Olbas Oil is a remedy, of Swiss origin, for congestion in the chest and nose, some hayfever relief (in certain cases) and also for muscle ache via massage. It is made from a mixture of several different essential oils and has been marketed since before 1916. The name is a contraction of Oleum Basileum, "oil from Basel".
Risk of eye injury[edit]
Olbas Oil's packaging is similar to that of eye drops, with the result that people occasionally administer it onto their eyes in error, causing injury.[1]
The introduction of Olbas Oil into a child's eye contrary to the product's instructions for use, was noted to result in a range of adverse effects including corneal scarring.[2]
Available as[edit]
There are several trademarked olbas oil products:
- Olbas Oil
- Olbas for children
- Olbas inhaler
- Olbas Pastilles
- Olbas Menthol Lozenges
- Olbas bath
Active ingredients[edit]
Active ingredients are listed as:
- Cajeput oil
- Clove oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Juniper berry oil
- Levomenthol
- Methyl salicylate (Wintergreen oil)
- Peppermint oil
References[edit]
- ^ Adams MK, Sparrow JM, Jim S, Tole DM (January 2009). "Inadvertent administration of Olbas oil into the eye: a surprisingly frequent presentation". Eye. 23 (1): 244. doi:10.1038/eye.2008.70. PMID 18404161.
- ^ Wyllie JP, Alexander FW (April 1994). "Nasal instillation of 'Olbas Oil' in an infant". Archives of Disease in Childhood. 70 (4): 357–8. doi:10.1136/adc.70.4.357-b. PMC 1029805. PMID 8185381.