The BrainFood Show19 Nov 2025

WTF are Smelling Salts?

It is a scene out of countless romance novels and prestige period pieces: an elegantly-dressed Victorian lady, laced too tightly into her corset, is suddenly overcome by a case of “the vapours” and swoons - collapsing into a convenient “fainting couch” designed for just this purpose. Immediately a servant or dashing doctor rushes to her side, uncorks a small bottle of smelling salts, and holds it under her nose. She gasps, springs back to consciousness, and all is well. Of course, most of this scenario is pure fiction. Contrary to popular depictions, the corsets was not some diabolical, patriarchal torture device that caused women to faint constantly - indeed, working women regularly wore them in the fields and factories - while so-called “fainting couches” were nothing of the sort - merely ordinary day beds for lounging. But smelling salts were a real thing, used for centuries to rouse both men and women from fainting spells; indeed, they remain popular today among many professional athletes. But just what are smelling salts? Who invented them, how do they work, and are they safe to use? Well, lace up your corset, position your couch accordingly, and prepare to be shocked into unconsciousness as we dive into what exactly are smelling salts and how exactly they work. Sponsor note: Go to HelloFresh.com/BRAINFOOD10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! Author: Gilles Messier Editor/Host: Daven Hiskey Producer: Samuel Avila Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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