Frequently Asked Questions

Native Salts are 100% natural smelling salts that are aromatic, reusable and eco-friendly, known as the safest option for athletes and regular people. These high-quality smelling salts have been handmade, supplied, and packed in Chicago, Illinois, since 2018.

​Native Salts are composed of simple organic ingredients to provide a natural, refreshing, & alert sensation. They are an invigorating way to stay alert without caffeine. Smelling Salts have been around for hundreds of years, and we are bringing them back in their original re-usable form. We take pride that our smelling salts are all-natural, aromatic, while keeping you alert!

Native Salts are produced locally in Chicago. They are made by combining eucalyptus, peppermint, ammonium, glycerin, and water. This mixture is then packaged on-site with the utmost care and attention to ensure the highest quality product.

Ammonium in small amounts is not dangerous; it's in everything, from food to cleaning supplies to your body. There have been no reports of adverse health problems related to the use of smelling salts. Ammonium in its pure form is not good for you. Smelling salts, like Native Salts, contain a heavily diluted form of ammonium, which gives off ammonia gas. Think of it like this, inhaling pure ammonia is like doing a belly flop off of an Olympic high dive. It's going to hurt a lot. Inhaling Native Salts is like doing a cannonball off the side of the pool. It's going to wake you up and give you a tiny boost of adrenaline.

Smelling salts have historically been used for a variety of reasons, but they all stem back to the idea of being more alert and used as a natural support and treatment for fainting. Whether you're trying to wake up and need something to compliment your morning coffee, you need a little extra kick before that 3pm feeling hits, you want to get going before a night out, you need some extra motivation to complete that last set, or you need a bit more focus after a long day on the road, try Native Salts. Perfect before your next meeting, workout program, or study session.

Anyone can use smelling salts, and they are often used by medical professionals, hospitals, and athletes. Most smelling salts have been targeted towards athletes, lifters, and people who want to stay alert and excited without relying on caffeine. Native Salts is looking to break down the barrier that smelling salts are only for athletes, since smelling salts should be for everyone to use, especially in our caffeine and adrenaline focused society.

While Native Salts is safe in moderation like most smelling salts, we still recommend minimal exposure for minors. It should be kept away entirely from children and infants.

While there is not really enough evidence to prove the short- or long-term effects, smelling salts are generally safe when used properly and in small doses. However, they do have some potential side effects and can cause mild allergic reactions if misused or used excessively. For more information, you can read how to use smelling salts correctly to avoid any potential side effects.

They are most commonly used during sports games or at the gym for strenuous exercise and to aid in getting that last rep up. The great part about Native Salts is that it can be used in a variety of settings outside of lifting and intense workouts. In most scenarios, it can give you a quick jolt of energy when you're tired while avoiding caffeine. Its other usages can vary from waking up in the morning, before a yoga class, a work meeting, a big exam, or even while out at a bar with friends.

Usage per day varies depending on the individual and their daily environment. It's usually safe to use at least once a day, but we suggest using Native Salts sparingly and only when necessary or as a last resort in the situations we talked about in our last question.

Like most smelling salts, the effects of Native Salts are generally short-lived, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. You can read How Long Do Smelling Salts Last to get a better understanding of the effects of adrenaline, shelf life, and stimulating effects of using Native Salts.

For maximum longevity, make sure to screw the cap tightly back onto the bottle directly after use. We recommend storing them at room temperature. In very hot environments (over 90 degrees Fahrenheit), the effectiveness of the product may be diminished. It is OK to store Native Salts in your fridge. Our smelling salts can last up to 6 months if used once daily. To learn more how to properly store smelling salts, click here.

The more the cap is opened and closed, the more ammonia vapor escapes. Once it’s exposed to air, it starts to lose its potency, indicating that it has a shelf life. If you notice the effects decreasing, you might either be nearing the end of the product or just need to give it some time to recharge. When all of the liquid ammonia has been used up, the product's lifespan is over. You can read more here.

The best way to use Native Salts is to unscrew the cap and carefully inhale the vapors at a safe distance, approximately 4-6 inches away from the nose. The cap should be quickly screwed on to extend the product's shelf-life. If you do not feel any stimulating effects after a few moments, you can repeat the process. Please visit our How To Use Smelling Salts Page for more information.

Native Salts are compact and easy to use. There’s no need to add water or shake the bottle to activate them. You can shake the smelling salt bottle only if potency decreases or if you want a stronger vapor, but it is not necessary to shake it between uses. Shaking them helps release ammonia vapor from the compounds. It's recommended to let your Native Salts product rest in between uses for a recharge.