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

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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

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There are several trademarked olbas oil products:

  • Olbas Oil
  • Olbas for children
  • Olbas inhaler
  • Olbas Pastilles
  • Olbas Menthol Lozenges
  • Olbas bath

Active ingredients

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Active ingredients are listed as:

References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.