Smells like heaven (Olbas Inhaler)

Member Name: englishdavid

Product:	Olbas Inhaler
Date:	14/06/09 (124 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Convenient to carry, Instant relief

Disadvantages: none

Olbas Oil was developed in Switzerland over 100 years ago as remedy for a variety of illnesses but was primarily developed as a decongestant and an aid to breathing.

The oil is itself a proprietary blend of four naturally occuring essential oils. The label gives the composition as being 20% Cajuput Oil (which is apparently obtained from the leaves of a tree called the myrtaceous tree which grows in Australia), 20% Eucalyptus Oil, 40% Levomenthol and 20% Peppermint Oil. Such detail probably doesn't mean too much to you but suffice to say that the resulting mixture provides a wonderfully warming and soothing smell which cuts through any nasal congestion really quickly (in my experience anyway) to provide relief from head-colds and other such ailments.

How does it work? Well, I looked into the technicalities and it seems like each time you take a sniff you inhale some vapourised oil. Blood in inflamed nasal passages, being water based, doesn't like mixing with oil and so is repelled, temporarily reducing inflamation and swelling. Don't worry. That's enough of a science lesson for today! All I can say for sure is that based on my own experience, it certainly does work and it works quickly.

The Olbas Inhaler is a hard plastic vessel with small holes either end to allow air flow. Inside this plastic case is a hard 'sponge' like material which has been soaked in the oil. The stick is placed a small way into a nostril, the other nostril is closed and the vapours are inhaled. The benefits are immediate.

The best thing about the inhaler form is that it is so easy to carry around. The inhaler will happily sit in a pocket and is, therefore, always available when you feel like you need another dose.

The instructions written on the tube state that you shouldn't use the nasal stick more than 4 times per hour. I can say that I have exceeded this dosage without ill effect. The soothing nature and sense of calm that the oils provide make it impossible for me to resist for as long as 15 minutes!

It might seem like a weird time to be reviewing what most people would consider a "winter product", but interestingly I find that the oil also helps to alleviate the symptoms of hay-fever. I can't promise it will work for you but perhaps it's worth a try?

Olbas Inhalers can be found at pretty much any chemist and most supermarkets with medicinal sections. Prices vary but they normally cost between £2.25 and £2.50 each. With occasional use I find an inhaler will last at least a couple of months before the oils noticebly start to lose their potency.

Summary: Give this old time remedy a go - it really works.