Answers to common questions about olfactory training, The Olfactory Training Kit, and smell loss. For more background, see our articles and About page.
Last Updated: April 13, 2026
The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace evaluation or advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
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 (2016) reported that 56 weeks was associated with greater improvement than 16 weeks. Timelines vary across individuals — group-level data does not predict individual outcomes.
The standard protocol uses four oils representing distinct odor categories: floral (rose or lavender), fruity (lemon), aromatic/spicy (clove), and resinous (eucalyptus). The Olfactory Training Kit uses lavender, lemon, clove bud, and eucalyptus.
The Olfactory Training Kit is assembled at Advanced Rx, a licensed pharmacy in Fort Washington, PA. Our oils are sourced from suppliers who provide GC/MS testing to verify purity and composition. Founders Kyle Salata, PharmD and Jason Jerusik, PharmD are both licensed pharmacists.
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 contact us.
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. Some FSA/HSA accounts may reimburse the cost with a letter of medical necessity — check with your plan administrator.
This is common for individuals with significant smell loss. Published studies enrolled participants who could not detect the training odors at baseline. The practice does not require being able to consciously smell the odors — it involves exposing the olfactory system to them consistently over time.
The published research protocols used twice-daily training — once in the morning and once in the evening — for the full study duration (12 weeks minimum). Adherence to this frequency is identified in the literature as an important variable.
Store bottles tightly capped, upright, away from direct sunlight and heat. Stored properly, essential oils generally remain usable for 1-3 years depending on the type. Citrus oils oxidize fastest; clove bud and eucalyptus are more stable.
No. Olfactory training is a behavioral practice, not a prescription medication or medical device. The Olfactory Training Kit is available for direct purchase.
Published olfactory training studies have generally not specifically enrolled pregnant participants. Essential oils have known safety considerations during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare provider before beginning essential oil use, including olfactory training.
The kit is designed for adult use, and published research has been conducted primarily in adults. Parents considering olfactory training for a child should discuss with a pediatrician or ENT specialist, as essential oil exposure has specific considerations in children.
Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is the industry-standard analytical method for essential oils. It verifies the chemical identity of the oil, confirms it has not been diluted with carrier oils or synthetic compounds, and identifies the concentration of key odorant molecules.
Several published studies have examined olfactory training alongside other interventions. A healthcare provider — particularly an ENT specialist — can advise on whether to combine approaches in a specific 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 with a daily Mon–Sun grid, an everyday-smells check-in, and a 12-week assessment. Download the training logbook.