Smelling salts, an almost forgotten remedy designed to revive people after a fainting attack, are enjoying a comeback, thanks to – you guessed it – TikTok.
The traditional inhalant, which offers a temporary but powerful energising kick, has been around since Roman times but has found a new audience in gym-going Gen Zers and teenagers, who’ve seen sports stars – including Premier League stars Jack Grealish and Jordan Pickford – and power lifters using the legal remedy.
British body builder and former World’s Strongest Man, Eddie Hall, has also long been a fan of sniffing salts before a big lift.
Described by some as a ‘slap in the face’ pick-me-up, smelling salts, which often come as either a small bottle or a slim sachet, contain ammonium carbonate, sometimes mixed with a scent for a more appealing fragrance.
Premier League stars are amongst the pro athletes who’ve been spotting sniffing retro remedy smelling salts, which gives what’s been described as an instant ‘slap in the face’ to boost energy
Not quite the packaging Victorians, who loved smelling salts for helping with lightheadedness, might have experienced – smelling salts have been rebranded for a new generation
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford spotted with a little bottle of smelling salts on the pitch in March 2023
The powerful ammonia fumes trigger the body’s inhalation reflex by irritating the nose and lungs, forcing large intakes of breath which clear the airways.
Though they’re not thought to be dangerous, health experts have expressed concerns that long-term use could potentially harm the lungs.
On TikTok, there’s dozens of videos of people showing the bracing effects of trying smelling salts, often in a gym setting.
TikTok has brought smelling salts back into fashion again – but not in the way they were once used, with many content makers pranking people with extreme versions of the salts
In the US, National Football stars – including Makana Henry (pictured) – have also used smelling salts to help them achieve optimum performance
In some viral content, people are challenged not to blink after inhaling the pungent concoction – and rewarded with cash if they can keep their eyes wide open.
Products from websites such as noseslap.com aim claim to be the ‘world’s strongest smelling salts’ – and many of the bottles have powerful modern branding, including names such as ‘Beast’, ‘Hellfire’ and ‘Devil’s Breath’ and are often particularly marketed at power lifters and body builders.
A bottle of 2oz Extreme Hellfire, priced at £15.99 on Amazon, is described as ‘a must for strongmen and powerlifters’, saying ‘big lifts need big kicks’ and warns of ‘extreme potency’.
At the more traditional end of the market, stores including Boots and Superdrug sell a MacKenzies Smelling Salts eucalyptus and ammonia 17ml bottle for £9.50.
The product is advertised as being designed to ‘relieve catarrh & head colds’ – and has been spotted on Premier League pitches for many a season.
Jack Grealish, Jordan Pickford, John Terry and Aaron Ramsdale are amongst the footballing stars who’ve been spotted inhaling during a match.
In the 18th and 19th century, people would regularly carry smelling salts as an instant reviver if they were prone to lightheadedness; in more recent decades – including during the First and Second World Wars – they’ve been used to help people following attacks of fainting.
The ammonium-based remedy has been around since Roman times and was often used to help revive women who fainted
In the US, National Football League players have long had an affection for salts, and are often seen inhaling between plays.
Last year, a report in ESPN: The Magazine estimated that as many as 80 per cent of NFL players partake in the craze.
Retired superstar quarterback Tom Brady admitted in a previous radio interview: ‘We all do it.’
So what are the potential health risks to using it regularly as a pep up?
Dr Laura Geige a medical doctor and psychologist, told MailOnline there are ‘multifaceted implications’ to regular use.
She explains: ‘Firstly, respiratory health is a major concern. Smelling salts work by releasing ammonia gas, which irritates the mucous membranes in the nose and lungs. This irritation induces a reflexive inhalation, increasing respiratory rate and alertness.
British bodybuilder Eddie Hall is a former World Strongest Man and frequently uses smelling salts ahead of lifting heavy weights. However, smelling salts shouldn’t be viewed as a quick fix, says Dr Laura Geige – saying there could be ‘multifacted complications’ for users
‘While occasional use might not cause long-term damage, repeated exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems such as inflammation, bronchospasm, and potentially, long-term damage to the nasal passages and lungs. This risk is particularly heightened for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.’
She adds: ‘Secondly, there’s the issue of psychological dependence. Smelling salts provide a quick, albeit temporary, enhancement in focus and energy. Over time, athletes may come to rely on this artificial stimulant, feeling unable to perform at their best without it. This dependency can overshadow more sustainable and healthier practices such as adequate nutrition, hydration, and mental conditioning.
Aaron Ramsdale is pictured with a small bottle of Mackenzies smelling salts, seemingly a favourite with Premier League stars, in November last year while playing for Arsenal
‘Moreover, masking underlying health issues is a significant risk. Using smelling salts as a quick fix for fatigue or lack of concentration can delay the diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions. Persistent fatigue might be indicative of deeper issues such as sleep disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or overtraining, all of which require proper medical evaluation and intervention.’
There are, says Dr Geige, cardiovascular implications to consider too.
She says: ‘The sudden surge in heart rate and blood pressure caused by the inhalation of ammonia can be risky, especially for those with underlying cardiovascular conditions. This acute stress on the cardiovascular system can lead to severe complications, including arrhythmias and even heart attacks in predisposed individuals.
‘Furthermore, the regulatory perspective is worth noting. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, smelling salts are not subject to rigorous testing and approval processes by regulatory bodies such as the FDA. This lack of oversight means that the concentration of ammonia and the presence of other potentially harmful substances can vary, adding an element of unpredictability and risk.
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‘While smelling salts can provide a short-term boost in alertness, their long-term use carries significant risks. It’s imperative to consider safer, more sustainable methods to enhance performance and address underlying health issues.
‘Athletes and gym-goers should prioritize holistic health practices, including proper nutrition, sleep, and regular medical check-ups, over reliance on quick fixes.’
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