Smelling salts, smelling gels, and ammonia inhalants are best known from strength sports. It is less well known that ammonia inhalants also play a role outside of a sporting context. This article provides a factual overview of the scientific background – without offering treatment recommendations.
Note: This article is intended for professional audiences and serves strictly for factual information. Use within a therapeutic context must be carried out exclusively by trained professionals. This article does not constitute medical advice and does not replace medical or therapeutic recommendations.
Ammonia inhalants – a familiar product in a new context
Ammonia inhalants are available over-the-counter in pharmacies in Germany. They are traditionally used in the field of sports – particularly in strength sports – to produce an intense olfactory stimulus. This olfactory stimulus is perceived immediately and very clearly.
You can find our smelling salt and smelling gel products for sports here: Discover Smelling Salts
Scientific background: Smelling salts / smelling gel as a skill
In scientific and clinical literature, ammonia inhalants are also mentioned in connection with psychosomatic states of arousal. The intense olfactory stimulus is described as a potential means of reducing high tension.
Within the framework of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – a scientifically recognized psychotherapeutic procedure – so-called "skills" are used: techniques intended to help affected individuals cope with extreme states of stress. Ammonia inhalants are discussed in this context as a potential high-tension skill.
Furthermore, the literature points to a possible anti-dissociative effect. Dissociative states can include limitations of movement and consciousness; extreme manifestations can resemble unconsciousness. The use of ammonia inhalants is also mentioned in professional literature in cases of psychologically induced dizziness and fear of fainting as part of anxiety-coping strategies.
Important classification
Mention in scientific literature does not imply a general recommendation for self-application. In clinical practice, the following applies:
- Application in a therapeutic context occurs exclusively under the guidance and supervision of trained professionals.
- For the therapy of mental illnesses, other procedures – in particular, exposure therapy – are indicated.
- Ammonia inhalants are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
- The described use as a skill is embedded in comprehensive therapeutic concepts and is not intended as an isolated measure.
Ammonia inhalants in medical and therapeutic facilities
Ammonia inhalants are available over-the-counter in pharmacies in Germany and are also procured by medical and therapeutic facilities. Riechsalz-Shop.de supplies corresponding products of German manufacture to commercial and private customers.
If you are interested in larger quantities or private label solutions for facilities: Private Label Smelling Salts
Further guide articles
- What are smelling salts? Effects, application, and important notes
- Smelling salts or smelling gel – what is the difference?
- Using smelling salts correctly – tips for powerlifting, strongman, and strength sports
This article serves exclusively for factual information based on publicly accessible scientific sources. It does not constitute medical advice and does not replace medical or therapeutic recommendations.