Smelling Salts

You've probably seen athletes snap a small packet under their nose and take a deep breath before a big play. What's that all about? They're using smelling salts, a centuries-old remedy that's making a modern comeback. Smelling salts aren't your everyday table salt. They're a blend of ammonium carbonate known to jolt the senses and sharpen focus. But there's more to these nose-awakening compounds than meets the eye. If you're thinking about smelling salts - here's what you need to know: What are Smelling Salts? Smelling salts, often considered a relic of Victorian-era medicine, pack quite a punch. Despite their name, they're usually not salts at all. In essence, they are a blend of ammonium carbonate and perfume sealed within a container. When someone breaks or opens the container, it releases ammonia gas that triggers an inhalation reflex by irritating the membranes of the nose and lungs. This reaction to a sudden rush of ammonia gas is what may jolt the senses, typically resulting in