Smelling salts, which combine ammonium carbonate and perfume, are generally safe when used as directed, but they can cause side effects and irritate the respiratory system. They are used to restore or stimulate the senses and are commonly used for both medical and non-medical purposes. They are often used to energize athletes and treat minor sprains and bruises. However, they can cause a whiplash effect on the cervical spine, exacerbate an underlying injury.
Rite Aid Epsom Salt is a multi-purpose soaking solution and saline laxative that can be ordered for $7 for 10 through Grainger and shipped to the store for pickup. However, they are about $10 more expensive and only work good for the first few minutes. They are also effective against boils, insect bites, and other skin irritations.
Smelling salts are ammonia inhalants that can be bought over the counter to treat and prevent fainting. However, the FDA has not approved their use. It is important to only use smelling salts to help a person regain consciousness and avoid overusing them.
In conclusion, smelling salts are generally safe when used as directed, but overuse can lead to serious issues such as breathing difficulties and irreversible lung damage. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using these salts for short-term use.
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Are smelling salts legal in the UK?
Smelling salts, also known as “aromatic spirits of ammonia”, are diluted ammonia dissolved in water and ethanol. They are legal in the United States and the UK for treating head colds, but more potent formulations are available for athletes in sports. However, usage is not recommended for those under 18. The potential risks of prolonged use are uncertain, and it is advised to avoid excessive use or holding the salt container too close to the nose.
Smelling salts have been used since the 13th century for medicinal purposes, but their popularity has declined in most medical fields. Despite this, they are still available for personal purchase without a prescription. The surge in popularity of smelling salts can be attributed to their quick and intense method of enhancing sports performance, providing athletes with a boost of alertness and energy.
The visibility of smelling salts on social media and popular culture has also contributed to their rise, with videos and images of athletes using them circulating widely, sparking curiosity and interest.
Are smelling salts illegal in the UK?
Smelling salts, a medicinal resource dating back to the 13th century, have gained popularity in various contexts, including sports, entertainment, and wellness. They are legal in the United States and the UK for treating head colds, but more potent formulations are available for athletes in sports. However, usage is not recommended for those under 18 years old. The consequences of prolonged use are uncertain, and it is advisable to avoid excessive use or holding the salt container too close to the nose.
Prolonged exposure could potentially harm the upper respiratory tract and lungs, leading to allergic reactions. The surge in popularity of smelling salts can be attributed to their quick and intense method of enhancing sports performance, providing athletes with a rapid boost of alertness and energy. The visibility of smelling salts on social media platforms and popular culture has also contributed to their rise.
Do pharmacies sell smelling salts?
Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, are low-concentrated ammonia-based products used to help people regain consciousness after fainting. They come in packets, capsules, or liquid form and are commonly purchased over-the-counter in pharmacies. When inhaled, the chemicals in smelling salts cause a change in breathing pattern, helping people become alert. However, they can cause irritation in the nose and throat and can potentially cause lung damage if inhaled for prolonged periods.
Why do I smell ammonia when I cry?
Stress can cause an ammonia-like odor in your sweat, as the body releases hormones that increase sweating and alter the sweat composition. Managing stress through techniques like yoga, meditation, and rest can help keep your sweat fresh. An ammonia odor may indicate a need to adjust habits, such as adjusting meat intake, managing stress, or addressing hyperhidrosis. Understanding the cause helps make changes that benefit your well-being and keep you smelling fresh.
Why does my boyfriend smell like ammonia?
The odor of sweat may be perceived as ammonia-like due to the presence of high protein diets, exercise, or underlying health conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes. The function of sweat is to facilitate the transfer of body heat to the surface of the skin, where it is subsequently evaporated. This process results in a sensation of coolness and a reduction in body temperature. Treatment options include reducing protein intake, engaging in regular exercise, and modifying the environment to minimize the production of sweat-related odors.
Can you still buy smelling salts?
Smelling salts, used since the 13th century for preventing and remedying fainting, have gained a questionable reputation due to their potential overuse and potential side effects. Although they are generally safe when used as directed, they can be purchased over the counter for personal use. Athletes have also begun using smelling salts to boost performance, though the effectiveness of this practice remains unclear.
Why is tiger balm illegal in the UK?
Tiger Balm, a popular skincare product, contains powerful camphor and menthol, which are often mistaken for harmful substances. However, these ingredients are safe and legal in the UK, providing Tiger Balm’s distinctive scent and soothing properties. It’s important to note that Tiger Balm does not contain actual tigers, as some people mistake it for a tiger. Its potent efficacy has made it a popular choice among consumers.
Are smelling salts legal to buy?
Smelling salts are inhaled stimulants that increase breathing and blood flow to the brain, but their use is only legal in the United States for regaining consciousness after fainting. Some professional athletes believe smelling salts can improve athletic performance, but there are concerns about their effects. Despite their history, there is limited research into the effects of smelling salts. For more information on smelling salts, their risks, and uses, read on.
Why does my 5 year old’s breath smell like urine?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious medical condition that can damage the body’s ability to filter out waste, leading to toxins building up inside. Symptoms include ammonia breath, dizziness, swelling in the extremities, nausea, pain in the side or back, and shortness of breath. Treatments for CKD are based on the specific cause, such as alcohol dependency, and may include a low-protein diet and medication to regulate swelling and blood pressure. In children, CKD can be caused by kidney dysfunction, while in adults, it can be influenced by factors like blood pressure or cholesterol problems.
Is it OK to sniff smelling salts?
Smelling salts are chemicals used to revive individuals who have fainted or feel lightheaded and dizzy. They contain concentrated ammonia or ammonium compounds, and some products also contain essential oils. The ammonia-based chemicals have a strong, pungent odor that causes lungs irritation and changes in breathing patterns. Smelling salts are used by inhaling the contents of a capsule or liquid solution, typically held at a distance of 4 to 6 inches from the affected individual’s nose.
The odor is similar to that of many household cleaners and is detectable at low concentrations for most people. However, prolonged inhalation may result in “olfactory fatigue”, a condition where the ability to detect an odor decreases over time. Smelling salts have been used since the 13th century to treat fainting or lightheadedness. When inhaled, the strong odor causes a temporary increase in heart rate and blood flow within the brain, which occurs within 15 seconds of inhalation and subsides within a minute.
Are smelling salts safe for kids?
Smelling salts are frequently employed by athletes at the lower echelons of competition. However, their use is best confined to specific instances, with guidance from a qualified health professional. It is of the utmost importance that coaches, parents, and athletic trainers take on the responsibility of preventing the inappropriate use of smelling salts by young athletes.
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I used smelling salts back in 2014-2016 when I power lifted. I definitely agree that it’s more of a perceived effect then actually helping your performance. I only used it during competitions and I didn’t always lift more than I normally would. Sometimes I did and sometimes I didn’t. But I feel like with enough motivation I would have done the exact same thing I did using the salts. My advice to athletes is just compete hard and stop looking for “an edge”.
Based on personal experience freshman year of high school playing football was waken up twice after getting knocked out. This was 2000 so I guess no one knew what a concussion was at the time but the smelling salts definitely gave me a jolt, and I was back on the field for afternoon practice. Smartly, I was never allowed to play football after that year.
I purchased the salts for driving trucks. Sometimes you feel super tired and can’t stop exactly right where you are at and need that extra 25 30 minutes to get to the next truck stop. I figured I’ll only use them when I absolutely have to if I feel like I’m going to daze off and be upside-down in a ditch if I keep driving. So many small use of them aren’t bad for your health. I mean, better than crashing, I suppose..
Most the players are really just using it to wake themselves up if they’re feeling sluggish, the shock it gives to the body kinda snaps that sluggish feeling out of you sort of like a cold splash of water to the face to wake up. Most players are aware that the perceived enhancements are negligeable but aren’t really using it for that reason.
From my experience the only benefit you will get is during the 3-7 seconds post inhalation. The only practical application for this being used as a performance enhancing substance would be for powerlifting. I never found it beneficial for doing sets of resistance training higher than 3 reps. Although, the first 3 reps after using smelling salts you gain quite an edge. It only works primarily if you are in a state of low arousal to begin with. Definitely wouldn’t work if you’re already feeling anxious. No doubt, these are probably not good for you.
As a medical student and competitive powerlifter, I see both sides here. Use cases may vary, but I’d like to add two points. 1. Since the salts give such a jolt, I suspect they may briefly activate the sympathetic nervous system, which could prove useful for short, intense bouts (lifting, sprinting etc). 2. Anecdotal evidence is still evidence (albeit weaker). Yes, we lack RTCs to tell us some good data, but if so many athletes are flocking to the substance, that’s evidence we can’t ignore. I used to use these a lot in college when we had late-night powerlifting practices before some bigger lifts because I didn’t want to take caffeine so close to my bedtime. I thought it was a good substitute. Food for thought. Results may vary.
Ammonia? Well I can tell you as a chemist that sometimes work with it… that it smells a lot like concentrated Urine and feels like needles in your nose. It’s really not fun to inhale. The hockey players initial reaction is due to it stinging in the nose. And his reaction of wanting to puke is from the strong smell of “urine”. The ammonia is a base and will react with the moist/water in our body. And since our cells has a lot of water in them, inhaling too much will cause corrosive injuries like burns.
In strongman and powerlifting where even just a hard slap on the back is supposed to be a necessity, even just perceived benefit is worth it, and if you are able to sit there and inhale the salts long enough to damage your nasal passage ways then either you have done way way too many smelling salts or the salts you have aren’t strong enough. However it’s not as though it’s wide spread in sports and in many situations like after a hard foul you get up and play regardless, so guys on the bench don’t really do it when they are trying to get some rest either. If the shot you received wobbled you and you get called to the sidelines, it’s to be evaluated not to take a quick rest and get back in there anyway.
I remember when I was a little kid, I asked my grandfather about smelling salts after seeing them in cartoons, and he basically said, “It’s a scam, you’re just waking up because you’re smelling something nasty.” I always just assumed thats’ what it was, and an irritant reaction seems like it would basically be the same thing. I agree at the idea of it being used to mask a concussion is a threat, but I’m just surprised, I guess that people still use them these days at all.
There’s nothing in that article that looked to me like a promotion of smelling salts. To me, someone handed him something, and he sniffed out of curiosity. His reaction didn’t show me anything that I thought would improve his performance. I thought the whole thing just looked like young guys sitting around playing the “smell this” game. I’ve never heard of smelling salts being used to improve performance. I’ve heard of them being used to wake someone, but I had never really been familiar with the mechanism. Now that you’ve explained the mechanism, I see them as being even less valuable. I don’t have a problem with players using oxygen on the bench. I’ve never seen oxygen used in any game except football. If I were a fighter, I’d love to have oxygen in the corner, but maybe that’s not allowed in MMA. Maybe there’s even a reason why using oxygen would be dangerous. I’m no athlete, and I have additional health problems. I’ve tried numerous prescription drugs to try to help myself. I was pushing stimulants pretty hard at the end of my time working in an effort just to be able to go to work and be an engineer. The stimulants weren’t helping me, and my doctor told me that what I was taking was one step below cocaine. Maybe he just thought that would give me a placebo effect. Once the stimulants failed to keep me energetic enough to maintain my career, I quit trying to take them. I have occasionally carried those “Boost” oxygen bottles in the car for long trips. When I feel a little sleepy but am not close to an exit, I occasionally take a few hits of 95% oxygen.
I’m only familiar with the use in weightlifting sports. I always thought it was something did as part of routine to reset themselves into a certain state of mind and focus. In a sport where you need every literal fiber of your being to be functioning at a high level, it’s no surprise to me such a jarring bodily response aids lifters in feeling like they are the same starting situation each lift. Whether it helps or not, idk, but I would be interested to pull salts-using athletes’ access to them cold turkey and I personally would suspect their performance would dip for the following several times after. And yeah, covering up potential injuries does sound dangerous; any examples?
Rather than to get a boost of oxygen to the brain, my hypothesis would be that it helps to trigger the sympathetic nervous system to get more involve in the game. It’s taken in many sport, but in hockey, an high energy game, it’s not easy to play 82 games in 6-7 mouth with commitment. Everything to get an edge. Great article and topic! I’m just trowing cards on the board here.
I’ve been involved with powerlifting for a long time so smelling salts are always around, either the one time use packets or the bottled version. I’ve used them sparingly just to try to get hyped up on a max lift or when I’m not really into training. Sometimes just to mess around when we’re having fun in the gym. One time I got a brand new bottle of Nose Tork and was opening it to go to the gym. My son was 7 at the time and asked me what they were because I had just sniffed it to see how strong it was. I told him it smelled like a watermelon jolly rancher. He literally shoved his nose right into a BRAND NEW BOTTLE and took the biggest sniff I’ve literally seen anyone do. He immediately projectile vomited all over the kitchen floor and started hysterically crying and screaming “DADDY IS TRYING TO KILL ME!!”. Needless to say my wife was less than hospitable about the situation. He still remembers it at 15 and he’s told all my lifting buddies about it at the gym. We always laugh about it. Good times.
rather than a physiological benefit it seems like the salts cause an adrenaline rush. the natural instinct to get away from a noxious chemical triggers the flight or fight reaction and its that that provides the short term burst of extra strength. this is however balanced by increased mucus production and tear production, potentially limiting visual acuity and aerobic respiration. this is why it seems plausible for powerlifters to use as they do not require high visual acuity or aerobic respiration, but would be more detrimental in ice hockey or baseball.
Honestly, I have played a bunch of sport and I cannot see how smelling salts really help an athlete when there is a requirement for sustained performance (e.g hockey). However, as I am not re-entering the foray of powerlifting after a massive hiatus, I have found that smelling salts focused me and gave me that that momentary slap in the face. I tend to prefer higher states of arousal to perform on the powerlifting platform (probably more than most). Smelling salts are something that help me achieve this state. in saying that, I will RARELY use smelling salts and it’s only used when I am aiming to pull a max lift in a competition (I.e I have absolutely zero left in the tank). I try not to rely on higher states of arousal for training because that burns me out.
These are top athletes who will grasp at straws to improve their performance. Sure, smelling salts could probably be replaced to some degree by something like ginger shots or snorting mustard, but that’s not as impactful or practical. The science always lags behind experience/bro-science because there isn’t always sufficient interest or funding to collect scientific data on everything. There are processes we don’t understand and take decades to explain with science. That’s why only relying on science for sports can be suboptimal.
Counterargument. unsure if its smart to do during sports. Ok. Swallow air. keep it down. Half an hour later or so… maybe sooner or later, you will fart out the air you swallowed. Thus… maybe some players have really bad gas, or they swallowed some air on purpose… hmmm… this makes me want to watch hockey games from 1992-1999… when I actually liked perusal hockey. I do not seem to recall smelling salts… but I will research it… … so, I will agree… for now, cause it seems like a modern fad… they could eat spicy food? or… Taking a breath… on purpose! Going A-U-M. … etc. yeah, it looks silly, I am disappointed that it is just ammonia… I was hoping it was more interesting or varied than that. s
At this point in humanity I honestly believe if Tom Brady smashed his groin with a hammer and went on to win The Super Bowl that companies would capitalize on that and start selling “Performance Enhancing Hammers”… AND would profit (meaning they’d actually sell enough to cover manufacturing costs and move into the black) and YouTube would suddenly have many “influencers” trying the same.
ya’ll are taking it out of context, as an athlete. it’s not a perfmance enhancer per say, it’s more like if I have to study all night you can take something to be stimulated. you aren’t necessarily better, but you’re a smidge more alert which leads to better reactions, although you should always be ready to react on sports lol idk. but its certainly a step above a placebo, but not totally medicine lol
Brain you know this has been in sports since….. Idk when. I didn’t use them when playing in highschool to get the performance. It cleared my sinus like nothing else. My nose has always run when i’m in public. I no clue why. At home im fine. The second im out my nose is stuffy and runny. I tried all the nose sprays (Made me anxious as a kid, I use them now tho) and tried other allergy med’s. Nothing fully works. They work for like a day then stop. And people who use these all the time lose the “WOW” effect. I think they just get this placebo of a real effect.
Doing smelling salts will really only give a person maybe one good lung-full of air – air contaminated with a bit of ammonia gas. So, folks, I ask you, how is a single somewhat larger lungful of air going to possibly help you achieve a higher lever of anything? It’s a one-timer. What’s an athlete’s normal respiration rate while they are playing hard? And, as Dr. Sutterer points out, there are real downsides. I’m a chemist. What happens when NH3 gas contacts water is an equilibrium is set up forming measurable amounts of hydroxide ion (OH-). That’s the same ion that’s the one that imparts the activity of caustic soda (NaOH), one of the strongest inorganic bases. And, take note, ammonium hydroxide solutions are used in cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces. It’s really something to avoid since there are way more downsides vs. upsides.
It’s scientifically increases your alertness. Been able to be more alert would increase performance. Are you following? So how would you possibly think smelling salt? Don’t increase your alertness? Is alertness not good in sports? This Hass to be a Clickbait article. Just trying to get people to argue with you. And apparently it’s dangerous? Pretty sure Water is dangerous too if you drink too much. Of course it can be dangerous. It’s a chemical design for adults and it should have a warning label on it. But that doesn’t mean adults shouldn’t be able to use it. And for every study you have that you can use cherry pick your opinion I promise you I can find 10 other studies that proves you wrong
Do you have absolutely any data that smelling salts would cover up a concussion? Youve sighted nothing, other than an opinion. You said that it can increase blood flow and oxygen temporarily…tell me how that would not help someone lift more weight, or perform better. Or play a shift in hockey, which is less than 2 minutes. Side. Note you seem to have a clear disdain for athlete’s. “They always want to push things to the limit.” You wouldn’t understand. You’ve never dedicated your life to a sport, that’s painfully obvious.
Your opening statement is ridiculous. Smelling salts arent for an advantage, its to wake your body up.. playing extremely physical sports is extremely tiring. I dont bother myself, but im extremely shattered when playing sports.. to the point I don’t really compete when tired. I have tried other peoples smelling salts and its shot me awake yo the point I was awake ebough to perform.. no extra strength or endurance, just more awake.
To my understanding, nasal spray is illegal and seen as doping. Since you cant use that, you have to go for something that is legal… and if this is legal, then its a viable option. Being able to breathe better then your opponent is a game-changer. UFC combatant Dricus du Plessis went from mediocre to Champion by getting more air in to his system.
As a world-class strength and conditioning coach and nutritionist I have to say: it’s about fucking time someone addressed this. Just some trend a bunch of bros popularised to make some money and get views. Dr. S is being very kind in favor of smelling salts here and kudos for as neutral a take as possible, but don’t waste your money, time and health on this useless trend.
Id never use smelling salts, but I feel like he’s being hyperbolic about the risks. All of what he said is true, but I just think that the actual incidence of the negative outcomes is pretty low. Also there’s bs about oxygen flow or whatever but the actual benefit people use them for is to get their adrenaline going, which it absolutely does, so if that’s what you want it’s nasty but effective.
I think a lot of the people that are using them are using them before they lift helping opening up the nasal passages allows you to breathe better and being able to breathe is key for working out. Let alone doing rep sets… It can also be used to jolt yourself awake if feeling a little drowsy… But I’m a firm believer and using too much of anything can be bad for you everything in moderation!
We had to take a chemistry class when I was in high school so one day our teacher had us mix smelling salts. So it said on the sheet to smell the ingredients before the one had a little smell and the other had no smell so it said to mix the two ingredients and sniff it so I took a huge whiff it hurt quite a bit it made my heart race for a while
This tiny girly man has no idea why people use these. I value his medical opinion on, and he makes a point on why they may not be conducive for waking someone up. However, these are used because they hurt. That’s all, pain leads to alertness and an adrenal response that’s it. Look out strong man and power lifters smelling salts, slapped on back lift 3-5x Dr. Sutterer’s weight.
Honestly I just tried it for the first time recently and I feel like either my sense of smell is just completely desensitized from years of being around chemicals, paint, smoke, etc or these ppl jerking their head back are just being dramatic. Lol. I literally have to take a huge sniff to get anything close to that effect and in terms of performance enhancement, it’s meh at best. I’ll just stick to sarms, steroids and meth lmao
It’s fun to try. Maybe doing it 3 or so times. But after that your good. At least most people have no need or want to do it again. Fake lifters and other athletes that do it often are simply addicted. I’d use a real narcotic but there are some people addicted to eating toilet paper so, I guess you can be addicted too anything.
It’s good to practice getting into an optimal state without any type of artificial pump up. The same goes for people who need to crank heavy metal music and stomp around the gym before a lift, eventually you’re just going to get used to it and it’s not going to work anymore so you might as well learn to get yourself in the right state of mind without that kind of artificial boost
You have to be out of your mind and never played a sport in your entire life! Let me paint the picture. Imagine you’re in a office meeting that’s extremely boring you’re tired and you keep dozing off when you should be taking notes. It’s an important meeting. Do you think if you sniff smelling salts in that moment, it would wake you up and make you more alert? Just because you’re playing hockey, football or baseball doesn’t mean you don’t get fatigued and tired enough to start zoning out where your body wants to go to sleep. Smelling salt simply snap you out of that state. Has somebody that’s played multiple sports tournaments stayed up late had a game the next day you on both sides of the ball, offense and defense. This would happen very regularly. Smelling salts very easily snap you out of that state. So explain to me how that’s not beneficial? The floor is yours.
i was playing hockey a few yrs back and there had to be 15-20 opened smelling salts packages on the bench and wall and I KNOW the guys I was playing with were not using them…only thing I figured was some high school teams or travel squads were using them….either a lot of kids were fighting off concussions or they read something where this might help performance
I would LOVE to see you break down a movie or TV show injury…something even unrealistic or deadly. I know you specialize in sports, but I’m perusal Barry on HBO right now, and can’t help but think of your medical analysis of S2E5 when Barry is getting his ass kicked. Just a thought 👍 Thanks, love your website!
The other thing people don’t realize is that any metabolic effects are going to be extremely short lived. By the time he gets on the ice any benefit he would see would wear off. An athletes body is going to be very good about adjusting to stresses, they do it all the time. But we all know how superstitious athletes are and this is going to be one thing that won’t go away.
Your main criticism of smelling salts boils down to two points. First, the research on whether they actually do anything is sketchy, and second, they could mask other issues. I think these points kinda work against each other. If it can mask other issues, that IS a benefit, because high level athletes are often expected to push through injuries.
I don’t think they’re that bad but I stopped using them and noticed no detriment to my performance in powerlifting. I could maybe see its use best for deadlifting. Or something where there’s no setup, but for a squat or a bench press I have to take too much time to set up so I feel like it just frazzles my brain when I’m trying to do something that’s positionally important and that’s not helpful.
I always doubted about this ammonia salts but i guess they wouldn’t use it at the olympics in weight lifting if there wasn’t a benefit in performance and for that reason I always thought it gave some sort of an adrenaline spike to the very explosive sport. Always love to see your content but this time I feel you didn’t go to the bottom of it, information wise, I still don’t understande why weightlifters still use it today at comps
To be fair tho.. if every player sat out every time they thought they had a “brain injury” the stars the fans came to see would be in the medical tent every other play.. smelling salts wake you out of a daze. granted is it healthy? Ofcourse not.. but competitors arent thinking about they’re health in the heat of the moment & if smelling salts inch them even slightly closer to win, they’ll take that sh*t & jam it right up they’re noggins
Only took smelling salts once in my life. Was warming up for a baseball showcase my junior year of highschool. Was only throwing around mid 70’s at the time. My buddy had smelling salts and it felt like I could take down a entire army by myself. Ending up PRing throwing 83 mph that day when I had only thrown 77 as my best before.