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Original poster

Olbas Oil warning

35 replies

magimix · 21/09/2010 17:22

Just wanted to inform all you mums out there that Olbas Oil is highly toxic if accidently swallowed, there is no symbol on the packaging to warn consumers that this is highly toxic. I urge anyone with this product in their cupboard to put it out of reach of their children. What is mis-leading in my view is that the wording on the packaging makes it sound like it is a herbal remedy, it most definitely is not. Should have a big X on the box like other dangerous substances.

OP posts:

ConfusedPixie · 04/09/2013 07:36

mummyjez You posted that on a 3 year old thread, also, that's rubbish. Natural doesn't mean it won't harm anybody and you'd really have to be a fool to believe it!

Deadly nightshade is natural, that harms people. All you need is a quick google and it comes up with hundreds of potentially harmful natural remedies. Goldenseal is associated with heart rhythm problems.

The obvious ones to point out would be tobacco and cannabis, both natural and both potentially very harmful.

Need I do another google search and find a whole host of natural things that are harmful? Because as much as I believe in natural being a hell of a lot better, I won't be blinkered by the marketing.

crookedmonkey · 13/09/2013 20:02

I know it's an old thread but just in case anyone searches and finds it in need like I did- just got back from a+e after my toddler exceeded my height estimate and got hold of olbas oil I'd let there after a cold, and drank/inhaled a fair bit. He acted like a drunk adult- couldn't stand, crashed into everything, couldn't stay awake... Really distressing and NHS direct called an ambulance.

Olbas oil can have an effect on the central nervous system, liver and kidneys so even when mine quickly recovered to his normal self they still did blood and urine tests in case of damage. He's fine, but do take it seriously and not assume they're OK if you suspect they've ingested some.

Worrier2 · 19/09/2013 23:32

Hi there. Not sure if anyone is up and able to answer this though am hoping so. How much would you have to get into your mouth for it to be a worry. My DS got some on his fingers (away from home!) and am worried he may have out them into his mouth at some point before I knew he had it on his skin.

He is a teen so doesn't suck his fingers or anything though does bit at them a lot. Would this count as swallowing and should I seek advice?

It may seem like a silly question to some, though I do suffer from anxiety and struggle to see the wood from the trees as to what is a rational concern or not, when something sets me off. I can be sure that he didnt drink any and it just got on his fingers. Though this not taking place 'under my watch' if you like is enough to set the worry wheels in motion for me. I don't want to waste the medical services time and uproot him if unnecessary so was just looking for some clarity. If anybody could offer any please?

DaleyBump · 20/09/2013 02:27

He'll be fine, Worrier. Don't bother with taking him to A&E or anything :)

ronancoughlan · 03/02/2014 19:56

only an idiot would let a child drink olbas oil it is unacceptable for a child even to br in the position even to open a bottle and it clearly says dont apply directly to skin. seriously some people are just stupid

ldcroberts · 20/10/2014 07:32

just rang the poison centre about it after a child got the bottle and got some in their mouth.

Depends on their weight but for a small child we're talking less than a teaspoon being dangerous.

The main danger is it numbs the throat, so they don't gag, then it churns in their stomach and they throw up and can choke on the vomit due to the reduced gag reflex.

So if they are drowsy and acting drunk then it's best to have them fully supervised in a hospital where any choking can be avoided or treated.

Pobblewhohasnotoes · 20/10/2014 16:30

This thread is four years old!

Sairam05 · 07/02/2017 21:44

Oh no! I literally just got a bit in my eye and on my cheeks and lower neck and it burns it's gradually getting better though😿

Faz2705 · 06/10/2021 13:28

I've just inhaled some accident, the adult one. What happened to your son

yellowbananasinjuly · 27/01/2023 11:14

I know this is an ancient thread but yesterday I managed to spill a couple of drops into my nose without realising, which then went down into my throat and it immediately caused a huge reaction, lots of nose blowing, and saliva kept coming and coming. I also coughed so hard it was almost retching. Felt better after about an hour, but family insisted on calling 111 and their clinician told me I had to get straight to hospital to be monitored as it is highly toxic. They gave me an EKT, checked bloods for loads of things including potassium levels and did a thorough MOT. It is corrosive and can cause damage to the heart so do take it seriously.

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