essential oils?

Essential Oils Can Negatively Affect Your Health

Essential oils are highly concentrated, so inhaling them directly can irritate the respiratory tract. This may lead to symptoms such as coughing, nose and throat irritation or shortness of breath.

What to avoid when buying essential oils?

Avoid essential oils that contain filler ingredients or synthetic additives. Look for the phrase “100% pure essential oils” to be certain that you're getting the real deal.

When should you throw away essential oils?

If you've got essential oils that you can't remember when you opened, there are some other indications that can tell you it may be time to throw them out: If there's a change in the smell. If its color has changed or if it's gone cloudy. If the consistency is thinner or thicker than before.

Can you diffuse too much essential oils?

You should not use too much of an essential oil in a diffuser as it will make the diffused scent overwhelming. And if you use less than the recommended amount of the essential oil, it may not be enough to scent the entire space of yours.

What are the 4 essential oils to regain smell?

Smell Retraining

The essential oils are: rose, citronel (citrus or lemon), eucalyptus (menthol), and cinnamon. In order to perform smell retraining, you should smell each essential oil twice a day for 6 weeks.

Can you fix not being able to smell?

How is anosmia treated? In most cases, treating the underlying condition improves your sense of smell. For example, if you have sinusitis, antibiotics can help clear up the infection. If certain medications affect your sense of smell, switching medications may help ease your anosmia symptoms.

Why doesn't my essential oil diffuser work?

Try removing some of the water and restarting the diffuser, making sure that the water is below the fill line. If the device still isn't working, there may be a buildup of essential oil residue that is blocking the diffuser from misting. Clean your diffuser using the cleaning instructions, then try again.

How can I train my nose to smell again?

"Once or twice a day, smell each scent for 30 seconds to two minutes. As you do, think about what you're smelling, and try to recall moments when you've smelled this before. For example, cut open an orange, inhale its aroma, and think about another time when you savored a fresh, delicious orange," Dr.

Does lavender oil work if you can't smell?

Absolutely, yes! IF what you're using is true essential oil. Essential oils are much more than just pretty smells. They offer a myriad of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that will still work if you aren't able to differentiate smells.

How to cure olfactory fatigue?

Treatment of Olfactory Fatigue

One effective approach is to remove the source of the odour or allow the affected individual to spend time in a different environment. This will help reset their olfactory receptors. Avoiding exposure to strong smells can alleviate the symptoms to regain sensitivity to the specific odour.

Is diffusing essential oils safe for your lungs?

You can use pure essential oils with most diffusers on the market. But some oil diffusers use special cartridges or scents instead of essential oils. Using these types of diffusers can be bad for your lungs because the fragrances often contain harmful chemicals and perfumes.

What essential oils cannot be mixed together?

Citrus oils, oils high in phenols, monoterpenes, ketones, esters, oxides, aldehydes, alcohols, sesquiterpenes, and lactones should not be mixed. Mixing incompatible essential oils can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.

Do essential oils clog drains?

Essential oils and body butters can clog up your pipes just like cooking oils! And don't get us started on cornstarch. Cornstarch is often used as a thickener.

Can essential oils lose their scent?

Natural Degradation: Essential oils will undergo natural degradation over time, which can change their aroma. Unexpected Scent: If the oil smells rancid, sour, or simply different from when you first purchased it, it might be expired. Note: Some oils, like patchouli or sandalwood, may improve with age, much like wine.

What does rancid essential oil smell like?

Rancid base oils will typically have a putrid, strong, or sour smell, but not always.

What does stress away essential oil smell like?

This D. Gary Young proprietary blend brings aromas from around the world to create an on-the-go tropical getaway just for you—thanks especially to the Stress Away bright, beachy mix of vanilla and lime.

What is the strongest essential oil for pain?

Which Essential Oils Are Best For Pain? One of Mother nature's most powerful painkillers, peppermint oil is frequently used for alleviating pain [1]. Closely related to peppermint, wintergreen oil boasts similar properties due to its methyl salicylate component.

Which essential oils should you not diffuse?

Essential oils not recommended for diffusion
  • Yarrow.
  • Chinese star anise.
  • Basil.
  • Ceylon cinnamon.
  • Carrot.
  • Celery.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive essential oils?

Quality is Worth Every Penny

The price of the essential oil reflects the complex nature of the plant it came from- where that plant is able to grow, how easy or challenging it is to grow and harvest, and how much essential oil can be produced from the plant.

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