Disturbed Sense of Smell

Sensitivity to odours varies with air temperature and humidity, and with state of health; warm moist air carries more volatile chemicals than cold dry air, but if the nose is too dry or stuffed up with mucus the olfactory nerve endings will not be able to detect them. Colds, Hay Fever & Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Polyps, and smoking all interfere with the reception of odours; occasionally loss of sense of smell (Anosmia) is due to injury of the olfactory nerves, or to a brain tumour or brain injury involving the olfactory bulb at the base of the forebrain; in some cases it may be due to a deficiency of zinc.

Some people suffer from exactly the opposite, an extremely acute sense of smell, and find certain smells - and not just bad smells - quite disturbing; an altered sense of smell, or suddenly experiencing strong smell sensations for no apparent reason, is sometimes a feature of pregnancy; a minority of Cancer patients report specific smell and taste changes.

Specific remedies to be taken hourly for up to 6 doses if sensitivity to certain smells becomes disturbing

• Acute sensitivity to flower scents Graphites 30c
• All smells overpowering and disgusting Carbolic ac. 30c
• Tobacco smells intolerable, especially during acute illness Belladonna 30c
• Sudden smell of tarred rope, burning charcoal, soap suds, or boiled peas Sulphur 30c
• Sudden putrid smell Kali bichrom. 30c
• Sudden rotten egg smell Belladonna 30c
• Sudden bitter smell rather like bile Dioscorea 30c
• Sudden smell of fried onions Sanguinaria 30c
• Sudden smell rather like pigeon droppings or charred wood Anacardium 30c
• Sensitivity to tobacco smoke Ignatia 30c

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