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Olbas Oil is an over-the-counter blend of essential plant oils, including eucalyptus oil and menthol, used by inhalation to relieve a blocked nose, catarrh and sinus and bronchial congestion from colds and hay fever, sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
Key facts
| Active ingredients | Eucalyptus oil, mint oil, cajuput oil, levomenthol, methyl salicylate, juniperberry oil, clove oil |
|---|---|
| Type | Inhalant decongestant essential-oil blend |
| Format | Concentrated oil, used as drops on a tissue or in hot water |
| Pack size | 30ml bottle |
| Relieves | Blocked nose, catarrh, sinus and bronchial congestion, hay fever |
| Age | Inhalation from 3 months (1 drop on a tissue); 2+ for fuller use |
| Sold by | Ways Pharmacy, UK (GPhC-registered) |
Who it is for
- Adults and children who want to clear a blocked nose and ease catarrh by inhalation
- People with sinus or bronchial congestion from a cold or hay fever
- Parents who want a low-dose inhalant suitable from 3 months on a tissue
- People who find menthol and eucalyptus vapours soothing at night
Not suitable for: babies under 3 months; anyone allergic to any of the oils. Do not put the drops into the nose or mouth, and avoid direct contact with young children's skin. If accidentally swallowed, seek medical advice immediately. It is best to avoid non-essential medicines in pregnancy or breastfeeding — ask your pharmacist first.
How to use
- Read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before you start. For inhalation or external use on unbroken skin only.
- Children aged 3 months to 2 years: put 1 drop on a tissue held near (not on) the child, and let them inhale the vapour.
- Adults and children aged 2 and over: put 2 or 3 drops on a tissue and inhale the vapour.
- At night, you can add a few drops to hot (not boiling) water and inhale the steam.
- Avoid direct skin contact in young children. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days, contact a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use Olbas Oil for a blocked nose?
Put 2 or 3 drops on a tissue and inhale the vapour, or add a few drops to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and inhale the steam. It is for inhalation and external use only — do not put the drops into your nose or mouth.
Can babies use Olbas Oil?
It can be used by inhalation from 3 months of age: put 1 drop on a tissue held near the child and let them inhale the vapour. It is not suitable for babies under 3 months, and you should avoid direct contact with a young child's skin.
Can you put Olbas Oil directly on your skin or in your nose?
Do not put the drops into the nose or mouth. It can be used on unbroken adult skin as directed in the leaflet, but it should not be applied directly to young children's skin.
How long can I use Olbas Oil before seeing a pharmacist?
If your symptoms get worse, or do not improve after 7 days, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Safety & storage
- For inhalation and external use on unbroken skin only. Do not put drops into the nose or mouth.
- If accidentally swallowed, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid direct contact with young children's skin, and do not use on babies under 3 months.
- Do not use if you are allergic to any of the oils.
- Store as directed on the pack and keep out of the sight and reach of children.
References
This page provides factual information about an over-the-counter inhalant decongestant. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms persist or you are unsure whether this product is right for you, speak to a pharmacist. Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
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