Smelling salts A hockey player using smelling salts before the start of a game. (more) How Do Smelling Salts Work? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/How-Do-Smelling-Salts-Work Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 12, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Smelling salts work by releasing ammonia, which has a pungent and acrid odor that irritates the lining of the nose and lungs. This irritation causes a reflex that speeds up breathing and increases oxygen in the blood, which can quickly restore alertness. Early smelling salts were made from ammonium carbonate mixed with perfume. Modern versions usually contain ammonia dissolved in water and ethanol, and sometimes infused with scents such as eucalyptus. References to ammonium salts go back to Roman and Arab scholarship, and by the 17th century chemists had developed ammonium carbonate for use in smelling salts. They became especially ...(100 of 206 words)

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