Are There Dangers to Smelling Salts? Why You Should Avoid Ammonia Inhalants

Get gains and crush your sports goals without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.

Don’t use smelling salts for working out or sports. Smelling salts are ammonia-based inhalants that are often used to revive individuals who have fainted or to provide a quick energy boost for athletes. The ammonia in smelling salts can irritate and even chemically burn the nasal passages and respiratory system. Need a boost of energy without smelling salts? Read on for alternatives to ammonia inhalants so you can reach peak performance. 

How Do Smelling Salts Work?

You may have noticed athletes during game time or fellow fitness enthusiasts huffing vials or pouches. These are smelling salts, an ammonia-based inhalant known to give a temporary boost of energy. Here’s how they work. 

When a person inhales smelling salts, the ammonia gas irritates the membranes of the nose and lungs. This irritation triggers an inhalation reflex, causing the person to take a sudden, deep breath [1]. 

The respiratory system responds by increasing the breathing rate and depth.  As a result, people who huff smelling salts experience an increase in heart rate and blood pressure [2].

These shifts then result in a quick surge of oxygen to the brain. This influx of oxygen is credited for a heightened sense of awareness and improved focus. 

The effects of smelling salts are almost immediate, typically occurring within 15 seconds of inhalation. This increased blood flow to the brain can help revive someone who has fainted or is feeling lightheaded. 

While smelling salts can cause a temporary boost in alertness, there's limited scientific evidence supporting their use for enhancing athletic performance. The ingredients in smelling salts could have some negative health effects. Let’s take a closer look! 

What’s In Smelling Salts?

Smelling salts typically contain:

• Ammonia-based compounds (ammonium carbonate ((NH4)2CO3))
• Alcohol
• Water
• May contain fragrance

Smelling salts are primarily composed of ammonia-based compounds, with the most common active ingredient being ammonium carbonate ((NH4)2CO3) [3]. Ammonium carbonate releases ammonia gas when exposed to air, which is what athletes inhale when using smelling salts. 

Alcohol is also typically added to smelling salts. It helps disperse the ammonia more effectively, acts as a preservative, and can help mask the strong ammonia odor.

However, alcohol can also cause reactions with other chemicals, including those in smelling salt packaging. This can cause the smelling salts to become contaminated with harmful chemicals. 

Since smelling salts enter through the nasal passageway, it makes sense that manufacturers would want smelling salts to smell better than ammonia. Therefore, smelling salts could also contain fragrances and essential oils. 

Many fragrances contain various phthalates. These chemicals are known to disrupt hormones, which can impact health and fertility [4]. 

Lastly, these ammonia inhalants usually contain water to dilute the ammonia. Water also helps control the release rate of ammonia gas when the salts are activated. Since water is prone to mold growth, many smelling salts contain preservatives.

Do Smelling Salts Actually Work for Energy?

While smelling salts have a long history and are sometimes used by athletes or in medical settings, they're not actually a reliable or recommended method for boosting energy in everyday life. 

Despite their strong scent and the temporary jolt they might provide, there's no scientific evidence that they increase energy levels or prevent fatigue in the long run. In fact, any perceived energy boost is likely just a short-lived reaction to the ammonia fumes or a placebo effect [5].

Instead of reaching for smelling salts when you're feeling low on energy, it's best to focus on more sustainable and health-promoting practices, which we’ll get to in a bit. But first, let’s examine the potential health effects of using smelling salts. 

Smelling Salts Side Effects

Smelling salts were invented as a remedy for fainting and to revive people from unconsciousness. Their origins can be traced back to ancient times, but they became particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

They were particularly used in the Victorian era for women who had “fallen prey to fainting fits [6].” Today, smelling salts are being used by athletes who want a burst of energy and focus. 

While these are the wanted effects of smelling salts, there may be some hidden unwanted effects caused by huffing these chemicals. 

The most common immediate side effects include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Throat irritation

Some people may experience headaches, nausea, or dizziness after inhaling smelling salts. In rare cases, individuals might have an allergic reaction, leading to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or skin rashes.

These temporary effects are caused by the ammonia fumes. However, more severe side effects can occur with prolonged or improper use of smelling salts. 

The ammonia in smelling salts can cause chemical burns to the inside of the nose, especially if held too close or used too frequently. In very high doses or with extended exposure, ammonia could cause permanent damage to the nasal passages, airways, or lungs. There's also a risk of exacerbating existing respiratory conditions like asthma or emphysema.

It's important to note that smelling salts can mask symptoms of more severe injuries, particularly in sports settings. Athletes using smelling salts to "shake off" a potential concussion or other head injury may be putting themselves at risk of further harm by continuing to play without proper medical evaluation. 

Additionally, the sudden inhalation reflex triggered by smelling salts can cause a person to jerk their head back quickly, which could potentially worsen a neck or spinal injury if one is present [7]. 

Take a whiff of delicious meals or fresh-cut flowers. Stay away from sniffing smelling salts.

What to Do Instead of Smelling Salts 

Need to cultivate some energy naturally? While smelling salts give a quick burst of energy, their effects could wear off quickly. Don’t put yourself at risk of chemical burns or respiratory problems for fleeting energy. 

Try these tips for quick energy bursts without using smelling salts:

• Dance it out: Listen to upbeat music. Energizing tunes can provide a mental and physical boost.
• Splish splash with cold water: Splashing cold water on your face or pouring ice water over your head can provide an instant wake-up effect.
• Rehydrate: Dehydration can drain your energy reserves. Add a squeeze of organic lemon for added electrolytes.
• Get the heart rate going: A short burst of physical activity, like jumping jacks or a brisk walk, can increase alertness and energy levels.
• Grab a snack: Eating a small snack with complex carbohydrates and protein can provide a quick energy boost.

How to Nurture Sustained Energy

Don’t go for the quick fix. Play the long game! Create sustained energy that will keep you going through your workout, practice, or competition,

Try these alternatives to smelling salts to increase energy levels naturally:

• Get your beauty rest:  Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to feel refreshed and energized.
• Drink up: Stay hydrated by drinking 11-16 cups of filtered water every day. Keep it cool by using a stainless steel reusable water bottle. 
• Chow down balanced meals: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats for sustained energy. Eat some fruits, vegetables, and other simple sugars to keep the energy going!
• Stay mindful: Practice deep breathing or meditation. These techniques can help reduce stress and increase alertness.
• Keep up with your fitness: Physical activity boosts energy levels and improves overall fitness.
• Seek out the sun: Natural light exposure can help regulate your body's circadian rhythm, which could aid in sustaining energy.

Are Smelling Salts Bad for You?

While the allure of a quick energy boost is understandable, especially in our fast-paced world, it's essential to approach smelling salts with caution. Experiencing headaches, respiratory irritation, and the risk of more severe reactions outweigh the temporary benefits of smelling salts. Cultivate energy naturally by establishing a consistent sleep routine, maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and staying hydrated throughout the day. By nourishing your body and tending to it, you can achieve lasting energy that’s healthier for your body than smelling salts. 

Resources

[1] https://www.livescience.com/how-do-smelling-salts-work 
[2] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/smelling-salts 
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2579444/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10718297/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28922211/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2579444/
[7] https://health.uconn.edu/orthopedics-sports-medicine/2018/02/27/improper-use-of-smelling-salts-a-growing-concern/