Parosmia Causes, Symptoms and Treatment with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Smell is a unique sense to evaluate and analyse. It makes sense to monitor whether the situation is good or dangerous. The olfactory system of the body helps to detect various odours. Olfaction is the sensation of smell that results from the detection of odorous substances aerosolized in the environment. Along with vision, taste, hearing, and balance, olfaction is a special sense. Humans are able to detect odours through the components of the olfactory system. Sense of smell will help to enjoy the aromas of life. Sense of smell helps the person to recognize the danger of life like fire or spoiled food. In this article, we will discuss the disorder associated with the change in odour perception known as Parsomia with special reference to its ayurvedic aspect and treatment.   

Introduction

Parosmia is a term used to describe health conditions that distort the sense of smell. It is an alteration in the perception of smell or fragrance. Cases of Parosmia are more prevalent after Covid 19 pandemic. It is due to the inability of smell receptors present in the nose to detect the variety of odours or their transmission to the brain. Thus Parosmia can be secondary to neurological diseases or it may be associated with epilepsy or injury of the brain. The other broad causes may include infections or head trauma which affected the olfactory part of the brain. 

Symptoms of Parosmia

The symptom of parosmia varies from patient to patient. Following are the basic symptoms in people suffering from Parosmia

1. Unable to detect normal scents and odour.
2. Disturbed odours especially of food items.
3. Unable to recognize the scent of the environment.

Causes

Following are the Causes of Parosmia

1. Damage of scent detecting neurons or olfactory senses.
2. Viral infections like Covid 19
3. Damage to olfactory bulbs
4. Brain trauma associated with Head injury
5. Smoking – Smoking and chemical exposure -Your olfactory system can sustain damage from smoking cigarettes. The toxins and chemicals in cigarettes can cause parosmia over time
6. For this same reason, exposure to toxic chemicals and high volumes of air pollution can cause parosmia to develop
7. Exposure to pollution or chemicals

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Parosmia is as

1. CT scan of sinus
2. Sinus Biopsy
3. MRI
4. Physical examination by the doctor

Treatment

In Modern medicine, Parosmia can be treated but not in all cases. Sense of smell may return to normal if environmental factors or other factors like smoking are removed. Other ways of treatment can be Surgery, removal of nasal obstructions, and Zinc, Vitamin A supplementation.

Ayurvedic Aspect of Parosmia

The condition of Parosmia can be correlated with Ayurveda calls this condition “Gandha/ Gharna Nasha.” Ghrana means to smell, whereas Nasha means loss. It is due to the involvement of Vata dosha on the nostril site. As Vata dosha gets lodged at the site of Gharana. In Charak samhita Indriyasathan it is mentioned that loss of smell is not a good sign. Ghranendriya is the way to get a sense of Gandha. According to Ayurvedic classics, Indriyas are the senses to gain knowledge of Atma. The nose is the adhisthan (prime) sense organ to perceive smell. On Acharya, Sushruta has guided the Vidhkarma for the management of Gandhanasha.  This process is performed by Ayurvedic physicians to manage the Gandhanasa as a complication of Covid 19. The perception of the sense of smell influences the quality individual’s life. To manage the problem of Parosmia/Ghrannasha herbs can also play a pivotal role for the management. The Vidhakarma and Ayurvedic herbs like Maricha and pippali help to pacify the Vata dosha and pacify or break the Avaran of Vata with Kapha. This will help to restore the lost sense of smell. 

Herbal Remedies For Parosmia By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified hub for the manufacturing of herbal medicines for the betterment of humanity and to promote Ayurveda in each and every household. The herbal formulations are based on the classical Principles of Ayurveda. Following are the herbal remedies for the problem of parosmia.   

1. ANU TAILAM
2. CHITRAKADI VATI
3. AVIPATIKAR CHURNA
4. PRAANRAKSHAK CHURNA

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. ANU TAILAM

The chief ingredients of Anu Tailam are Til Tail (sesamum oil), Aja-Dugdha (goat milk), Jivanti (Leptadenia Reticulata) and many more. It is used to manage the painful conditions associated with udharvjatrugata rogas (diseases associated with head, neck, shoulders, eyes, nose, ear, skin, throat, and hair). Application in the affected areas gives relief from symptoms of ailments in these organs. Due to the presence of vatashamak ingredients, Anu tail helps to pacify the Vata. Its application to nostrils also helps to manage the condition of Parosmia. Anu Taila improves the workings of all sensory organs. Massage Anu Taila for relief and relaxation.

Dosage – 3 drops in each nostril at early sunrise

2. CHITRAKADI VATI

Chitrakadi vati is a well known ayurvedic formulation. The chief ingredients of this classical polyherbal formulation are Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), maricha (Piper nigrum) and many more. This herbal formulation helps to manage the status of Parosmia due to Vata pacifying properties. The Chitrakadi vati of Planet Ayurveda is the best and most result-oriented formulation to manage Parosmia.  

Dosage – 1 tab thrice daily with plain water after meals.

3. AVIPATTIKAR CHURNA

Avipattikar churna is a powder formulation known to pacify the Vata dosha from the body. The chief ingredients of this polyherbal formulation are Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus). Due to Vata anulomana (Vata pacifying) properties of Avipattikar churna, it helps to drain out the aggravated Vata which is the main cause of Parosmia. It also helps to pacify chronic constipation hence enhancing the metabolism.

Dosage – 1/2 tsp twice with warm water.

4. PRAANRAKSHAK CHURNA

The chief ingredients of Praanrakshak churna are Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), Vaasa (Adhatoda vasica), Anantmool (Hemidesmus indicus), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The Pranrakshak churna helps to pacify sneezing or discomfort in respiratory areas associated with Parosmia.     

Dosage – 1/2 tsp twice with honey.

Conclusion

Thus after reading the above information we can say Parosmia can be caused due to many factors. It can be managed by removing the factors. Olfactory dysfunction is of utmost importance for the sense of smell. Loss of smell can be risky if a person is unable to perceive the smell. Vidha karma as we have discussed above is also beneficial to managing the condition. The herbal remedies of Planet Ayurveda as mentioned above are also helpful to manage the condition and are result oriented. These herbal remedies help to pacify the vitiated Vata and Kapha. These herbal remedies are best to avoid the side effects of synthetic medicines and manage the problem from the root cause.