Relation of body mass index and waist-to-height ratio to cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and adolescents: the Bogalusa Heart Study. Freedman DS, Kahn HS, Mei Z, Grummer-Strawn LM, Dietz WH, Srinivasan SR, Berenson GS. [PubMed-indexed for MEDLINE].
Smelling salts release ammonia (NH3) gas, which triggers an inhalation reflex (that is, causes the muscles that control breathing to work faster) by irritating the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs. Although these hypothetical mechanisms have been discussed, it is likely that smelling salts are not effective.
Best Answer: Yes they work. It's not really salts at all, but concentrated ammonia crystals that once hit the air turn to full ammonia and take the roof of your nose off when you smell it. Try a sporting goods store, Water and Marine, or any place that sells First Aid kits. How Do Smelling Salts Work.