Flavored IV fluids

Generally, we taste things external to the tongue. However, it is clearly possible for the taste receptors to respond to stimuli that have nothing to do with what is in the mouth. Garlic breath, for example, involves molecules produced fron digestion which circulate in the blood. Likewise alcohol. It can be tough to distinguish the lingering taste of something you have eaten and persistent in the mouth from something you have in your blood. I recall various efforts to toothbrush away flavored schnapps. Although these things are perceived as tastes, many must be smells given the limited repetoire of taste buds.

If this is the case, one could cut the mouith out of the loop. I propose that flavorants be added to IV fluid. One could then taste without using the mouth. This would add some variety for people who have had surgery and cannot eat. Some people live on food by vein and this would liven things up for them as well.

This approach might have unforseen benefits. It may well be that there are taste receptors elsewhere in the body used by the body for purposes other than food choice. Example: sweet taste receptors in the lung. Maybe this accounts for some health effects of strongly flavored herbs / foods?