Smelling Salts

Smelling Salts are a combination of ammonium carbonate and perfume which is often used to restore someone's alertness and to stimulate one's senses. Smelling Salts are also often referred to as ammonia inhalants or amonia salts.  Bodybuilders and athletes often use smelling salts for their stimulating effects and to trigger a sharp inhalation reflex causing them to bring in more air and oxygen which can result in improved alertness. If you've ever watched sports or television and saw a paramedic or team coach crack a stick under an unconcious persons nose to bring them back to alertness, this was a smelling salt.