Smelling salts

Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, spirit of hartshorn, or sal volatile, are chemical compounds used as stimulants to restore consciousness after fainting.

The usual active compound is ammonium carbonate—a colorless-to-white, crystalline solid ((NH4)2CO3). Since most modern solutions are mixed with water, they should properly be called aromatic spirits of ammonia. Modern solutions may also contain other products to perfume or act in conjunction with the ammonia, such as lavender oil or eucalyptus oil.

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