Olbas oil

6 replies

2ndDestiny · 31/03/2010 10:29

Has anyone been advised about whether it's safe to breathe olbas oil? I'm 14 wks and have a stinking cold and blocked sinuses. Info online is conflicting with some advice saying it's 'not safe' - others saying it's fine. Can't tell if 'not safe' really means there is a risk of something in particular, or if it just means no-one's done a large randomised control trial so we have to be ridiculously over cautious... Will call my mw too but wonder what others have been advised. Thanks

OP posts:

lostinwales · 31/03/2010 10:33

I became addicted to olbas oil during my first pregnancy after DH complained about my snuffly nose at night. I never even thought it could be bad! 3 boys later and I can't go to sleep at night without a sprinkle on my pillow, it's like my sleep trigger! I would be interested what your MW has to say.

Liloosmum · 31/03/2010 10:37

I never even thought about it either. I had colds when pregnant with DD1 and checked about lemsip because of the decongestant and was advised against it. So I used olbas oil and rubbed vicks on my chest instead. Didn't even think to ask and DD1 is fine!

I'm 31 weeks pregnant now and have used it this time as well. Again I didn't think about checking and just used it.

first1 · 31/03/2010 10:46

I'm 33 weeks and used it a few weeks ago for a stinking cold. Pharmacist recommended it so I took that as a green light!

flybynight · 31/03/2010 10:50

I think the caution relates to the unproven effects of aromotherapy oils as some can have an abortifacient effect (or so they say - try telling that to women who are 40+ weeks and getting nowhere with aromatherapy oils).

Personally, this is my 4th pregnancy. It certainly wasn't on the not safe list in the earlier pregnancies, so I've continued using it this time. Without a qualm of worry!

Original poster

2ndDestiny · 31/03/2010 11:21

Well I can't see how it can harmful then, especially as I'm only going to inhale a drop or two from a bowl of steam... thanks for your responses

OP posts:

FatSeal · 31/03/2010 11:42

I've just snorted loads for a stinking cold all last week. Full amount on a tissue and a big direct undiluted sniff! It didn't occur to me that it might not be safe, as it's really for children anyway, or so I reasoned...

Flip