Smelling Salts: A Mental Boost or Dangerous Habit?

Smelling salts, ammonia inhalants with a centuries-old history, are commonly used in various sports to provide athletes and coaches with an immediate surge of energy and focus. Their characteristic head jerk or contorted face reactions have become viral sensations, particularly in sports like football, hockey, and boxing.

Coaches like Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic and Doug Christie of the Sacramento Kings have publicly acknowledged using smelling salts, describing them as a way to "wake the brain up" and enhance mental clarity. Patrick Inglot, president of Ward Smelling Salts, suggests the effects are largely psychological, providing a sense of alertness and mental acuity that coaches seek in high-pressure situations.

However, experts like Dr. Thomas Waters and Dr. Erin Manning express skepticism. They note the lack of studies proving performance enhancement and highlight potential risks. Dr. Manning points out that while smelling salts can temporarily increase blood flow to the brain and vital signs, leading to a feeling of wakefulness, there's no proven medical basis for improved athletic performance.

Concerns are growing, with the NFL no longer allowing teams to provide them as of August 2025, partly because they can obscure concussion symptoms. Experts recommend healthier alternatives like hydration, rest, and moderate caffeine intake for sustained alertness. They argue that the fleeting effects of smelling salts do not outweigh the benefits of natural, longer-lasting strategies for optimal performance.