Olbas Inhaler: Aromatherapy Blend with Menthol and Peppermint, 0.01 oz

What the Olbas Inhaler is

The Olbas Inhaler is a pocket nasal inhaler with an aromatherapy blend of menthol, peppermint oil, cajeput oil and eucalyptol, with no camphor per the seal on the front. It holds 0.01 oz (285 mg) of blend in one tube, and the card says its vapors last a minimum of 3 months after first use. It costs $7.50. Free shipping in Puerto Rico on orders from $35, or pick it up at our store in Galería Paseos.

The front of the card reads «Penetrating Vapors + Rapid Action» and carries the seal «Pure Oils» and «No Camphor». The tube reads «Makes nasal passages feel cleaner» and «Helps you endure seasonal discomfort».

What the Olbas Inhaler is used for, per the card

The back explains it under «Benefits»: «Olbas vapors provide a pleasant, refreshing, and cooling sensation to your nasal passages. Especially beneficial during times of seasonal discomfort, low humidity and other unwelcome nasal encounters. Fast-acting, penetrating vapors provide an immediate, fresh, clean feeling in the nose, sinuses and lungs.»

Its ingredients and what they do in the body

The card calls it «A Favorite Swiss Formula» and lists it as: «Menthol, Oils of Peppermint, Cajeput and Eucalyptol.» It does not give the amount of each ingredient, only the net weight of the blend (0.01 oz, 285 mg). All of them are breathed in as vapor through the nose.

Menthol. It is the first ingredient on the list. The FDA's federal regulation (eCFR, 21 CFR 182.20), in its list of essential oils and natural extractives, lists menthol as an extractive of plants in the genus Mentha, the mints. The role the card gives the blend is the one under «Benefits»: a «pleasant, refreshing, and cooling» sensation in the nasal passages.

What sets it apart: the seal on the front reads «Pure Oils» and «No Camphor»: the blend is presented as pure oils with no camphor. We do not compare it with other brands.

Peppermint oil. The card reads «Oils of Peppermint» with no scientific name. Peppermint is the plant the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) PLANTS database lists as Mentha ×piperita, a cross of two mints (aquatica × spicata), in the mint family (Lamiaceae). The FDA's regulation (eCFR, 21 CFR 182.20) includes peppermint, Mentha piperita L., among the essential oils and natural extractives.

Cajeput oil. The card reads «Cajeput» with no scientific name. The FDA's regulation (eCFR, 21 CFR 172.510) lists cajeput as Melaleuca leucadendron L. and other Melaleuca species, a genus the USDA PLANTS database places in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae).

Eucalyptol. It is the last ingredient on the list. The FDA's regulation (eCFR, 21 CFR 172.515) lists it with its other names: 1,8-epoxy-p-menthane and cineole.

The card does not print a function of its own for each ingredient: its «Benefits» section speaks of the vapors of the whole blend. These explanations describe normal body functions; they are not results measured with this product.

Card facts

Data copied from the Olbas card.

How to use it

Card directions: «Directions: Adults and children 2 years of age and older: 1 or 2 inhalations in each nostril as often as needed. Children under 2 years of age: consult a physician.»

And on how long it lasts: «Aromatic Vapors are present for a minimum of 3 months after first use. Keep container tightly closed to preserve freshness.»

Warnings on the card

• «Warning: The use of this nasal inhaler by more than one person may spread infection. To avoid risk of re-infection, dispose after a cold or sinus infection. Keep out of reach of small children.»
• «Safety Sealed Package: Do not accept if clear plastic packaging containing inhaler has been torn, damaged or removed from this card.»

Frequently asked questions

What is the Olbas Inhaler used for?

Per the card, its vapors give a pleasant, refreshing and cooling sensation in the nasal passages: «Olbas vapors provide a pleasant, refreshing, and cooling sensation to your nasal passages. Especially beneficial during times of seasonal discomfort, low humidity and other unwelcome nasal encounters. Fast-acting, penetrating vapors provide an immediate, fresh, clean feeling in the nose, sinuses and lungs.» These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

How do I use the Olbas Inhaler?

Adults and children 2 years and older: 1 or 2 inhalations in each nostril as often as needed, per the card. For children under 2 years of age, the card says to consult a physician.

How long does the inhaler last?

The card says the aromatic vapors are present for a minimum of 3 months after first use, and asks to keep the container tightly closed to preserve freshness.

What is in the Olbas Inhaler?

Menthol, peppermint oil, cajeput oil and eucalyptol, 0.01 oz (285 mg) in total. The front reads «Pure Oils» and «No Camphor».

Can the inhaler be shared?

No: the card warns «The use of this nasal inhaler by more than one person may spread infection. To avoid risk of re-infection, dispose after a cold or sinus infection. Keep out of reach of small children.»

Where can I buy the Olbas Inhaler in Puerto Rico?

At Borinquen Natural, for $7.50 per inhaler. Free shipping in Puerto Rico on orders from $35, or pick it up at our store in Galería Paseos.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.