What are smelling salts for gym made of?
Smelling salts are typically a combination of diluted ammonia, water, and ethanol. They may also be a mixture of ammonium carbonate and perfume. Both solutions offer a physical stimulant.
Smelling salts are a centuries-old folk remedy for fainting. Going back to the 13th century at least, ammonia — the active ingredient in smelling salts — has been a key component of the doctor's medicine bag.
The amount of ammonia gas that smelling salts produce is so minuscule, that no adverse effects from using them have been reported in the scientific literature. However, because smelling salts irritate the nostrils and lungs, you likely shouldn't use them every time you lift or practice your sport.
Sniffing ammonia, through a single-use ammonia capsule or smelling salts, is done right before a heavy lift to trigger the release of adrenaline, which for many lifters is reported to improve their alertness, focus, performance and potentially reduce lightheadedness and feelings of pain.
Smelling salts are used to arouse consciousness because the release of ammonia (NH3) gas that accompanies their use irritates the membranes of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers an inhalation reflex. This reflex alters the pattern of breathing, resulting in improved respiratory flow rates and possibly alertness.
Blend 20 drops total of essential oils as directed, and pour them onto one tablespoon of coarse mineral salt, such as Epsom salt. Transfer into a small vial and sniff as needed. Barrett recommends keeping a bottle of this everyday blend in your jacket pocket—and taking a whiff just as you cast your ballot in the booth.
How can I use them safely? In the United States, smelling salts are legal to use and approved for reviving someone who has fainted. They haven't been approved for athletic performance or other uses, so exercise caution if you're using them for anything other than a fainting remedy.
Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation.
Powerlifters, heavy weightlifters, and even professional football players are well known for sniffing ammonia. The specific type of ammonia that they sniff is a powder version that we have come to call smelling salts. The ammonia gas gets turned into a powder form and then gets put into capsules.
Inhalation: Ammonia is irritating and corrosive. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. This can cause bronchiolar and alveolar edema, and airway destruction resulting in respiratory distress or failure.
