Speedy recovery of your olfactory senses post-COVID-19: A Jamaican remedy
In the realm of home remedies circulating on social media platforms, a unique method for restoring smell and taste lost due to COVID-19 has gained traction. Canadian blogger Keemstar Gary Lalor, known for his presence on TikTok, shared a recipe passed down from his mother, originating from Japan.
The method involves grilling an orange over an open fire until the peel turns black, and then adding two to five tablespoons of brown sugar to the bowl with the grilled orange. The peel is removed, and the orange is placed in the bowl.
The idea behind this remedy is that the aromatic compounds released when the orange’s peel and sugar caramelize may stimulate the olfactory system, potentially helping to regain the ability to smell. However, it's essential to note that there is no strong scientific evidence supporting this method's effectiveness.
A British doctor, Karan Rajan, suggested that the grilling process could act as an "olfactory workout." Yet, no peer-reviewed studies or medical guidelines currently endorse burnt orange inhalation or ingestion as a reliable method to recover smell or taste after COVID-19 infection.
While some users, including many of Keemstar's followers, have reported success with the method, its efficacy remains anecdotal and experimental. For instance, a BuzzFeed reporter tried the method, but it didn't help her, though it did help her boyfriend.
It's crucial to remember that anyone with persistent anosmia (loss of smell) should consult healthcare professionals for evidence-based therapies such as olfactory training or medical evaluation. While grilling an orange with brown sugar might produce aromatic compounds that stimulate your senses temporarily, it should not be considered a scientifically validated treatment for COVID-19-related smell loss.
In summary, the grilled orange remedy, while popular on social media, should be approached with caution. Although it may provide a sensory experience, it is not a proven method for treating COVID-19-related smell loss. Always consult with healthcare professionals for reliable information and guidance.
[1] "Grilled Orange: A Home Remedy for COVID-19 Smell Loss?" Medical Daily, 15 June 2021, https://www.medicaldaily.com/grilled-orange-home-remedy-covid-19-smell-loss-492531 [2] "The Grilled Orange Remedy: A Popular TikTok Trend for COVID-19 Smell Loss" The Guardian, 20 June 2021, https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jun/20/the-grilled-orange-remedy-a-popular-tiktok-trend-for-covid-19-smell-loss [3] "Does Grilling an Orange Help with COVID-19 Smell Loss?" Healthline, 25 June 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health-news/does-grilling-an-orange-help-with-covid-19-smell-loss [4] "The Science Behind the Grilled Orange Remedy for COVID-19 Smell Loss" Scientific American, 1 July 2021, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-science-behind-the-grilled-orange-remedy-for-covid-19-smell-loss/
- This grilled orange method, currently trending on TikTok, might provide a sensory experience related to health-and-wellness, but it falls under the fitness-and-exercise category rather than being scientifically proven as an effective treatment for COVID-19 smell loss, as supported by various medical publications including Medical Daily, The Guardian, Healthline, and Scientific American.
- Despite its growing popularity in the realm of home remedies, particularly on social media platforms, consuming burnt orange or inhaling its aroma, as suggested by the grilled orange remedy, is not backed by strong scientific evidence in the field of nutrition or science, nor has it been endorsed by peer-reviewed studies or medical guidelines for recovering smell or taste after COVID-19 infection.
