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

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

There are several trademarked olbas oil products:

Active ingredients

Active ingredients are listed as:

References

  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.


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