Ammonia Water
Ammonia Water has been a traditional "refresher" used by softball, baseball
and football coaches during hot weather games. Please note that ammonia
can be poisonous if used improperly.
Ingredients for ammonia water and use:
2oz. bottle of "Spirits of Ammonia" (local drugstore)
Actually it's Aromatic Ammonia Spirit U.S.P.
This time of the year, it's scarce.
3 bottles make 4 gallons
1 gal. plastic bucket (some use a playmate type cooler).
About 4-7 washcloths.
Fill bucket 1/2 full of ice, pour 3/4 bottle of "spirits of ammonia" into bucket for
each gallon, fill the rest of bucket with water and mix. Place washcloths into
bucket and stir around a couple of times. When player comes off field and into
dugout area, pick up washcloth, wring out excess and wipe down arms, face
(DON'T suck on washcloth), neck (front and back), shoulders, chest, etc. It really
is effective while held on back of neck, especially "catchers" and "pitchers". And
please don't inhale to a great degree, only mildly. Do this between innings.
Next day, team will be asking for it.
If players are young, coaches should help them.
Please don't let them DRINK it!!!!
This is an "instant" relief and feels similar to just getting out of a shower. We
have been using this mixture for 20 yrs. and it has pulled us thru some very hot
daytime tournaments. It is also excellent for people working outside such as yard
work, etc. The only problem we've had was one team which used household
ammonia which started to burn their skin. Do not use household ammonia!