One of the most used ergogenic aids in sports today is ammonia inhalants, better known as smelling salts. In fact, smelling salts for athletes have exploded in popularity before lifts, sprints, or high-intensity tasks. Wayne Gretzky used them, 80% of NFL players still do, and we’re seeing more and more lifters take a quick whiff before a big attempt. The appeal is obvious: a fast, adrenaline-like surge that feels like a wake-up call. But what’s really happening inside your body, and do they actually make you stronger?

A Quick History

Smelling salts have been around for centuries, originally used to revive fainting individuals.

• “Salt of hartshorn” came from the 17th-century extraction of ammonia from deer antlers and hooves.
• By the Victorian era, people carried smelling salts to prevent fainting spells, long before gyms or tactical performance existed.

How Smelling Salts for Athletes Work

When you inhale ammonia:

• Ammonia gas irritates the nasal and lung membranes.
• This stimulates the trigeminal nerve, not the olfactory nerve.

Why does that matter?

• The olfactory nerve handles smell—“this smells strong.”
• The trigeminal nerve handles irritation—“This is intense, react now.”

That irritation triggers an involuntary reflex that:

• Sharpens inhalation
• Activates the sympathetic nervous system
• Boosts heart rate, breathing rate, and alertness

The result: a fast, sharp jolt of arousal that feels like an adrenaline spike.

The Science: When Smelling Salts Might Help

1. Repeated High-Intensity Bouts

Research shows slight performance benefits during repeated sprint efforts or high-intensity intervals. The sharp sensory jolt helps maintain focus and neuromuscular drive when fatigue begins to set in.

Smelling salts help you push through fatigue they don’t make you stronger. However, you could reasonably argue that if an athlete can extend effort deeper into fatigue and recover well afterward, the accumulated training stimulus may contribute to greater long-term gains.

2. Single Max Efforts

Before a heavy lift or a single sprint?

No performance increase.

Studies show no meaningful difference in 1RM or reps compared to placebo.

Why?

During a max effort lift or one time sprint, your nervous system is already near max output. The “boost” you feel is mostly psychological.

Are Smelling Salts Safe?

Here’s the breakdown:

Short-Term Use: Generally Safe (for healthy individuals)

When used sparingly, smelling salts are not considered dangerous. Athletes have safely used them for decades, and medical literature indicates low risk when exposure is brief and infrequent.

Potential Risks:

• Airway irritation (burning sensation, coughing, watery eyes)
• Headaches or dizziness from sudden overstimulation
• Dependence on the psychological “jolt” instead of proper arousal strategies
• Worsening of asthma or respiratory conditions
• Too-close exposure can cause chemical burns to mucous membranes

Who Should Avoid Them:

• Athletes with asthma
• Anyone with respiratory conditions
• Individuals prone to migraines
• Youth athletes (due to unnecessary overstimulation)

The Big Safety Rule:

Use at a distance (6–12 inches), not directly under the nose.
Closer isn’t better,it’s just riskier.

Bottom Line

Smelling salts don’t make you stronger.
They don’t boost max performance.
They won’t add pounds to your squat.

But they can give you a momentary psychological edge (learn more about the nervous system here), especially during repeated high-intensity bouts when fatigue sets in.

Use them sparingly, safely, and with realistic expectations.

FAQ Section

1. Do smelling salts actually increase strength?

No. Studies show no improvement in 1RM or single-effort performance. The sensation feels intense, but the effect is psychological, not a true strength boost.

2. Are smelling salts for athletes safe to use?

Generally, yes, if used sparingly and from a safe distance. Overuse or close inhalation can irritate the airways, trigger headaches, or worsen respiratory conditions.

3. Why do athletes use smelling salts before lifting?

They create a fast spike in alertness by irritating the trigeminal nerve, triggering a brief fight-or-flight response. This can help athletes focus or push through fatigue but doesn’t directly enhance strength.

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Author:

Dr. Dillon Caswell, PT, DPT, SCS

Doctor of Physical Therapy | Board Certified Sports Specialist

Hope Evangelist | Top-Selling Author & Speaker | Human Performance Expert