There is surprisingly little information on the Internet about the use of aromatic salts (ammonia inhalants) as a tool for waking up in the morning. Fragrant salts have revived people for hundreds of years, but there's no need to smell something unpleasant. Place a bottle of pleasantly smelling essential oil, such as orange, grapefruit or mint, next to your bed to inhale it to get out of a state of lightheadedness. Aromatic salts (ammonium carbonate) have been used at least since the 17th century to revive a patient after fainting.
They work because ammonia gas irritates the lungs and triggers an inhalation reflex, which alters breathing patterns and raises blood oxygen levels. There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate the safety or efficacy of aromatic salts for any of these uses. While aromatic salts have no recorded negative effects, their addictive use as a sports stimulus could be dangerous and open the door to substance abuse in the future. Aromatic salts are usually a dilute ammonia solution, while poppers are a broad term for inhalable alkyl nitrates.
Weightlifters and other athletes use aromatic salts to get an adrenaline rush before high-intensity activities. The penetrating vapors of ammonia can burn the membranes of the nasal passages, but this would require frequent and intensive use of aromatic salts. The use of aromatic salts to treat a concussion or similar head injury has immediate benefits, but can complicate subsequent treatment. However, nowadays, athletes looking to improve their performance sometimes use aromatic salts for their stimulating effect.
An athlete may lose consciousness due to a head injury or experience a “cloudy mind” due to a head injury, and aromatic salts can be used as temporary self-treatment. However, some people may use aromatic salts through other means, such as improving athletic performance and increasing alertness. They were often used to prevent or remedy fainting, but aromatic salts have gone out of fashion in most medical circles. If aromatic salts get into your eyes, rinse them gently with water and contact the poison control center, doctor, or emergency room.
Most people who need exposure to aromatic salts are only exposed once or several times throughout their lives. It's only legal in the United States for a person to use aromatic salts to help someone regain consciousness after fainting. Although they have ceased to be in common use, athletes have started using aromatic salts to improve their sports performance. This indicates that aromatic salts may offer a placebo effect, giving people confidence that their performance is increasing.
