Olbas oil is an aromatherapy oil made in Switzerland and distributed by Penn Herb, Inc., a company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Olbas oil is composed of a proprietary blend of peppermint, wintergreen, juniper berry, eucalyptus, cajuput and clove essential oils. Olbas oil can be purchased on line and at select brick-and-motor retail stores and is available in a variety of products, including massage oil, inhalers, cough syrup, herbal tea, salve, lozenges and more. Olbas oil is reported to offer many benefits in addition to a pleasant smell.
Congestion Relief
Olbas oil is marketed by Lanes Health as a nasal decongestant. The Lanes Health web site recommends that individuals with blocked nasal passages place a couple drops of Olbas oil onto a cloth or handkerchief and then place it in the room where the afflicted individual will be staying. Lanes Health recommends that individuals with severely blocked nasal passages place Olbas oil in a warm bowl of water and deliberately inhale the vapours (see Reference 2).
Muscle Relaxant
Olbas oil can be added to a hot bathtub to relax aching muscles, says Lanes Health. If a bath is not available, a couple drops of Olbas oil can be rubbed directly onto the sore muscle(s) to bring relief. Olbas oil can be used on infants three months of age or older.
Cough Suppressant
Olbas oil lozenges can be used as a cough suppressant for coughs produced from minor irritation, according to Penn Herbs, Inc. (see Reference 1). A doctor should be consulted before giving the lozenges to a child under three.
Sore Throat Relief
Olbas lozenges offer a natural anesthetic that relieves sore throats, according to the Penn Herb, Inc., Olbas web site. A doctor should be consulted before giving the lozenges to a child under three.