AmmoLa ammonia ampoules (pk/10)

These AmmoLa fragrance ampoules contain ammonia and lavender. The package contains 10 ampoules of 0.4 ml.

AmmoLa ammonia ampoules

Ammonia is a strong smelling substance, which is very irritating in the nose when the vapours are inhaled. This can best be described as a strong/sharp irritation of the nose which causes an unpleasant feeling. Incidentally, this is not the perception of an odour, but a reaction of the trigeminal nerve in the nasal cavity.

The trigeminal nerve

The trigeminal nerve (nervus trigeminus) is one of the most important cranial nerves and plays a crucial role in the face. It is responsible for both transmitting sensory stimuli (such as pain, temperature and pressure) and controlling certain motor functions (such as chewing muscles). This nerve branches into three main branches that transmit sensations from the forehead, cheeks and jaw.

Response to ammonia

The trigeminal nerve is particularly sensitive to irritants or chemical stimuli, such as ammonia. This is because ammonia is a strong irritant and has a direct effect on the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and throat. Instead of ammonia being perceived via the olfactory system (the olfactory nerve), it stimulates the trigeminal nerve because it is an irritant.

This process is therefore not a perception of smell, but rather a protective mechanism of the body. It triggers reflexes such as sneezing or tensing of muscles in the airways to expel the irritant. This distinguishes ammonia and similar substances from odours that are specifically perceived by the olfactory nerve and that are linked to the brain centres for odour perception.

This is also the reason that people with anosmia also have the idea that they can perceive ammonia.

Use for trigeminal stimulation

These AmmoLa ammonia ampoules can be used to stimulate the trigeminal nerve endings in the nasal cavity. This can cause a sharp, tingling sensation, which is a sign of normal trigeminal function.

The ampoules can simply be broken, after which the scent is released. The released liquid will be absorbed by the packaging, but it is advisable to have a tissue ready to put the ampoule on after use. Hold the broken ampoule for a few seconds, about 3-4 cm under the nose to elicit the reaction.

Ammonia for stress tolerance

Another application of these AmmoLa ampoules is to support therapy as part of stress tolerance skills training in dialectical behavior therapy. Ammonia can be used as a stress tolerance aid because it provokes an intense trigeminal response (as explained above). Smelling an ammonia ampoules can have the following effect:

• Brings you directly to the here and now: The sharp sensation that ammonia causes can quickly bring a person out of an overwhelming emotional state.
• Distracts from overwhelming emotions: The physical sensation of irritation can shift the mind’s attention from the emotional pain to a more controllable physical experience.
• Can counteract dissociation: For people who dissociate (mentally “shut down”) during crises, ammonia can quickly bring them back to an alert and conscious state.

Ammonia thus plays a role as an intense, physical stimulus to help people cope with emotional crises in acute situations.

Warnings AmmoLa

Excessive use of ammonia can be harmful to mucous membranes and respiratory system. Irritating to eyes and, after prolonged contact, also to respiratory organs and skin. For external use only. Do not bring into contact with eyes. Always keep out of reach of children.

Contains: Isopropanol, purified water, ammonia, lavender oil