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.
Epsom salt helps bring a boil to the head and speed the drainage of the bacteria. Plus, being highly absorbent, it helps draw out toxins and impurities from the skin. Dissolve Â¼ cup of Epsom salt in 2 cups of warm water. Dip a clean washcloth in the solution and place it on your boil.