Within that little tube lies an ingenious device called the Olbas Inhaler. It is basically a plastic tube containing an herbal formula (Menthol, oils of peppermint, cajeput and eucalyptol) with a hole in the top so you can breathe it into your nostrils.
You just take a whiff of that into each nostril and you get refreshment and/or allergy relief. It’s not a prescription inhaler, but it’s reported to provide similar benefits.
I don’t suffer from allergies, but I still think the Olbas Inhaler is sweet. I use it when my head is congested, and it clears my nasal passages and gives me a refreshing mental boost. It sure wakes me up, too.
I got it with the intention to use it before bike races. Some races (like cyclo-cross) are held on cold winter mornings when you might be a little under the weather, and this thing is supposed to help you breathe better.
I just leave it in my car and it’s right there when I need it. It’s about the size of a Chapstick container, so it’s easy to carry around.
Good news – it seems to work as promised!
Any proven benefits? Not really. It’s not like I win races when I use this and lose if I don’t…
But I will say it feels good and I’m glad I use it. I especially love it when I’m sick because it helps me breath a bit better. (Just be careful you’re not getting germs on it and keeping yourself sick by reusing it.)
And it sure wakes me up when I use it! I don’t use it every single day, so I don’t know if it could lose its effectiveness that way, but for off-and-on use, it’s great.
It’s simple to use too:
Step 1: Close one nostril with finger.
Step 2: Place tip of inhaler into open nostril.
Step 3: Inhale deeply.
Step 4: Repeat with other nostril.
The best part is, it says it lasts at least 3 months after first opening. Heck, I still have one I got a few years ago and it works pretty well! So it’s been over 3 years and it’s still strong enough to clear my sinuses!
I love it.
(One final hygiene tip: You might not want to pass this around with your buddies…)
My final verdict is…
I highly recommend this. You can get one for about $4, and it lasts a long, long time (my first one lasted three solid years.)
I love it, especially for early spring races, when I’m sick or if it’s cold outside. It’s a great addition to your regular pre-race warm up routine.
Official website: www.Olbas.com
Buy online: Amazon.com
Company: Olbas
Product: Olbas Inhaler
Reviewed by: Coach Levi
My Rating: out of 5
Date last updated: 2009-01-20
Obtained Product: Purchased at retailer.
CoachLevi.com Advertiser: No.
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Levi Bloom is an experienced endurance athlete who has been training and competing for over 17 years. A former Cat 1 road and mountain bike racer (professional class on the regional circuit), he is now a cycling coach (USA Cycling Level 3 Certified) and sports nutrition coach (Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified).
I have some trouble with allergies especially while working out, and this inhaler has been a huge help. I carry it on my long runs, anything over ten miles, and I have a hit of it whenever I am starting to feel tired. It gives me a boost and I speed up.