Frequently Asked Questions

Olfactory training, also called smell training, is a structured practice of sniffing four distinct scents twice daily for a minimum of 12 weeks. The practice was introduced in a 2009 study by Hummel et al. and has been investigated in multiple published studies since.

The original Hummel (2009) protocol used 12 weeks of twice-daily training. A longer-term study by Konstantinidis et al. (2016) found that participants who continued for 56 weeks showed greater improvement than those who stopped at 12 weeks. Individual experiences vary.

The standard protocol uses four oils representing distinct odor categories: floral (rose or lavender), fruity (lemon), aromatic (clove bud), and resinous (eucalyptus). The Olfactory Training Kit uses lavender as the floral category. See our article on rose vs. lavender for the rationale.

The Olfactory Training Kit is assembled at Advanced Rx, a licensed pharmacy in Fort Washington, PA. The oils are sourced from suppliers who provide GC/MS testing to verify purity and composition. The kit was created by two licensed pharmacists (Kyle Salata, PharmD and Jason Jerusik, PharmD) and includes a full 3-month supply at the twice-daily protocol.

The Olfactory Training Kit is $69 with free 2-day shipping in the United States.

We currently ship within the United States with free 2-day shipping. For international inquiries, please reach out to us directly.

Olfactory training kits are generally not covered by standard health insurance because olfactory training is a behavioral practice, not a prescription medication or medical device. The kit may be HSA/FSA-eligible in some plans. Check with your benefits administrator.

This is common for individuals with significant smell loss. Published studies enrolled participants with confirmed olfactory dysfunction (anosmia or hyposmia). The protocol is performed regardless of whether you initially detect the scents. Sniff each oil for ~20 seconds twice daily and continue across the full 12-week period.

The published research protocols used twice-daily training, once in the morning and once in the evening, sniffing each of the four oils for approximately 20 seconds with a few seconds rest between scents.

Store bottles tightly capped, upright, away from direct sunlight and heat. Stored properly, essential oils typically remain stable for the duration of a 12-week training course.

No. Olfactory training is a behavioral practice, not a prescription medication or medical device. The kit can be purchased directly.

Published olfactory training studies have generally not specifically enrolled pregnant participants. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new practice involving essential oils.

The kit is designed for adult use, and published research has been conducted primarily in adults. Pediatric use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is the industry-standard analytical method for essential oils. It identifies and quantifies the chemical compounds present, confirming that an oil contains the constituents expected for its botanical species, without dilution or synthetic additives.

Several published studies have examined olfactory training alongside other interventions. A healthcare provider can advise on combinations appropriate for your situation.

Yes. We provide a free printable training logbook designed for the full 12-week protocol. It includes a baseline assessment, 12 weekly tracking spreads, and a final assessment. Download the logbook (free PDF).