Smelling Salts
What Are Smelling Salts?
Smelling salts are ammonia-based inhalants designed to stimulate alertness, enhance focus, and increase wakefulness. Traditionally used in medical settings to revive individuals from fainting, these powerful aromatics have become a go-to stimulant for athletes needing an instant mental jolt before heavy lifts. Whether you’re training in the gym, powerlifting, weightlifting, or competing at the highest level, smelling salts help activate the nervous system and heighten awareness, preparing you for maximum intensity and explosive effort.
What Do Smelling Salts Do?
When inhaled, smelling salts irritate the nasal passages, triggering an involuntary inhalation reflex that increases breathing rate and oxygen intake. This response stimulates the autonomic nervous system, leading to heightened alertness and mental focus. Commonly used by powerlifters, weightlifters, and strength athletes, smelling salts provide a psychological edge, helping lifters mentally prepare for heavy lifts, deadlifts, squats, and competitive performances. While they do not increase physical strength, they can sharpen reaction time, intensify focus, and override momentary fatigue, making them a valuable tool for maximising effort in high-stakes lifts.
Purchase Smelling Salts at Australian Sports Nutrition
At Australian Sports Nutrition (ASN), we stock smelling salts designed for athletes who demand peak mental performance. Whether you’re prepping for a record-breaking squat, an intense bench press, or an all-out deadlift, our range of smelling salts can help you stay sharp, lift with confidence, and maximise mental intensity. Explore our full range of smelling salts and sports clothing and accessories to find the gear that keeps you performing at your best. If your focus is on muscle growth and performance, check out our Muscle & Performance collection to support your training from every angle.
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Smelling Salts FAQs
Are smelling salts bad for you?
Smelling salts are safe when used correctly and in moderation. They provide a short-term stimulant effect by increasing alertness and breathing rate but should not be overused, as excessive exposure to ammonia fumes can cause nasal irritation or discomfort.
Are smelling salts a drug?
No, smelling salts are not classified as a drug. They are ammonia-based inhalants that work by triggering a natural physiological response to increase alertness and focu
Are smelling salts legal in Australia?
Yes, smelling salts are completely legal in Australia and widely used in powerlifting, weightlifting, and other strength sports to help athletes mentally prepare for high-intensity lifts.
What are smelling salts made of?
Smelling salts typically contain ammonium carbonate and water, which release ammonia gas when activated. Some formulations use ammonia in solution rather than ammonium carbonate, but both variations serve the same purpose of stimulating wakefulness and focus before intense exertion.