FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that we are often asked about Olbas. Browse the list for information on many subjects of interest. If your question is not answered, please feel free to contact us.
Where can I buy Olbas Remedies?
Olbas Remedies are available in many fine health stores nationwide. If your favorite store does not carry Olbas Remedies – ask them to get Olbas for you!
CLICK HERE for other places to buy Olbas Herbal Remedies.
What are the ingredients in Olbas Oil, and how do they work?
The natural essential oils in Olbas are extracted from six medicinal herbs, which have been the basis of healing in cultures around the world for centuries. These oils were carefully blended by Swiss herbalists, making the Olbas formula truly unique. The synergistic combination of these six essential oils provides amazing sensations to your body at multiple levels. Click HERE or more information on these essential oils.
What are the best Olbas Remedies to relieve cold symptoms?
Since the FDA has determined that the common cold is a “disease”, a common cold can only be legally treated by an “approved drug”. There are three Olbas remedies that are classified as OTC drugs because they contain an active ingredient that the FDA approves for the relief of cold symptoms. These remedies are:
The following Olbas remedies are not approved by the FDA to treat a cold. However, some enjoy the soothing feeling they get from these products during times of seasonal distress:
What are the best Olbas Remedies for Pain?
Since “pain” has been determined by the FDA to be a “disease”, pain can only be legally treated by an “approved drug”. There is one Olbas remedy that is classified as an OTC drug for pain, because it contains an active ingredient that the FDA approves for the relief of minor pain symptoms. This remedy is:
The following Olbas remedies are not approved by the FDA to treat pain. However, some enjoy the soothing feeling they get from these products after a strenuous day of work or play:
Can Olbas be used along with prescription medicine?
Since Olbas Oil is a natural remedy, there are usually no problems with drug interactions. If you are unsure about the particular medication you are taking, it would be best to check with your healthcare professional before using Olbas.
Do Olbas Remedies contain any genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)?
We have approached our suppliers to identify whether or not the ingredients supplied to make Olbas Remedies are from a GM source, or if there is any possibility that they may come into contact with processing aids or other materials which are of GM origin.
To date we have been advised that none of the essential oils or other ingredients we use to produce Olbas Remedies are from a GM source, neither have they come into intentional contact with GM processing aids during their processing or packaging.
Do Olbas Remedies have expiration dates?
There are several Olbas Remedies that have expiration dates on the package, and some do not. Olbas Sugar Free Lozenges have an expiration date stamped on the box and a “use by” date stamped on the inside packaging. Olbas Salve has an expiration date stamped on the carton and on the product tube. Olbas Cough Syrup has an expiration date stamped on the carton and printed on the product label. Olbas Herbal Tea has an expiration dated printed on the bottom of the container. Olbas Inhalers have no expiration date on the package; the aromatic vapors are present for a minimum of 3 months after first use. Olbas Oil and Olbas Herbal Bath have no expiration date printed on the package.
Is Olbas Oil safe to use for children and babies?
Olbas Oil is a safe, effective way to help ease your child’s respiratory concerns. Simply sprinkle several drops of Olbas Oil into the corner of your shower (perhaps on a cloth to protect the finish of any plastic surfaces) while running the hot water. Close the door, and while comforting your little one by gently patting their back and perhaps cradling over your shoulder, allow the room to fill up with the soothing vapors. Olbas vapors will help your baby to breathe easier, and with baby feeling better, that means that you’ll breathe easier, too! (For children under 3 months, please consult your pediatrician.)
Why does this bottle of Olbas Oil smell different than the last one I had?
The essential oils in the Olbas Oil formula are sourced from countries around the world. The formula has remained unchanged for decades. However, there are sometimes slight differences in the smell of Olbas Oil from batch to batch. Most people do not notice this, but some with a sensitive nose will. This is because Olbas Oil is a natural product, and the properties of the herbs used in the essential oils may vary slightly each time the formula is made, depending on where the crops were grown, time of harvest, country of origin and other factors. We maintain strict quality controls to assure that the Olbas formula is as consistent as possible for maximum effectiveness.
Olbas Salve contains peanut oil. Is this a concern to those with peanut allergies?
No. Peanut Oil is a hot-pressed oil obtained from the seed kernels of Arachis hypogaea. Hydrogenated Peanut Oil is derived from Peanut Oil. The major allergen in peanuts does not transfer during the processing of peanuts into peanut oil, hydrogenated peanut oil, peanut acid or peanut glycerides that are used in cosmetic products. Thus, the use of these ingredients in cosmetic products does not represent an allergy concern for children (or adults) with peanut allergies.
What is isopropyl myristate (an ingredient in Olbas Oil for Children)?
Isopropyl myristate is an emollient that softens and soothes the skin. It is widely used as a cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredient; most often as an additive in aftershaves, shampoos, bath oils, antiperspirants, deodorants, oral hygiene products, and various creams and lotions. Isopropyl myristate is composed of Isopropyl Alcohol (a household antiseptic and disinfectant) and Myristic Acid, a fatty acid that is found in certain fats and oils including nutmeg butter, coconut oil, and palm oil.