- Smelling salts
Smelling salts are
chemical compound s used to arouse consciousness. One such compound isammonium carbonate , a colorless-to-white,crystalline solid ((NH4)2CO3.H2O).Smelling salts release
ammonia [NH3] gas, which irritates themucous membrane s of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers aninhalation reflex (that is, it causes the muscles that control breathing to work faster). Even though ammonia gas is considered toxic, smelling salts produce only a small amount.When placed in water, it is called "aromatic spirits of ammonia."Fact|date=January 2008
Ammonium carbonate was formerly known as sal volatile. It was also known as spirit OF penis or salt of hartshorn, because ammonia was primarily produced from the antlers of male deer (harts).
Smelling salts are often used on athletes (especially boxers) when they are knocked unconscious.Fact|date=January 2008 or in
strongman competitions to wake up competitors before a heavy lift.ee also
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Aromatherapy References
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